How to Write a Bio That Actually Gets Read

Here's a secret: most women don't read your bio before swiping. They look at photos first, make a snap judgment, and only read your bio if the photos pass the initial vibe check.

But here's the thing—once she does read it, your bio matters a lot. It's the difference between a curious "tell me more" and a skeptical "never mind." It's also what she'll use to start a conversation if she messages first.

So let's make those 500 characters count.

The Bios That Make Women Cringe

Before we talk about what works, let's address what definitely doesn't. I see these so often that I could set my watch by them:

"Just ask"

Ask what? This tells her nothing and puts all the work on her. It's the bio equivalent of sending "hey" as an opener.

"Looking for my partner in crime"

This phrase needs to be retired. It was mildly cute in 2015. Now it just signals that you couldn't think of anything original.

"I'm bad at writing bios"

We can tell. Also, starting with a disclaimer about your own inadequacy isn't the confidence boost you think it is.

"Not here for hookups" / "Here for something real"

Sounds defensive. Also, what does "real" mean? Everyone thinks they want something real. This doesn't differentiate you.

Listing your height unprompted

If you're tall and want to mention it, fine. But leading with "6'2" since that apparently matters" comes across bitter and like you're already fighting with someone who hasn't even matched you yet.

Negativity of any kind

"Swipe left if you can't hold a conversation." "No drama." "If you're going to ghost, don't bother." All of these scream "I've been hurt and I'm projecting it onto you." Instant left swipe.

What Actually Works

Now let's build something good. The best bios do three things:

1. Show, don't tell

"I'm funny" isn't funny. An actually funny line is funny. "I'm adventurous" is generic. Mentioning that you once got lost in Tokyo for six hours and ended up at the best ramen spot of your life? That's a story.

Instead of listing adjectives about yourself, give her a tiny window into your life.

2. Give her something to respond to

Think of your bio as a conversation starter. Include specific details that invite questions or comments.

Bad: "I love to travel." Better: "Currently planning a trip to Portugal—any Lisbon recommendations?"

Bad: "Food is my passion." Better: "I make a mean carbonara, but my attempts at Thai food have been... humbling."

3. Keep it light

Your bio isn't the place for deep life philosophy or vulnerability. Save that for date three. Right now, you're just trying to seem like someone who'd be fun to grab a drink with.

A Simple Framework

If you're staring at a blank bio wondering where to start, try this structure:

Line 1: Something specific about your life or personality (ideally with a hint of humor) Line 2: An interest or hobby with a concrete detail Line 3: A light question or invitation for conversation

Here's an example:

"Marketing by day, terrible DJ by night (my neighbors can confirm). Currently on a mission to find the best tacos in the city—open to recommendations. Also, I think pineapple on pizza is fine and I will die on this hill."

This works because:

• The DJ joke shows self-awareness and humor
• The taco mission gives her something to respond to
• The pizza opinion is playful and invites friendly debate

Length Matters

Some apps give you 500 characters. You don't need to use them all.

In fact, shorter is often better. Three punchy lines beat five rambling paragraphs. She's making quick decisions—make yours easy to read.

That said, an empty bio or just an Instagram handle sends a message too: that you're not really invested in actually meeting someone. Low effort in, low effort out.

The Emoji Question

Use them sparingly, if at all. One or two can add personality. A bio that reads like a rebus puzzle with 🏃‍♂️🍕✈️🎸 tells her nothing except that you own a phone manufactured after 2010.

When in doubt, just write words like a human.

Test and Iterate

Here's something most guys don't realize: you can change your bio whenever you want. If something isn't working, try something new.

Pay attention to which matches mention your bio or ask you about something specific from it. That's signal that it's working. If nobody ever references it, maybe it needs a refresh.

The Real Point

Your bio won't make or break you on its own. Great photos with a mediocre bio will still get matches. But a thoughtful bio does something important: it gives her a reason to be curious about you specifically.

And in a sea of "just ask" and "looking for my partner in crime," standing out is easier than you think. Just be specific, be light, and sound like an actual person.

That's really all it takes.