Hinge App Sees User Growth, Offers Unique Features for Daters
The dating app Hinge, known for its focus on fostering relationships, is experiencing increased popularity as users shift away from competitor platforms, prompting questions about how the app functions.
Hinge allows free users to send up to seven likes per day, and uniquely provides the ability to send a comment alongside a like, as well as view all users who have liked their profile – features often reserved for paid subscriptions on other apps. Users can also set detailed preferences regarding location, age, distance, and religion. This increased accessibility could be a key factor in the app’s rising user base.
Unlike some social media platforms, Hinge does not offer read receipts for direct messages, allowing users to respond at their own pace without concern over being seen as ignoring a message. While direct photo and video sharing isn’t available, users can send voice notes to their matches. For those seeking increased visibility, a Hinge Boost temporarily increases profile exposure for one hour, while a Superboost extends that period to 24 hours; pricing for these features varies based on location and other factors. For more information on online dating safety, resources are available from the Federal Trade Commission.
Hinge also allows users to modify their gender and sexuality within the app settings, offering options beyond traditional binaries. The app’s algorithm also factors in user choices to “prefer not to say” for certain compatibility factors, excluding those users from being seen by individuals with opposing dealbreakers. Understanding these features is increasingly important as more people turn to online platforms to find connections; a recent report from Pew Research Center shows nearly half of U.S. adults have used a dating app.
Hinge officials stated they will continue to monitor user feedback and adjust features accordingly to enhance the dating experience.
Hinge, the dating app “designed to be deleted,” has risen in popularity in recent years. Mashable recently reported that in the second quarter of 2025, revenue and paid users of the app had increased, while Tinder’s declined. Both are owned by the conglomerate Match Group, but it seems that daters these days are leaning towards Hinge.
As such, they might have questions about how Hinge works. Mashable has the answers.
How many likes do you get on Hinge?
Free users are able to send seven likes a day, the app confirmed to Mashable. It’s also free to send a comment to someone you’re interested in while you’re “liking,” and seeing everyone who sends you a like (which most apps make you pay for).
Free Hinge members can also set specific preferences, such as location, age range, distance, and religion.
Does Hinge have read receipts?
Some apps, like Instagram, have read receipts on private messages, meaning you will know when the person you’re chatting with reads the message. You might be afraid of being left on read — or leaving someone else on read.
But in Hinge’s case, you don’t have to worry. Hinge confirmed that the app doesn’t have read receipts, so you can glance at your match’s latest DM in peace, and message back when you’re ready.
While daters on Hinge cannot send photos or videos directly to their matches, they can send voice notes.
Mashable Trend Report
What does a Hinge Boost do?
A Hinge Boost makes a user’s profile more visible to potential matches for one hour, while a Superboost does so for 24 hours.
“Think of it as a way to speed up the process; because while good things take time, sometimes a little extra visibility helps,” Hinge’s Help Center states.
The prices of Boost and Superboost are dynamic and depend on one’s location and other factors.
Other users won’t know you Boosted yourself, and the app will notify you when the Boost period is over and will give you a summary of the impact.
How do you change your gender on Hinge?
You can change both your gender and sexuality on Hinge. In the app, tap the Photo icon on the far right of the navigation bar. Tap the Pencil icon, scroll down and tap Gender.
You can choose Man, Woman, or Nonbinary, and within those options choose a gender identity — options include gender fluid, genderqueer, and intersex.
To change your sexuality on the app, tap the Pencil icon and scroll to Sexuality under Identity. Choose an option from the list.
You can choose whether you want your gender and/or sexuality displayed on your profile. (Check or uncheck “Visible on Profile.”)
Who am I excluded from on Hinge?
When Hinge daters select “prefer not to say” for details like family plans, dating intentions, or drinking habits, they’re excluded from being seen by people who’ve set dealbreakers around those compatibility factors, the app stated.
