What is an Elo Score?

The Elo score is a ranking system created for chess but later used by dating apps to measure how desirable and engaged a user is compared to others on the platform. An Elo score assigns a numeric value to each user. This score rises or falls based on interaction results, like right swipes, matches, and who likes your profile. The scoring comes from who you match with, how often you are liked, and the match quality based on the other user's score.

How the Elo Score Works on Dating Apps

Dating apps used to rely on the classic Elo formula. Each user's score changed after every swipe or match. If someone with a low score matched with a higher-scored user, the lower score would go up. If a high scorer matched with a low scorer, their own number could drop. Getting right swipes from people with already high scores pushed your own score up more than likes from low scorers. Likewise, getting passed over by people with high scores pushed your number down more than passes from others.

Apps now use mix-and-match models built around the old Elo idea. Tinder and others say they quit using the pure Elo calculations, but many of the same ideas are still at work behind the scenes. Your score still decides who sees you and how often your profile shows up in someone else's deck. Algorithms now watch more signals, like who you message, how often you log in, and the types of profiles you like or ignore.

What Affects Elo Scores on Dating Apps

Several factors shape user scoring and ranking:

·       Profile photos and completeness: Good pictures, a filled-out bio, and account verification make people more likely to swipe right, which helps scores.

·       Swipe choices: Swiping right too much is often penalized. Swiping on fewer, more appealing profiles can help scores go up.

·       Matches with high-scoring users: This can push your score up higher than matches with lower-scoring users.

·       Ongoing engagement: Logging in, sending messages, and not leaving matches sitting for days can raise your ranking.

·       Who likes you: Profiles liked by people with high scores get a stronger boost.

Changes to the Elo System

Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid state they use their own methods now. Instead of a single Elo score, they crunch many signals with machine learning to group and shuffle users for recommendations. Still, the heart of the system is the same. Profiles are grouped by how desirable the system ranks them.

These newer systems also watch for swipe patterns that look fake, like swiping right on everyone. Too many resets, or wiping your account to start over, can also trigger suspicion. Some platforms let you reset your profile to try to fix low visibility, but this works only once in a while.

Algorithm Transparency and Debates

Users and analysts often call for more clarity on how scoring works. Platforms usually keep their formulas private. Hidden scoring encourages guesswork, anxiety, and attempts to figure out how to rank higher without real guidance.

Reports suggest platforms are trying to educate users about ranking and sometimes open up limited profile reshuffles, but not full transparency. Some apps now offer feedback or show features that boost rankings, like highlighting engagement or completed profiles.

How to Improve Your Elo Score

Methods for better ranking and match visibility:

·       Upload clear, high-quality photos, including at least one headshot and some showing daily life or social moments.

·       Fill in all profile sections, including interest prompts and bios.

·       Only swipe right on profiles you actually want to connect with; avoid rapid, all-right swiping.

·       Reply to matches quickly and stay active in chats.

·       Use the app consistently, but do not log in compulsively.