Disclaimer: there’s a 99.9% chance these otters are cuter than you, so they’re starting off with an advantage. Clarification: we’re not totally sure the gender or preferences of these otters, but the advice we give is applicable to everyone unless otherwise noted.

Do This: Smile

We're starting simple. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got snow-white invisaligned teeth or you lost your retainer 5 years ago. It's a good idea to smile in at least a couple of your pics.

At Bounce, we conducted internal research on how photos affected member's liklihood of being liked. We found that people who smiled in at least half of their photos were liked 15% more often.

In their own study, Hinge found that photos where people were smiling were liked 23% more often.

In an interview last year, Dr. Jess Cabrino, a sociologist who has worked with Tinder and Bumble talked about the value of a smile. She said her research suggests that "smiling makes such a significant difference" in whether someone's profile gets liked.

Don't Do This: Too Many Selfies

These otter are really feeling themselves here and we respect that. One selfie is totally cool, but more than one or two is where things get hairy.

On Bounce, people with more than one selfie in their profile were liked 33% less than those with one or fewer. Hinge similarly found that selfies are 40% less likely to receive a like and bathroom selfies were 90% less likely.

Do This: Go Outside

Check out this otter enjoying the great outdoors. That natural lighting makes those whiskers shine. Bounce found that people with at least one picture outside were liked over 25% more than those with all of their photos taken inside.

Don't Do This: Sunglasses

You have sensitive otter eyes. And we know we just told you to go outside more. And your mom always told you to use UV protection.

But don’t overdo the sunglass pics in your dating profile. Use one or two to look like the cool rockstar you are, but we wouldn't do more that.

On Hinge photos with sunglasses were liked 41% less than the average photo. On Bounce people who used more than one photo with sunglasses were liked 18% less frequently than those with one or fewer.

Toss up: A pic with some of your otter friends

Dang this otter is popular and we’re jealous. Wait which otter is which? And I kind of feel like that otter on the left is hotter.

Group photos are tricky territory. They can show you’re a cool otter who has friends and likes being social. They can also be confusing and frustrating especially if you lead with a group pic.

On Bounce, profiles with at least one group photo were liked 20% more than those without. On the other hand, research from Badoo shows that over 40% of people swipe left to people who lead with a group picture.

Our advice - don’t lead with a group pic. Use one or two if you think you look cool, but don’t overdo it.

Definitely DON'T Do: Photos with your ex significant otter

Okay you’re a sea otter and you hold hands when you’re sleeping so you don’t get lost. That other otter in the pic is just a friend. And the otter you’re texting to play in some kelp tomorrow night is also just a friend.

Drama aside, don’t post pics with someone that could be perceived as an ex. According Hinge, photos with perceived exes were liked 98% less than the average photo. Leave your photos with your ex in that scrapbook they gave you that one time.

Do this: Activities you enjoy

Every otter enjoys different hobbies and activities (but mostly they like splashing around). Regardless of what you’re into, show it off!

In Bounce’s 2018 Dating Survey, “Meeting doing a hobby” ranked as the second most popular response to "How would you prefer to meet the next person you have a relationship with?"

Take this advice especially if your hobby is something athletic. On Hinge, photos showing someone participating in sports were liked 75% more frequently than the average photo.

Before and After

We gave this otter a quick profile refresh. Check it out.

Before

Lots of selfies, the group shot lead off, not much smiling (except in the pic with the ex 😳), and that last pic looks pretttty outdated.

After

There we go! Leading off with that soft smile. Showing the interest in tennis. Not a selfie in sight. Hitting those different angles and mostly outside. Standing front and center in the group shot. Well done otter.

Good Luck!

You got this! If you have any questions about your dating profile, dating in general, or want some cool otter facts don't hesitate to hit us up at hello@trybounce.com