Many users on Hinge report frustration when matches simply like their profile but never start a conversation — leaving awkward silence and pressure on the other person to initiate. To tackle this, Hinge has introduced “Convo Starters,” an AI-driven feature that generates tailored opening suggestions beneath each photo or prompt.
When a user likes a profile, the AI evaluates the match’s photos and prompts, then offers three personalized conversation ideas — such as commenting on a chess game in a photo or asking about a travel destination mentioned in a prompt. Hinge says the feature was launched in response to user feedback and internal research showing that 72% of daters are more inclined to engage when a like includes a message. Users who send a comment along with their likes are reportedly twice as likely to move toward an actual date.
The company’s parent, Match Group, is investing between $20 million and $30 million into AI features, following earlier releases like Prompt Feedback — which helps users craft more detailed and appealing profile prompts. However, not all users welcome AI assistance: a Bloomberg Intelligence survey finds that younger daters (especially Gen Z) are more uneasy about using AI for personal tasks like writing messages or profile content than older users.
The move comes amid a broader trend: other dating platforms are also experimenting with AI tools for user engagement.
Projects like this echo recent features from other apps, such as Tinder’s experimentation with AI to boost matches and engagement.
