Are Tinder Likes Real?

Ever wondered if those Tinder likes you see are actually real? Well, I've got good news for you - they are! But there's more to the story than just that simple answer.

We've spent countless hours researching this topic and talking to many Tinder users here at SwipeLog.

In this post, we'll talk about:

• Tinder likes are real (but with some catches)
• What happens to profiles you've already swiped left on
• How Tinder bends the rules with distance settings
• Why some likes might be from inactive users
• The truth about "hidden" profiles
• Whether upgrading to Tinder Gold or Platinum is worth it

The Truth About Tinder Likes

Yes, Tinder Likes Are Real (But There's a Catch)

When you're using the free version of Tinder, you might see a tantalizing number of likes waiting for you behind a paywall. It's tempting to think these are fake, just to get you to buy a subscription. But here's the scoop: those likes are from real people!

We've talked to many SwipeLog users who upgraded from free to Gold or Platinum accounts. They all confirmed that the likes were genuine. Tinder isn't creating fake profiles to boost numbers and make you pay.

But (and it's a big but), there are some important things you need to know about these likes.

Some Likes Are from Profiles You've Already Passed On

Here's something that might surprise you: some of those likes are from people you've already swiped left on. Weird, right?

When you swipe left on someone on the main screen, they don't disappear from your "Likes You" section. They stick around until you swipe left on them there too.

So, if you've been using the free version for a while and then upgrade, you might be a bit disappointed. You'll probably recognize some profiles you've already seen and weren't interested in.

Tinder Plays Fast and Loose with Distance Settings

We think this is Tinder's sneakiest trick. They sometimes override your distance preferences, even when you're using Boosts.

Let's say you've set your range to 20 miles. You might still get likes from people 200 miles away! It's not a glitch - it's by design.

Our theory is that Tinder briefly shows your profile in far-away places with fewer users. This gives you a temporary popularity boost and racks up more likes.

It feels great when you're using Boosts because you get more matches. But it's a bit of a cheat since these people are way outside your set range.

Some Likes Might Be from Inactive Users

Imagine you've been saving up your likes for months, watching that number grow. You finally decide to upgrade after hitting 100+ likes. Exciting, right?

Well, here's the thing: some of those users might not be active anymore. Three months is a long time in the world of online dating. Some folks might have found someone special, while others might have just deleted the app.

So don't get discouraged if you message these likes and don't hear back. It's not you - they might just not be around anymore.

Why You Might Want to Upgrade After All

Now, here's the real kicker: some of these profiles that have liked you will never show up in your main swiping section. Tinder actually hides them from you!

We've confirmed this with many users. You can even test it yourself if you have a premium membership. Just use the app normally, and you'll get likes. Don't do anything in the "Liked You" section; just keep swiping. You'll notice that about half of those profiles never appear in your regular stack.

This is Tinder's clever marketing strategy to get you to pay up. They're dangling potential matches just out of reach.

Is Upgrading to Tinder Gold or Platinum Worth It?

The Advantages of Paid Memberships

We've talked before about why online dating can be tough for guys. Gold or Platinum users definitely have an edge over free users. They get unlimited likes and their profiles get a boost in visibility.

But the biggest advantage? They can see all those hidden profiles that Tinder keeps from free users.

Our Recommendation

If you're getting a decent number of likes and can afford it, upgrading to Gold (or even better, Platinum) could be a good move. Your results are likely to improve.

Here's a budget-friendly way to use paid memberships:

1. Wait until you have about 50 likes
2. Buy a one-month membership
3. Go through all those likes (swipe left or right)
4. Use your included Boost to get even more matches
5. Cancel your membership at the end of the month

This strategy gives you great value. Out of those 50+ likes, you'll probably get at least 10 interesting matches to chat with. Plus, you can immediately see who likes you during your Boost, thanks to your active membership.

Wrapping Up

So, are Tinder likes real? Yes, they are! But now you know there's more to the story. Some might be from people you've already passed on, some might be from far away, and some might be from inactive users.

The most interesting discovery? Tinder hides some profiles from free users, only revealing them if you upgrade.

If you're serious about online dating and getting the most out of Tinder, consider trying out a Gold or Platinum membership.

Happy swiping, and good luck out there in the world of online dating!