Dating is a different beast these days; 2016 was haunted by ‘ghosting’, ‘benching’ no longer means how much you lift and apparently we’re in the throes of ‘cuffing’ season. Whatever those things are, it’s enough to make anyone sad, single or horny (or even all of the above) want to refine their Tinder profile. If you’re looking for the one (or at least, the one for now), here are five insider tips that’ll turn you into a a right-swipe magnet in 2017.

First Impressions Count

Whether you like it or not, people are going to judge you on your photos – particularly your first – but not always in the way you might think. While it might be tempting to flex the pecs and go into full peacock mode, data suggests that the more attractive a man appears to consider himself, the more people will associate him with negative characteristics like selfishness and arrogance. Save the poses for Snapchat and the professional headshots for LinkedIn, go for something in-between and less staged. Wondering what to wear to be in with the best shot? According to Tinder’s in-house sociologist Jessica Carbino, the most successful users opt for neutral, muted colours that “allow personality to shine through.” Interestingly, men who do well on Tinder aren’t necessarily the most attractive ones. Signalling that you’re a decent bloke seems to be more successful than being an Adonis. There’s even data to show that smiling with your teeth increases chances of a match by 14 per cent, whereas pouting does the opposite (for obvious reasons).

Past The First Hurdle?

So your first shot worked and a potential match has clicked on your profile, but what about the rest of your pictures? According to the app’s founder, Sean Rad, topless or workout images are the ultimate no-no: “You’re on Tinder to meet new people – the last thing you want those people to think is that you’re too self-absorbed to hold a real conversation”. You’d be wise to drop the weight plates for a puppy: animals are proverbial catnip for swipes – providing, of course, it’s not you stroking a sedated tiger. And, unless it’s hilarious or you’re best pals with Ryan Gosling (in which case, probably just give up), get rid of that blurry snap of you with some bloke off the telly in the kebab shop at 3am. Pictures with the rich and famous statistically do not perform well and can be perceived as flashy.