6 Virtual Date Ideas for CMB Matches

March 26, 2020/0 Comments/in Blog, Date Ideas, Virtual dates /by Paige Butterfield

As social distancing and quarantine life become “the new normal,” it’s easy to feel like much of life has been “canceled.” But the good stuff in life? You can’t cancel that. Here’s a recent CMB Instagram post inspired by author Jamie Tworkowski.

You see this list? Connections fall under the “good stuff” category. In fact, we might even say they fall under the category of “really good stuff.” So, sure, in-person dates are on pause. But CMB daters like you are finding creative ways to take their connections beyond chats. If you’re interested in trying something new together, ask a match out on one of these virtual dates.

1. Keep it casual with a video coffee date

A video coffee date is the perfect twist on the common video chat. How does it work? Schedule a time to video chat (Zoom, Facetime, and Skype are all good picks) to have casual conversation over coffee.

Not a coffee fan? Tea, water, or even a glass of wine will do (just maybe not for the morning; then again, you do you). There are no hard rules that say you have to have coffee or that it needs to be the morning; it just sounds better than, “Let’s Skype.” Plus, you can fill any awkward silences with a cooler-than-cool slurp of your beverage.

2. Make a throw-back phone call

For those of us used to Zooming, a phone call may seem a little…antiquated. But you heard it here first: phone calls are in. We won’t tell you how it works because we all know how to dial a number – and that’s the best part. It’s painfully simple, and there’s no need to find your best first-date outfit (because amid COVID-19 we all know it’s at the bottom of your laundry pile).

If you’re interested in talking on the phone but not so sure about giving out your phone number, consider using free-call services like Google Voice or Kakao Talk.

Pro Tip: Worried about carrying the conversation? Have a box of table-top cards on hand like the Icebreaker deck from Best Self Co to get things going. Just make sure you tell your date you’re bringing them out before you start the question party.

3. Challenge your match to a game night

Sometimes a little flying blue shell is what you need to spark chemistry. If you and your match are both into games, challenge them to a game night. Multiplayer and co-op videogames such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Castle Crashers, and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime are guaranteed fun.

But if you don’t have any gaming systems on hand, there’s no need to buy one just for virtual dates. Mobile games like Words With Friends can be a lot of fun, too, as well as the traditional Battleship (if you both have the boardgame), Pictionary, or a casual 20 Questions.

4. Try something new with an online museum tour

There’s a certain kind of person who prefers museum and gallery dates to a casual cup of coffee. If that person’s you, don’t fret over the “closed” signs. Google’s got your back with virtual museum views, and there’s always The Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Share a screen via video chat and explore the secrets of Stonehenge, or take turns pretending you’re the tour guide by making up backstories for exhibits.

If a museum tour just isn’t your thing, the Metropolitan Opera is presenting live streams of performances as well for the near future. Looking for something a little more…exotic? It’s a date: tune in at 3 p.m. EDT for “Home Safari Facebook Live,” where the Cincinnati Zoo will share an (albeit sometimes shaky) stream of one of their zoo animals.

These experiences may not be the right virtual date for every match, but if you’re both down to try something new – it’s worth a shot.

5. Stream movies with Netflix Party

Netflix and Chill is canceled for the near future, but Netflix Party is fair game. With Netflix Party, you can synchronize video playback and group chat while you watch your favorite Netflix TV shows and movies. Swap witty commentary, or simply sit back and watch something together to discuss afterward.

Even better: Use Netflix Party to stream Bandersnatch – an interactive “choose your story” film – and take turns deciding (or debating) where the story goes.

6. Get creative with a recipe swap

Let’s be real, watching people eat over video chat isn’t the sexiest date. But, there are still a few ways to bond over a meal that are a smidge cuter. Enter, the recipe swap. To start a recipe swap, ask your match about their favorite recipe. Then, give them yours. On your own time, or via video chat if you both have ingredients available, get to cooking and see how it turns out. Take your first bite via video chat to see immediate reactions.

Fridge looking grim? Play a virtual version of “Chopped” – the show where chefs are put head-to-head to see what meal they can come up with using limited ingredients. Better yet, share pantry lists and have your match choose the ingredients for you.

Wishing for more virtual date ideas?

If you’ve exhausted this list of virtual dates and you’re looking for more, stay in the loop on our Instagram. There, we’ll post more tried and true digital dates, as well as tips for dating during COVID-19. Feel free to drop a comment or DM us about your experience – we’d love to hear from you about what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to dating during coronavirus.

Looking for someone to test out these virtual date ideas with? Download Coffee Meets Bagel to text yourself a link. Or, download CMB directly from your phone: iOS | Android

Dating Sunday Who? Valentine’s Day Draws More Bagels Than Ever

February 11, 2020/0 Comments/in Date Stats, News, Stats, Tips /by Kaitlyn Crow

February 14 is upon us, and you know what that means: National Ferris Wheel Day!

Just kidding. Well, not totally kidding because February 14 is actually National Ferris Wheel Day (if the internet is to be believed). But you know we’re really here to talk about Valentine’s Day – and particularly, how it affects daters on Coffee Meets Bagel.

Historically, Dating Sunday – the first Sunday of the new year – has reigned supreme as the ultimate day for online dating, with daters matching and chatting left and right. But here’s the plot twist: While Dating Sunday may have the most activity, Coffee Meets Bagel actually sees the most user sign-ups on Valentine’s Day.

After discovering that little tidbit, we did some more digging around last year’s February 14. Here’s what we found about the day of love on CMB.

New Daters in Search of a CMB Valentine

On Valentine’s Day 2019, there was a 63% spike in new user sign-ups compared to the previous 30 days. Put that next to Dating Sunday’s 61% increase in 2019, and it looks like Valentine’s Day takes the heart-shaped cake for new user sign-ups!

Our data shows that these daters are getting an early jump on the holiday, with sign-ups peaking in the early hours of the morning. And we mean really early: The most popular time to sign up is between 2-3 a.m. EST on Valentine’s Day.

Pro-tip: With the flood of new CMB’ers looking to match, you’ll want to make sure you stand out. Profiles with details filled out are 50% more liked than those with missing details, so do a quick review to make sure you’re putting your best foot (and photos) forward.

On V-Day, You’re More Likely to Match

For bagels hoping to see an uptick in their number of matches, Valentine’s Day could give you the results you’re looking for. That’s because daters are 24% more likely to match on this Valentine’s Day compared to the previous year.

And if the day is winding down but you’re not seeing the matches you expected, don’t give up hope yet: We see the most matches between 11-11:59 p.m. EST.

Pro-tip: When those matches do start rolling in, don’t wait to strike up a convo. It’s best to strike while the iron (or should we say bagel) is hot. Chats started on Coffee Meets Bagel within three hours of matching are 52% more likely to get a response!

Bagels Are Feeling Extra Chatty February 14

Ready to get your wordsmith on? We sure hope so because Coffee Meets Bagel daters are 14% more likely to chat on Valentine’s Day, compared to the previous year.

And not only are they feeling more sociable, it looks like bagels are getting right to it and kicking V-Day off with some stimulating conversation. Coffee Meets Bagel daters are the chattiest between 10-11 a.m. EST, so make sure you have your morning coffee.

Pro-tip: We found that when someone leads with a question, the response rate increases by over 20%! Dig deep into your reservoir of icebreakers to snag your match’s attention instead of sending the simple “Hey, how are you?”

Bonus: New Feature Highlights Your ‘Most Likely to Match’

CMB Most Likely to Match

Valentine’s Day is already looking to be a hit on Coffee Meets Bagel, but we wanted to sweeten the deal. As you join the flurry of holiday activity, keep an eye out for a new feature we’re rolling out: Most Likely to Match.

While all of your suggested bagels are tailored to your preferences and picked just for you (thanks to our wicked smart algorithms), you may occasionally stumble upon a bagel with the label “Most Likely to Match” on the top of their profile.

What does that mean exactly? It means that, based on your preferences and behaviors on the app, we think you and this bagel could really hit it off. The shiny Pokemon of bagels, if you will.

And what exactly makes these potential matches so special? We’ve found that you’re 5x more likely to connect with “Most Likely to Match” bagels. In addition, these specially labeled potentials are likely to spend up to 3x longer viewing your profile than the average suggested bagel.

So whether you’re heading into February 14 with dreams of a potential partner (or ferris wheels, that’s cool, too), Coffee Meets Bagel is the place to meet someone special – and maybe snag a great date while you’re at it.

To meet someone special this Valentine’s Day, download Coffee Meets Bagel to text yourself a link. Or, download CMB directly from your phone: iOS | Android

5 Tips to Take Your Chats to the Next Level

July 24, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Dawoon Kang

A note from David Osteen, in-house data scientist at CMB

Picture this: You open your Coffee Meets Bagel app and see you’ve made a new connection!

First comes that rush of exhilaration: you’re imagining all of the rom-com scenarios that are sure to unfold. But then, your brain busts in with a dose of negativity. Remember those connections that fizzled out with lackluster, forgettable messages?

As a data scientist at Coffee Meets Bagel, I’ve seen too many chats meet an untimely end due to an inability to convert a match into a fun, meaningful conversation. So, what gives? Why do some chats sizzle and other chats fizzle?

My team and I started looking into some of the chat data to answer this question. Here are my insider tips for turning your chats into conversations you actually want to have that lead to great dates.

1. Check Small Talk at the Door

Let’s be real, no one enjoys small talk. You grin and bear it at office Christmas parties. Why should you willingly engage in it when it comes to dating? Your time is more valuable than that.

Start your chat off with a bang by asking a question you genuinely want to hear the answer to. Say you’re a comic fanatic, ask who they think the best Avenger character is and share yours too. (It’s Captain Marvel, obviously.)

Feel weird about diving right into a chat with a question? CMB has an Icebreaker section for this very reason, which you can update from your profile details whenever you’re ready for a topic change.

Here are some other questions to try out:

What book are you reading?
Do you have a TV show you could watch repeatedly?
If you could only eat one type of cheese for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

Make sure you provide your own answer to your question, too, to help spark conversation. And, while my examples are a good start, feel free to get creative. You should ask questions you’re genuinely interested in hearing the answer to (so if you’re lactose intolerant, don’t ask about their fave cheese).

2. Don’t Wait to Break the Ice

If someone’s profile is interesting enough to earn your “like,” why wait to have a conversation? Procrastination may or may not be your middle name, but that won’t fly here.

It’s best to strike while the iron — or should I say bagel — is hot. Chats started on Coffee Meets Bagel within three hours of matching are 52% more likely to get a response!

Once you get rolling, don’t drag it out. Nothing kills conversation momentum quite like a reply that takes 16 hours. By that point, you don’t even remember what you were talking about without rereading past messages.

This is a big reason why CMB chats expire after seven days — so you have the incentive to use your time wisely, rather than chatting endlessly until the conversation gets stale and potentially ruining a connection.

3. Don’t Be Scared to Make the First Move

For the love of all that is good, don’t let outdated, cliche dating rules lead you astray.

Guys should make the first move? Nope. You liked them first, so now it’s their turn? Forget it. Initiating the conversation gives away your power? Absolutely not!

My advice here is very simple but also very important: It’s just a chat. Don’t put so much pressure on it.

Reaching out first isn’t equivalent to a marriage proposal, it just means that you matched and would like to know more — it’s as simple as that. If you allow those misguided notions to dictate your dating life, you might miss out on promising opportunities.

4. Give Phone Calls a Chance

In today’s day and age, most of us freeze up when our phone actually rings. But when it comes to getting to know someone, a good ol’ fashioned phone call is invaluable.

That’s right, I’m suggesting that you pick up the phone, dial an actual number and talk on the phone like it’s 2005. Not only will you give your poor thumbs a break (hello, carpal tunnel!) but a phone call is a great change of pace. It can make you stand out and give you a better read on someone.

With online chatting and texting, people have time to craft the perfect, cool response. But, you can’t really get a feel for someone’s personality until you have a real life conversation. Chatting on the phone will reduce the chances you’ll be surprised within the first five minutes of meeting a bagel they just aren’t what you thought they’d be.

5. Take the Next Step or Wrap It Up

After a few days, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you’d like to take this conversation into the real world.

If you want to meet your bagel, don’t overthink it — just ask! This calls back to not putting so much pressure on the situation. If they say yes, congrats! If they say no, it’s all good — at least they were honest and didn’t waste your time with a date that would lead to nothing.

On the flip side, if you’ve been chatting but the spark isn’t happening, be honest and respectfully end the conversation. And I can’t stress this enough: don’t ghost!

Here are some ways to end a lackluster chat or politely decline an invite to meet:

“I enjoyed chatting but I don’t think we’re a good fit. Thanks for the conversation and I hope you meet your right match!”
“I enjoyed our convo but I don’t feel the connection. It was great meeting you and good luck with future bagels!”

Bonus: Keep an Eye Out for Scams

You’re here to meet people and have a good time, so don’t let the scammers of the world get in your way. While CMB does have an internal tool that runs 24/7 to combat scammers, it isn’t perfect (yet).

So, protect yourself, and your identity, by keeping personal information like phone numbers and email addresses to yourself until you are 100% comfortable.

Trust your gut and be aware of suspicious behavior, like someone pushing you to meet before you’re ready or asking for money. If it looks like a scam and walks like a scam… you get the picture. Report these people right away.

For more info on online dating safety, be sure to peek at our guide: “Online Dating Safety Tips: 5 Ways to Spot a Scammer.”

Time to Get Chatty

Now that you’re armed with these pro tips, it’s time to put them to the test and get to chatting with your matches! Every time you match with a bagel, a new convo with an icebreaker will appear in “Chats.” To get there, open your app and simply tap “Chats” in the bottom right corner.

Chatting isn’t meant to be hard, you just have to get out of your own head and be genuine. Keep my tips in mind and you’re sure to find yourself lost in conversation without breaking a sweat. Happy connecting!

Feeling a meaningful conversation? Download the app now on iOS or Android if you haven’t already.

The Science to Setting Your Preferences & Liking Bagels

June 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Guest Blogger

A note from Sherrie Chen, Chief Product Officer at Coffee Meets Bagel

You might be expecting a personal success story about how I found my boyfriend on a dating app, and how we have a dog and three thriving house plants together. That isn’t my story. The truth is, I do have a partner…but I didn’t find him on a dating app (and I can’t keep a plant alive for the life me 🌱).

But, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who genuinely believes in the power of dating apps more than I do. Well, one in particular: Coffee Meets Bagel.

I’m Sherrie, the chief product officer at CMB 👋.I’ve interviewed hundreds of online daters, and I’ve worked closely with our data science team that’s responsible for increasing connections per user on our app. That means I’ve seen thousands of our success stories, face-to-face and in the data.

And I truly believe that, with the right know-how, anyone can find a meaningful relationship on CMB. So, here it goes: here’s everything I know about making Coffee Meets Bagel work for you.

Setting Your Preferences

After you’ve refined your profile with top-notch pics and details, it’s time to set your preferences and check out your bagels. In your profile under the tab labeled “Preferences,”. But before you set your six, make sure you understand just how powerful they can be 👇.

Preferences vs. Dealbreakers

When I first started using dating apps, I thought that getting ultra-specific about what kind of people I wanted to see was a no-brainer. That way, I’d get only quality matches, right? But as it turns out, being too specific about your preferences may actually lower the quality of the bagels you receive. That’s all due to our algorithm!

How Does the CMB Algorithm Work?

Our algorithm categorizes your set preferences as “must-haves” in Suggested. Later, the algorithm will use additional info, such as your interests, social circles, education levels, and more, to make educated choices about your best bagels.

But because it considers your set preferences as dealbreakers, this means our algorithm won’t suggest anyone who is even slightly outside of your preferences. For example, if there’s someone attractive nearby who shares your interests, but they’re just one year older than the age preference you set, our algorithm can’t consider them as a potential match.

In short: too many specific criteria → smaller pool of bagels for algorithm to work with → less quality matches.

So while I’d never want you to lower your standards or compromise your values when it comes to finding a partner, I would like you to know exactly what setting your preferences means. Make sure they’re an absolute must for you, not just a “nice to have.”

Getting Those Bagels

The hard work’s done! Now, it’s just time to sit back and like or pass on my bagels…right? Not so fast. While you can start connecting right away, there’s actually a science to browsing bagels.

Focus on the Matches Who Matter

If you’re used to swipe-based dating apps, it may be tempting to “like” any and every one just to see if they like you back. But at Coffee Meets Bagel, we use a “slow dating” approach by sending only your best bagels once per day.

This approach has attracted a special kind of user base that takes their pretty connections seriously. So be thoughtful. Take your time looking at each profile and only tap “💜” if a bagel has you feeling some kind of way.

And if you see zero connection? Don’t feel bad about passing — it’s much better than connecting and then ghosting.

Give “Maybe Bagels” a Chance

Sometimes I have a couple of our CMB members come into the office so that we can gather feedback on their experience (and so they can come pet our office dogs). And when I observe them liking or passing on bagels, I’m often surprised to find they have the total opposite issue of the one above; they pass on everyone.

While it’s great to know exactly what you’re looking for, I recommend giving “maybe bagels” a shot.

Could be interested in a bagel, but not 100% sure? Like them. Hey, they look cute in their first photo…but not feeling the second? Like them. See where it takes you. Tapping “like” doesn’t mean you’re in love.

And chatting with someone doesn’t mean you’re obligated to meet them in person. Plus, not every match you chat with will turn into a date. Liking a bagel just means you’re interested enough to give them a chance!

How Premium Can Help

Lastly, I want to put in a good word for our CMB Premium package. OK, so I know it may look a little…self-serving. I get it. But since I get a glimpse into the backend data, I can genuinely say that Premium really is the fastest way to get more quality connections. In fact, on average, Premium subscribers connect up to 2x as often as non-subscribers.

Here’s what CMB Premium includes:

Activity Reports: Get access to insider info on bagel activity, like how often they send the first message.
Read Receipts: Know when your messages have been read, so you’re never left guessing.
Bonus Beans & Features:
- iOS — Get 15% more beans on Shop purchases & 8 free Likes in Discover (a value of ~6,000 beans).
- Android — Get 6,000 free beans to use on special features.

The Next Steps

√ Double check that your set preferences are deal-breakers for you. To edit your preferences, tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap on “Profile Preferences.” On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Navigate to the Preferences tab to select them.

√ Ready to try out a subscription? Head to the Bean Shop to see our latest subscription offerings and tap “Subscribe.”

You’re all set! Whether you try our Premium or just stick to your new liking routine, I hope you feel empowered to make your best connections on CMB.

If you’re ready to meet matches who matter, download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.

Online Dating Safety Tips: 5 Ways to Spot a Scammer

June 7, 2019/in Blog, Date Tips /by Dawoon Kang

A note from Brenda Guardado, head of customer experience

Finding a good date used to be at the top of my “things I dread” list, right after public speaking and queuing at the bank. So, when apps like Coffee Meets Bagel came onto the scene, I was beyond relieved. I didn’t have to frequent loud bars, or try to recreate that rom-com scene where the woman bumps into a hunk at a supermarket and the 99-cent-oranges display goes flying.

But while coming across a good date got easier, so did coming across a less savory type: scammers.

Now as the head of customer experience at Coffee Meets Bagel, I’ve heard the happily-ever-after stories and the I-fell-for-a-scam stories. And while CMB does have technology in place to prevent scammers from joining in the first place, we can’t catch all of them by ourselves (yet).

So before you can star in your own dating app success story, check out my tips on how to stay safe.

Quick Online Dating Safety Tips

Buckle up! Safety, first. Before we hop into the five signs your match might be a scammer, check out these quick tips.

Never send money, gift cards, or account info to matches — especially if you haven’t met them in person.
Keep your exact workplace and address a secret until you’ve met in person and have built trust over time. (Some experts advise also keeping your last name private until after your first date.)
Tell your friends or family about when & where you’re meeting a match for the first time. Provide your own transportation, and always meet in a safe, public place, such as a coffee shop.

And, most importantly, if you ever feel uncomfortable or harassed when chatting with a match, stop talking to them and report them on the app. Then, block them from other messaging services if applicable. If you’re already on a date, leave immediately. Dating should never feel scary.

Signs Your Match Might Be a Scammer

Now that we’ve taken care of the crucial safety tips, you’re all set! Well, almost. I want you to spend time on matches who matter on CMB, not scammers. Here’s how to spot if your match is a scammer before you get involved.

1. They Go From 0-100

Oftentimes, scammers use artful tactics to try and sweep you off your feet. They might shower you with compliments or use flowery, romantic language right off the bat. They might give you a wholesome Disney-eqsue monologue about how they’re “just looking for love,” and “U the one 4 me, babe.” But I know you’re smarter than that, so you’ll see your match moving too fast as a red flag.

Another red flag: They’ll want to take things off the app and start texting, calling, or using other messaging apps (such as Kik, WhatsApp, or WeChat) ASAP. To cut to the chase, they may even include this contact info in their bio.

2. Their Stories Pull on Your Heartstrings

Gone are the days when all scammers were Nigerian princes. Nowadays, they’re architects, oil-rig engineers, geologists, make-up artists, nurses, and more. But one of the most common careers scammers claim to have is that of a soldier, or any career related to the military. And oftentimes they are oh-so-conveniently stationed far overseas where they can’t meet you in person.

But their real job title? A sly scammer. They may even claim to be religious (a tactic used for inspiring trust), or tell you a sob story: they’re a recent widow and their partner has passed in a tragic accident. Or, perhaps they have a sick child or parent they care for. While these unfortunate circumstances may be true for a small portion of singles involved in online dating, one of the telltale signs you’ve matched with a scammer doesn’t come until later — when they ask for your money.

3. They’re Just Too Good to Be True

If your match has profile photos that belong in a magazine catalogue, you’ve either met a model, or a scammer. And while both exist in real life (models aren’t Bigfoot, after all), it would be very unlikely for a real person not to have any casual, non-professional photos in their profile pic lineup.

In short, if your match has too-good-to-be-true photos, your match may indeed be too good to be true. But just because your match is in sweatpants in their pic (which, to be clear, is not a good dating photo best practice) doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Take note of other profile/photo inconsistencies. For example, if their profile says they’re 32, but they look only 22 in their picture, that’s a red flag. Likewise, if their profile claims they have a high level of education, but their grammar is disjointed, something might be up.

4. Meeting in Person Isn’t an Option

We know that the most meaningful connections happen face-to-face, so on Coffee Meets Bagel, we encourage members to meet in person. So if your match isn’t keen on meeting in real life, you should raise an eyebrow.

One of the most common excuses scammers use to avoid meeting in person is claiming that they work abroad. And if they won’t even agree to chat on the phone, you should hear alarm bells.

One way you can combat catfishing — someone pretending to be someone they aren’t online — is by fact-checking. Try running a Google reverse image search to check if they have multiple profiles under different names or with different info. Some scammers may also steal photos from influencers, low-profile celebrities, or stock sources.

5. They Ask for Money, Gift Cards, or Account Info

Lastly, and most importantly, if your match asks you for money, gift cards, or your account information, stop all communication immediately. It is extremely likely this person is a scammer.

But, it isn’t always clear right away. Many scammers will play the long-game by trying to build trust with you over time. Then, suddenly, there’s an “emergency,” and they need money quickly. Here’s a few types of fake emergencies they may claim to have:

They were robbed and need money
They have to book a last-minute business trip
They need a loan
They or their family member has a medical emergency

Sometimes, scammers may also ask for gift cards, such as an iTunes gift card. But, you should never trust a match who claims they need anything from you but your time and words, even if they promise to pay you back.

Another way a scammer might try to steal from you is less direct: by gaining access to your accounts. While some may directly ask you for your account info, routing numbers, social security number, or driver’s license info, others may be more sneaky.

If you match asks you strangely specific personal questions about old addresses, your pets’ names, or schools you’ve attended, be cautious. They could be trying to gain access to your accounts by resetting your passwords via security question answers.

How to Report a Match on CMB

If you think you’ve come across or matched with a scammer, or if your match has violated our terms of service, please report them. By reporting a scammer, you’re preventing them from scamming other lovely bagels on our app in the future.

To report a bagel in Suggested, simply tap on the flag icon in their profile. To report a bagel in Discover, submit a request.

Ready to meet someone special? Download Coffee Meets Bagel on iOS or Android.

How to Fill Out Your Dating Profile Like a Pro

May 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Paige Butterfield

A note from Paige Butterfield, senior writer at CMB

Answering the first prompt on my Coffee Meets Bagel dating profile, “I am… ,” went something like this:

“I am…always up for an adventure!” Wait, who am I kidding? I’m waiting for a burrito delivery.

“I am…optimistic!” No, no. Too optimistic. DELETE.

“I am…a writer for a living, and yet somehow filling out my CMB profile is hella difficult.”

Let’s get something straight: writing a good dating profile takes real effort. But, it also produces real results. In fact, profiles with details filled out on Coffee Meets Bagel are 50% more liked than profiles with missing details 👍💓.

But buckle up, this research is headed to party town. When the co-founders of Coffee Meets Bagel pulled the stats to figure out the difference between the profiles of people who entered a relationship through CMB vs. people who stayed single, it boiled down to one thing: their profile length.

Then again, while the research on profile length is encouraging, filling in your profile with an exposé on the plot holes in Game of Thrones isn’t going to make you more likely to land a date. (Or is it?)

Instead, follow these five simple tips to fill out your profile like a pro.

1. Think of your profile as a giant icebreaker

Brian, head of Android at Coffee Meets Bagel

Your profile details’ first job is to help you stand out from the crowd. But, it has a passion project, too: to give you and your matches something to talk about as soon as you connect.

And while Coffee Meets Bagel does give you the chance to write your own icebreakers (hidden from your profile) to start off a chat, you can never have too much to talk about. So ask, “What would I tell someone about myself to spark conversation?”

For example, instead of filling out CMB’s second prompt, “I like… ,” as “I like…plants,” you could instead write:

“I like…taking care of my indoor herb garden 🌱. I feel like a pro chef when I get to add fresh oregano to my homemade pizza! And, I’m even learning the scientific names of my plants just for fun — quiz me 🙋‍♀️!”

Now, you’re taking a potential conversation from, “So…plants,” to conversation on indoor gardens, pizza, and cooking. Worst case scenario, you partake in a playful quiz.

2. Be specific because everyone likes dogs

Audrie, senior graphic designer at Coffee Meets Bagel

Already, by approaching your profile details as one giant icebreaker, you’re on your way to success. That’s because the more specific we can get, the more our personal story will really shine against the crowd of “The Office” binge-watchers, adventure-seekers, and dog-lovers.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with loving dogs (and if there is, I don’t want to be right). But, instead of writing, “I am…a dog-lover,” try:

“I am…a dog parent to a bubbly corgi, Sheldon 🐶. When I’m not at the dog park with him, I’m learning how to surf.”

Not only would you be sharing your love for dogs, but I can already imagine you and Sheldon playing at the park. It feels real, and people don’t want to connect with profiles; they want to connect with people. Plus, you’re sharing an additional activity you enjoy, which could spark conversation — or even a surf date!

3. Tell ‘em what you want

Jackie, social media manager at Coffee Meets Bagel

Getting specific about what you’re looking for from the get-go might feel a little awkward. But on Coffee Meets Bagel, we give you the prompt, “I appreciate when my date… ,” because we know that being open about what you’re looking for is really important. And what you write may not attract everyone, but it will attract that right someone.

Looking for specific values, like kindness and honesty? Write it out. Is an active lifestyle or adherence to a certain diet important to you? Say so.

But, do be mindful of how you come across. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being negative on your profile, and sass like, “If you smoke, swipe left,” isn’t attractive. Instead, focus on what you are looking for. An alternative to the smoking comment could be, “I appreciate when my date…values a healthy lifestyle 🍎.”

4. Give them a chuckle

Blake, software engineer at Coffee Meets Bagel

It’s no shock that “makes me laugh” is one of both men and women’s most-asked-for qualities in a date on CMB.

But your job isn’t to make everyone laugh — it’s just to put a smile on the person that’s right for you. So, don’t worry if you aren’t a comedian, or if your knock-knock jokes are a little — or a lot — rusty. Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to get playful or show some wit when you write your profile.

Not feeling it? That’s okay, just keep it light. Skip to tip number five ✋.

5. You’re awesome, be awesome

Dawoon, co-founder and -CEO of Coffee Meets Bagel

Sometimes it feels easier to write something generic or even nothing at all because you don’t want to look like you’re “trying too hard,” or perhaps you’re afraid of rejection. I’ve been there.

Rejection hurts, so you try to mold yourself into the person that everyone will like. But by pretending to be someone that everyone likes, you won’t stand out to that person who’s really right for you.

So be authentic. Be vulnerable. Be you. Not a lot of people are brave enough to do that, so you’ll stand out like an everything bagel in a row of plain ones.

Bonus: Give your grammar a check-up

You don’t need a solid viewpoint on the Oxford comma (because let’s face it — everyone already knows it is the way of truth 😉), but for the love of all that’s good in the world, use spell check. Even better, have a friend review your profile for mistakes. You may think grammar is no big deal, but even a small typo could make you come across as careless. And you’re awesome, remember?

Edit Your Profile Details

So, you’ve got all of your profile pro tips in your noggin. Now what? It’s time to jazz up your profile to show off the true you.

To edit your profile on Coffee Meets Bagel, just tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can switch between your photos, details, and preferences. Today, make sure you give extra attention to your details.

Deciding what to write on your dating profile, and even how to say it, is tough. But with these five tips (and maybe a burrito to get your brain working), I think you’re going to do great.

Ready to get your wordsmith on? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

These 10 Dating Photo Dos and Don’ts Are Game-Changers

May 24, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Audrie Thompson

A note from Audrie Thompson, senior graphic designer & photographer at CMB

The other day, my friend Sarah asked me to look at her online dating profile to see if she was doing something “wrong.” Admittedly, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been on the dating scene — but I like to think that I’ve still got it 🤷‍♀️. After all, I met my boyfriend of three years on Coffee Meets Bagel (not to mention I work there)!

Now back to Sarah’s profile. Basic info? Check. Quirky one-liners about herself? Check.

Photos? Not…so…check.

Let’s get real for a sec. Choosing your dating profile photos is no easy task. And they’re important. In fact, we know that at CMB ~80% of the reason people pass on a potential match is because of their photo.

So it wasn’t that Sarah didn’t have photos. She just didn’t have good photos. You know, the ones that showed her…for her 💗.

Here’s the insider advice I gave Sarah on the dos and don’ts of dating photos.

Dating Profile Photo Dos

Do #1: Show your face

A full-face photo is less of a dating photo tip and more of a dating photo must-have. In fact, on Coffee Meets Bagel, if you don’t have at least one photo that shows your face, we can’t approve your profile. Keep this headshot as your first photo, so your matches know what you look like from the start!

Do #2: Let the light in

Man-made light is better than no light, but natural light is basically magic. In photos, sunlight can work its wonders by highlighting your best features and making your eyes pop. Pro-tip: For the best photos, make sure the light source isn’t directly behind you. We want to light up your face ☀️!

Do #3: Share a smile

Your smile is one of your best and most telling features. Smiles radiate warmth, kindness, and positivity — all important qualities in a partner. So before you snap a photo, try flashing a natural grin. To look less posed, have a friend take your photo, but ask them to snap several action shots to capture the organic moments that lead up to the main shot.

Do #4: Show what you love to do

After you have that first face-forward headshot, you can also upload an action shot of you doing something you love — whether it’s going on an epic hike, seeing a live show, or hanging out with your pet 🐱. These photo types are perfect conversation-starters.

Do #5: Upload a full-length pic

A recent (within the last year) full-length pic gives bagels a better idea of what you look like, so upload at least one. Don’t have a tripod on hand? Grab a friend and make a day out of an impromptu photoshoot at a local park or in front of a vibrant wall. Bonus points if they have a DSLR or a great camera phone 📸.

Dating Profile Photo Don’ts

Don’t #1: Get lost in the crowd

You may think that you look best in that group photo with your best friends or family. But, how is a potential match supposed to know whether you’re the cute brunette on the left, or the dude in the howling wolf tee on the right? To make sure it’s clear who you are, leave group photos out of your profile photo line-up. Or, if you really love a certain group shot, make sure to file it last — that way there’s no mistaking who you are.

Don’t #2: Feel pressured

When it comes to dating profile photos, don’t feel pressured to look “sexy” or to show more skin than you feel comfortable with. Because believe it or not, choosing your profile photos isn’t always about finding the picture where you look the hottest or the fittest. In fact, the best photos are the ones that can give us a sense of your personality and your “vibe.”

Don’t #3: Stop at selfies

Discard the dog ears and filter #glowup pics and exchange them for photos taken by a friend in “do” tip five. Apart from the fact that selfies don’t always turn out well, the filters we like to apply to them don’t make for an accurate representation of ourselves.

Don’t #4: Hide under hats & sunglasses

Slather on the SPF 50, because the wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses have got to go (at least while you’re taking photos). Even if you think your Ray Glams make you look stylin’, photos where you have sunglasses or hats on hide what you really look like and can cast unflattering shadows.

Don’t #5: Upload ancient photos

Your potential matches aren’t interested in seeing what you looked like five years ago. So, rather than uploading photos that don’t resemble you anymore, take new ones. You want the right match to fall for the current you, not the you from junior year of high school (…unless you’re still in junior year of high school, in which case you probably aren’t old enough to be using our app!)

Selecting the Best

Now that you’ve had your photoshoot, it’s time to select your best! Choose a minimum of four photos — but, more is always better if they’re quality. It also helps to have a friend who matches your gender preference to review your picks. What we see in ourselves is not always what others see, so a second opinion can help make sure you’re putting your best face forward.

Spotlight: Profile pic superstars

Like Sarah’s best pics ended up being different than my own, so will yours. To give you a better idea of what kind of pics you should be looking for, I’ve gathered a few profile-pic superstars from Coffee Meets Bagel. Their photos radiate their warmth and positive energy — just like yours can ☀️

Daniel, Franklin, TN

Joanne, San Diego, CA

Pete, San Francisco, CA

Joy, Seattle, WA

Upload Your Photos

Feeling inspired? I hope so! Now’s your moment to upload your own photos to your Coffee Meets Bagel Profile.

To do so, just log in and tap your “profile” icon. On iOS, tap “View and edit your profile,” and then “Edit” in the top right corner. On Android, tap on the pencil icon in the bottom right corner. Here, you can choose to upload new photos, or delete and swap existing ones.

Taking and choosing your best pics can feel a little overwhelming at times. But with these 10 photo dos and don’ts, you’re already on your way to selecting photos that show off the best in you!

Ready to show off your best self? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

So, It’s Your First Day on CMB? Here’s What You Need to Know

May 3, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, CMB 101 /by Dawoon Kang

A note from Dawoon Kang, co-founder & -CEO of CMB

When I ask, “What is the first word that comes to you when you think of online dating?” The answer isn’t pretty. I hear that it’s exhausting, overwhelming, time-wasting.

And with the prevalence of swipe-based apps, I can understand why. After all, I was an active user of multiple dating apps for the past five years. And yeah — online dating sucks. So my team and I created Coffee Meets Bagel with a bold vision: to change the way singles experience online dating from “sucks” to “doesn’t suck.” In fact, we wanted to make online dating meaningful.

And to do that, we had to be different on purpose. Check out how, plus everything you’ll need to know for your first day on CMB below.

What to Expect

While social media apps, like Instagram and Twitter, are convenient tools when used purposefully, they’re also time-sucks. Infinity pools. Black holes. They’re happy to grab your attention and suck you into endless scrolling: photos of your friends’ vacations, breaking news, pop-culture trends, cats playing the piano.

And when dating apps exploded onto the scene, most of them followed this pattern. In fact, according to a recent study, more than one in 10 dating app users swipe for over 14 hours a week.

This didn’t vibe with us, so we chose a different approach.

Welcome to Slow Dating

Our “slow dating” approach emphasizes finding delight in the dating process. We pump the brakes on swiping to help you savor each meaningful connection. But this approach doesn’t take more of your time; in fact, it’s the opposite. Because we focus on quality > quantity, checking your potential matches should take just ~5 minutes per day. When you’re done, you’re done.

Plus, this approach has attracted a special kind of community. Eighty-six percent of our users are looking for long-term relationships 💖.

Checking Your Bagels

We’ll use information — like the preferences you set and who you’ve liked or passed on in the past — to curate a limited number of your best potential matches (aka bagels). Then, we send them to your Suggested section in the app just once per day.

We’ve made an app that’s free of distractions like loud colors because we want you to really focus on each bagel. Look at their photos. Get a sense of who they are in their details.

And then, before you can see your next bagel, make a decision to like or pass on them. Every time you like or pass on a bagel, we’ll learn more about you and your type, so tomorrow’s bagels will only get better.

It may even take a week to get your first match (when you like someone and they like you back). But that’s okay, too. Instead of feeling swipe-fatigue like on other apps, you can take a break and just live your life. We’ll continue working in the background to set you up with someone great.

Learnin’ the Lingo

Now that you know what to expect, let’s dive into a few terms that will help you better navigate Coffee Meets Bagel.

Bagels: What we call your potential matches (That means you’re someone’s bagel, too!)
Suggested: The section where we’ll curate a limited number of your best bagels daily around noon. These are your most compatible bagels (meaning you’re most likely to like each other!) Liking bagels in Suggested is 100% free.
Discover: The section that’s “the schmear on top,” for when you want to browse extra bagels nearby beyond our suggestions. They may not meet your preferences, but we think they could still be a good match. Use beans to like bagels in this section.
Beans: Earn or buy beans, our in-app currency, to use on special features such as liking extra bagels.
CMB Premium: CMB Premium: Our subscription package that includes special features, like Activity Reports, which give you access to more info on bagels, like how often they send the first message; Read Receipts, which let you know when your messages have been read; and Likes You, where you can see everyone who likes you at once and match instantly.

The Next Steps

Now that you know what to expect, make sure you’ve checked these must-do’s off your list:

✔ Take and select your best pics

✔ Write a profile that reflects the true you

✔ Set your preferences and start connecting!

Lots of love and kindness to you as you embark on your dating journey! Remember: it might take time, it might feel slow, or it might even feel discouraging at times. But, I hope you savor and enjoy the process!

Excited to start matching? If you haven’t already, download Coffee Meets Bagel on Android or iOS.

5 Ladies #DaretoShare Dating Stories for Women’s History Month

March 28, 2019/0 Comments/in Blog, Stories /by Paige Butterfield

The creative team at Coffee Meets Bagel thought a lot about what we could do to highlight Women’s History Month. We considered featuring our three co-founders who started it all. Or, maybe the team of fierce women who run things behind the scenes at CMB. Perhaps we could partner with a pro female athlete and use a catchy sports idiom about women taking control of their dating life.

But then it hit us like a stale bagel. Why not just feature the women of CMB who — every day on our app — are bravely putting themselves out there? They’re letting down their walls. They’re being vulnerable. And that’s badass.

Women’s History Month With CMB: #DaretoShare

It all started with a survey (because we sort of have an obsession with surveys at CMB, especially when it comes to Women’s History Month!) We asked the women of CMB to share two things:

A time when they felt brave or confident about a decision on a date, in a relationship, or in their romantic life.
Self love affirmations that showcase their strength as a woman. We had them use one of CMB’s profile starters, “I am… .”

We received so many inspiring quotes about female strength, but we selected just 5 of our fave women to #DaretoShare their stories publicly on our Instagram. We also set them up to star in their own photoshoot hosted by Snappr — an on-demand photography service!

We’re currently still rolling out their stories on our ‘gram right now, but here’s a special early release for our best bloggies.