The first photo on your Bumble profile serves as your first impression. Knowing that potential matches will consider it before deciding whether they click through or immediately swipe right or left can be intimidating. Obviously, you’ll want to do everything in your power to ensure you’re putting your best face forward. But selecting your first photo for your Bumble profile is about more than just looking good—it’s also about showing off your authentic self. Here are our top tips for what to consider when choosing the best image to show up at the top of your Bumble profile. 

Use Bumble’s Best Photo feature

We know deciding which photo should go front and center on your Bumble profile can be tricky. To help, Bumble created the Best Photo feature to remove some stress. The feature uses technology to track which of your first three Bumble profile photos gets the most right swipes, and then puts that pic at the top of your profile. To enable the Best Photo feature on your profile tap “Complete my profile” or “Edit profile,” then head to your photo selection and toggle on the “Best Photo” button. You can turn it off at any time if you change your mind. 

Skip the accessories

Hats, sunglasses, and photo filters may add style to your photos, but they also distract from what you actually look like. For your first photo especially, you want to skip all those extras and opt for a photo where potential matches can clearly see your eyes and face, which will make it easier for them to form an initial connection with you. And don’t forget to smile!

Think about the whole image

When selecting your profile’s leading photo, you want to be cognizant of the whole picture. That means choosing a clear, well-lit image, and paying attention to the background. (Skip the messy bedroom or driver’s seat of your car, and instead opt for a location that’s distraction-free.) This will ensure the focus remains on you.

Save the group shots for later

Maybe you’re tempted to use a photo from a weekend out with friends because you know you look especially photogenic—or you want to show potential matches that you prioritize time with family by including a photo with your parents. We get it, but save those group photos for one of the later slots! If you remember nothing else when it comes to selecting the right image for your opening shot, remember to choose a photo that makes it 100% clear that it’s your profile they’re looking at. Potential matches need to know who you are before they get hit with those group shots and have to start cross-referencing who is who against your other photos.

Be your authentic self

With filters and photo editing tools, it can be tempting to tweak your photos until they look perfect—sometimes unrealistically so. But Bumble believes that it’s important to put forth your most authentic self. Not only will it help avoid any dreaded “they didn’t look like their photos” first date reveal, it also helps guarantee that your connections will get to know the real you, and vice versa.

When in doubt, ask a friend

We’re all our own worst critic, so if you’re having a hard time choosing which photo should go first on your Bumble profile, ask a friend for help. Our friends are just better at being objective than we are when it comes to our own appearance. Plus, if they find an image appealing, others probably will too. As a bonus, you can always ask them to snap a couple new options if you can’t find an existing photo you agree on.

Remember, the first photo on your Bumble profile serves as your first impression, so make it count. If you try a picture and decide it’s not working, you can always change it!