Hinge Introduces Friend's Take to Enhance Profile Authenticity

Hinge has introduced Friend's Take, a groundbreaking feature that transforms how dating profiles are created by allowing friends, family, and community members to contribute authentic reflections directly to user profiles. The innovation addresses a common challenge in online dating: accurately representing one's personality while standing out to potential matches. By involving trusted contacts in the profile creation process, the dating app aims to help users present more genuine and well-rounded versions of themselves.

The Challenge of Authentic Self-Representation

Hinge has launched Friend's Take in response to research revealing significant gaps in how users approach profile creation. According to Hinge research, 79% of daters seek advice from friends and family about their dating lives, yet many struggle to translate personal insights into effective profile content. The data also shows that 71% of Hinge users say they want help with their profiles, but only 46% actively seek it.

This gap between wanting assistance and actually obtaining it highlights a key friction point in the online dating experience. Users often find it difficult to showcase their best qualities without feeling inauthentic or boastful. Traditional profiles rely heavily on self-reported information and curated images, which can sometimes fail to convey personality or compatibility factors.

Friends often see qualities that individuals might overlook, such as personal strengths or unique traits.

How Friend's Take Works

Friend's Take enables users to send a unique link to selected contacts who can then contribute to their dating profiles. Recipients can respond to profile Prompts with text, photos, voice notes, or video without needing a Hinge account. This approach removes barriers to participation and makes it easy for friends and family to share their perspectives.

The link expires after 72 hours or after 10 responses, whichever comes first. The profile owner reviews all submissions and can select up to three to display on their profile. Users have the ability to manage up to 50 pending takes, and takes can be updated or removed at any time, giving profile owners full control over what appears.

Expert Perspectives on Authentic Dating

Ben Celebicic, Hinge's Chief Product and Technology Officer, described the feature as a way to involve the people who know users best in the profile creation process. Logan Ury, Hinge's Lead Relationship Scientist, noted that friends often provide valuable insights that users themselves might miss. This outside perspective can illuminate personal strengths, unique traits, and authentic qualities that make someone attractive to potential matches.

By allowing trusted contacts to contribute, Hinge seeks to provide potential matches with a more rounded perspective, and also leans into the more authentic feel that many singles are looking for with their dating opportunities.

Global Rollout and Integration with Existing Features

The rollout is global, excluding India, and began on July 15, 2026. Friend's Take builds on Hinge's existing suite of tools like Your World Prompts, Prompt Feedback, and Match Note, which aim to help users present more authentic versions of themselves. These features collectively create an ecosystem designed to encourage genuine self-expression and meaningful connections.

The new feature represents a significant shift in how dating apps approach profile creation. Rather than relying solely on individual curation, Friend's Take introduces a social validation component that may help build trust and credibility. This approach acknowledges that dating is inherently social and that the people closest to us often have valuable insights into what makes us unique and appealing partners.