Here is a 2500+ word blog post on the topic of symbols and icons used in the Tinder dating app:
The ABCs of Tinder: Deciphering the Icons and Symbols of Mobile Dating
Swipe right for romance and left to dismiss – such is the fickle nature of searching for love on Tinder. As one of the pioneering "swipe-based" dating apps, Tinder skillfully gamified the quest for romantic matches by making it as easy as a flick of the finger. But while Tinder‘s interface stays reassuringly consistent compared to social media titans like Facebook and Twitter that can‘t seem to stop revamping their homepages, users may still puzzle over some of the more esoteric symbols dotted around the app.
This guide will decode the meaning behind Tinder‘s icons and symbols, providing the insider knowledge needed to become a swiping pro.
The Tinder feed is front and center when you launch the app. This is where users are presented with a series of profile pictures which they can swipe left or right on. But Tinder provides more nuanced ways to express interest or dislike thanks to handy symbols and buttons. Let‘s break them down:
Rewind Button
Symbol: Circular arrow icon
The rewind button is an invaluable asset for the swipe-happy Tinder user who accidentally rejects someone they‘re interested in connecting with. Tapping on the circular reverse arrow icon brings back the last profile viewed, giving the trigger-fingered dater a valuable second chance.
Unfortunately, rewind abilities are only available to Tinder Plus and Gold subscribers. Non-paying members will simply have to lament the one who got away.
Red X
Symbol: Red letter X icon
The red X icon serves the same purpose as the classic left swipe gesture – rejecting a prospect and progressing to the next potential suitor in line. For daters with mobility issues who find endlessly swiping burdensome, or those seeking a more decisive tap-based approach, the red X button delivers all the rejecting convenience needed on demand.
Blue Star
Symbol: Blue star icon
Swiping up on a profile image or tapping the blue star icon triggers Tinder‘s Super Like function. Bestowing a Super Like indicates that special je ne sais quoi quality a dater believes makes someone stand out from the pack. It‘s flattering and expresses heightened interest.
The blue star icon adjacent to the profile name then alerts the recipient to the Super Like when they review their list of admirers. But to avoid spamming matches with blue star overload, Tinder users are restricted to dishing out just one per day unless they subscribe to Tinder Plus or Gold.
Green Heart
Symbol: Green heart icon
The green heart icon mirrors the action of swiping right – indicating interest and hoping for an all-important match. Swiping right has always been Tinder‘s most iconic and familiar call to action. But having the green heart alternative introduces a universally recognized symbol of affection into the mix while also giving users‘ fingers some swiping relief.
Purple Lightning Bolt
Symbol: Jagged purple lightning icon
Online dating can sometimes feel akin to wandering unnoticed into a lively party where everyone has already paired off into intimate conversations. For times when standing out from the crowd becomes critical, premium Tinder subscribers can deploy the purple lightning icon to give their profile a moment in the spotlight.
Triggering the lightning bolt prompts Tinder to "boost" a profile, catapulting it to prime visibility within the feed‘s first few swipe-worthy candidates for 30 whole minutes. Like a well-placed Instagram ad, the boosted profile zaps its way straight into more eyeballs and engagement opportunities. But beware lightning bolt abuse, as Plus members are allotted only one such monthly boost with the option to purchase more at Tinder‘s discretion.
While swiping through the feed absorbs much Tinder time, a variety of utility icons along the bottom menu also contribute to an optimal matchmaking experience.
Tinder Flame Logo
No need to summon firefighting services – the Tinder logo has proudly incorporated a stylized flame icon as part of its branding from the very start. Tapping it navigates users straight back to the home feed they know and love after checking out other sections in the app.
Magnifying Glass
Symbol: Magnifying glass icon
The magnifying glass icon opens Tinder‘s hashtag-friendly Explore section. More social media-esque than the basic feed, Explore allows users to get specific about their match preferences by joining interest groups, checking out events near them, or perusing verified profiles. Daters tired of swiping garden-variety singles near the usual haunts will welcome the expanded search capabilities.
Gold Star
Symbol: Golden star icon
While the classic swipe symbols divulge who users are interested in connecting with, the gold star icon reveals who‘s already taken an interest in them. It taps into a Tinder feature called Likes You, which exclusively allows paying subscribers the tantalizing option to browse profiles that have already "liked" their page. For Plus and Gold members seeking to cut to the chase and focus on their existing prospects, the gold star grants them valuable insight.
Speech Bubble
Symbol: Cartoonish dialogue bubble icon
Once matches get made and contact information is exchanged, the speech bubble icon catalogs all ongoing conversations and connections for easy access. Daters toggling between multiple message threads will find this handy hub indispensable. And for Tinder Platinum customers, even the identities of admirers yet to initiate conversations will be sneakily unveiled here as well.
Human Icon
Symbol: Generic human silhouette
Last but not least, the icon depicting a gender-neutral body pulls up every Tinder user‘s coveted profile page. Outside of the carefully curated profile pictures designed to impress, customizing the freeform bio section represents a critical opportunity to display authentic personality. Savvy daters invest time writing clever, unusual bios peppered with pop culture references, quirky lists of favorites and an intriguing conversation starter or two.
Tinder tenaciously clings to its text messaging roots as conversations between matches play out exclusively via old-fashioned words – at least at first. But the following icons effectively sprinkle in some multimedia messaging capabilities once promising rapport gets established.
Video Camera
Symbol: Blue video camera icon
Once chemistry seems apparent within a messaging thread, either party can tap the video camera icon to initiate Tinder‘s face-to-face calling feature Tinder Face to Face. Being functionally similar to FaceTime, two-way video clips the stilted feeling of written conversation and adds the dimension of actually witnessing your match‘s visage, expressions and lip movements in real life to determine if physical attraction translates beyond mere profile pictures.
Blue Shield
Symbol: Jagged medieval-style shield
Alas, not all Tinder encounters result in happily ever afters. For times when matches make daters feel threatened, excessively uncomfortable or cross boundaries, Tinder wants users to feel safe access blocking, reporting and unmatching tools. Tapping the shield conjures up a menu of self-protective options to quickly cease all undesirable communication.
Consider the Tinder shield as the personal bodyguard standing by to whisk daters away from unsavory scenarios.
Red Heart
Symbol: Red heart icon
Securing mutual matches on Tinder already implies a base level of romantic interest between parties. But sprinkling additional red heart icons throughout the ensuing conversation adds a visible layer of positive reinforcement when clever jokes land or sweet nothings get uttered. Consider them mini rewards for progressively building rapport through the written word.
GIF Button
Symbol: Mini film strip
Once conversations lose a bit of their initial polish and participants get more familiar with each other‘s sensibilities, the GIF option ushers in opportunities to be more playful and silly within messages. Humorous reaction GIFs pull from the full canon of pop culture and never fail to amuse while also condensing complex emotions into bite-sized animations. Though overusing GIFs risks compromising meaningful conversation, an occasional meme or two keeps the mood light.
Steadily plodding through Tinder swipe by swipe with little to show for the invested time can certainly be discouraging. But mastering the many icons placing additional capabilities and insights at your fingertips makes finding promising matches feel less like a game of chance.
While premium features do allow serious daters to amp up their prospects, don‘t underestimate the basic tools already available on Tinder‘s free tier. Simply reading profiles carefully and using Super Likes prudently guides free users‘ eyes toward compatible candidates too.
Stay patient, embrace the icons and happy swiping!
