From Zero to Hero: How to get more likes on Badoo

Heading into 2026, Badoo remains a powerhouse in the dating world, attracting millions of active users across the globe. It provides a massive landscape to encounter diverse personalities and establish deep, lasting bonds. Yet, the quality of your experience often boils down to how your profile performs. In this fast-paced digital environment, likes act as a vital form of social currency, making your account appear more attractive and credible to others. Unfortunately, many users find it difficult to gain consistent traction, missing out on the attention they deserve.

Improving your standing is actually quite manageable with the right approach. In this guide, we will break down the most effective techniques for how to get more likes on badoo. By refining your presence with these expert tips, you will quickly see a surge in visibility, paving the way for more matches and higher-quality connections.

Why getting more likes on Badoo is important?

Likes are the fundamental way to express interest on Badoo, acting as a digital "hello" that signals mutual attraction. When you secure a like, it transforms a static profile into a potential conversation, bridging the gap between a stranger and a match. In 2026, understanding the mechanics of where these likes originate is essential for maximizing your dating success.

The platform utilizes two primary interfaces: Badoo Encounters and People Nearby. The Encounters feature is a fast-paced swiping game; the more likes you receive here, the more the algorithm boosts your visibility to other users. In contrast, People Nearby displays a grid of profiles based on physical proximity. Maintaining a high like count ensures you remain a featured profile in this local view, making you more prominent to those in your immediate area.

You can start engaging by tapping the second icon on the bottom left for Encounters or the first icon for local browsing. Swipe right or tap the heart to show interest, or swipe left to pass. By focusing on how to get more likes on Badoo, you ensure your profile remains a priority across both interfaces, significantly increasing your chances of finding a meaningful connection.

How to get more likes on Badoo for guys: 10 Badoo hacks

Getting more likes on Badoo in 2026 isn't just about being lucky; it’s about understanding the internal mechanics of the app and how to present the best version of yourself to the algorithm. When you optimize your profile correctly, you increase your visibility and help the system connect you with potential matches who are actually likely to swipe right. For guys looking to boost their popularity on the dating app, these ten strategic hacks will help you stand out in a crowded digital landscape. Not sure where to start? Get expert insights on how to optimize your profile and elevate your dating game.

1. Prioritize high-quality, varied pictures

An excellent first impression is non-negotiable on Badoo. Since your profile picture is the very first thing potential matches see, it functions as your primary hook. A crisp portrait, shot in natural lighting with a clean, uncluttered background, is essential. This image should accurately represent what you look like today, not three years ago. It is widely estimated in the dating industry that a strong profile picture contributes to nearly 80% of your success in securing likes.

Beyond the main photo, you need to provide a complete narrative of your life through your gallery. You must upload at least three to five pictures because anything less fails to communicate your personality. To make a better impression, try to include:

• A high-resolution shot that highlights your facial features clearly.
• An "activity" shot that shows you engaging in a hobby, like playing an instrument or hiking.
• A social shot, perhaps at an event or a cafe, to show you have a life outside of your phone.
• A full-body shot that shows your style and physique in a natural way.

The goal is to appear approachable, positive, and active in your natural element.

2. Get Badoo Profile Verification immediately

In 2026, trust is the most valuable currency in online dating. One of the fastest ways to increase your like count is to obtain Badoo Profile Verification. This process gives you the coveted blue checkmark, which signals to the community—and more importantly, the Badoo algorithm—that you are a real person and not a bot or a catfish.

Many female users specifically use filters to only see verified profiles. If you haven't gone through the quick photo-verification process, you are essentially invisible to a large portion of the user base. Having that blue checkmark instantly lowers the "stranger danger" barrier, making women much more comfortable swiping right on you. It’s a simple hack that provides an immediate boost in credibility and visibility.

3. Skip the shirtless gym selfies

It is a common misconception among guys that showing off six-pack abs is the fastest way to get likes. While staying fit is great, showing off your body in a mirror selfie or a gym shot often backfires. It can come across as vain or overly focused on hookup culture, which might alienate the very people you want to attract.

If you want to increase your likes, it’s far more effective to wear a well-fitting favorite shirt and offer a genuine, attractive smile. This makes you appear approachable, "cute," and warm. If you must show off your physique, do it naturally—like a photo of you at the beach or playing beach volleyball—where the context justifies the lack of a shirt.

4. Move past the standard selfie

Selfies are notoriously bad for dating profiles. The close proximity of the phone camera often deforms your facial features, making your nose look larger or your face appear asymmetrical. Instead of a selfie, use a well-taken portrait picture.

You don't need a professional photographer; a well-lit portrait taken by a friend using a modern smartphone in "Portrait Mode" can work wonders. This provides a sense of depth and focus that a selfie simply can't match. It shows effort and gives potential matches a much clearer, more accurate idea of what you look like in real life.

5. Limit the number of group pictures

Group pictures can be a major hurdle for someone quickly swiping through profiles. If your first or second photo is a group shot, potential matches have to play a game of "Where's Waldo" to figure out which one you are. If they can’t identify you within two seconds, they will likely swipe left.

While one group photo can be useful to show that you are social and have friends, it should never be your primary photo. Keep the focus on yourself. Use clear, solo shots to ensure there is no confusion about who the profile belongs to.

6. Optimize your bio with specific hooks

After your photos, the bio is the most important part of your profile, yet many guys leave it blank or write something generic like "just looking to see what's out there." This is a wasted opportunity.

Your bio is your chance to showcase your humor and personality. Write a compelling bio that accurately represents your interests and what you’re looking for. Mentioning a specific hobby or a quirky fact about yourself provides a "hook" that makes it easier for someone to start a conversation with you. Be creative, use humor, and keep it brief but impactful.

7. Leverage the Interests feature to game the algorithm

The Interests feature on Badoo is one of the most underutilized tools for getting more likes. By selecting specific interests, you aren't just telling people what you like; you are feeding data to the algorithm. The Badoo algorithm uses these tags to show your profile to people with similar tastes in the "People Nearby" and "Encounters" sections.

Don’t just pick generic interests like "music" or "movies." Be specific. If you like "indie rock" or "sci-fi novels," add those. This "niches down" your profile, making you more attractive to a specific subset of users. When the algorithm sees a high match in interests, it prioritizes your profile in their deck, leading to a much higher percentage of likes from people who actually share your lifestyle.

8. Use a creative and personalized opening line

In 2026, "Hey" or "Hi" is essentially a guaranteed way to be ignored. To get more likes and keep the momentum going into a match, you need to be creative. When you get the chance to message or send a comment, pick something specific from their profile.

Ask a question about one of their photos or comment on a shared interest you noticed via their tags. Avoid being creepy or overly focused on physical appearance. Instead, aim for something you would actually use in a real-life conversation to introduce yourself. A personalized approach shows that you actually read their profile, which is a rare quality that many women appreciate.

9. Be active and swipe with intention

Activity levels directly correlate with visibility. Badoo rewards users who are consistently active on the app. By swiping daily and keeping your profile updated, you signal to the app that you are an "engaged" user, which keeps you at the top of the stack for others.

However, you must avoid "mass swiping" (swiping right on everyone). In 2026, Badoo’s algorithm can detect mindless swiping and may flag your account as a bot or lower your "desirability score," which reduces how many people see you. Be selective. Only like the girls you are genuinely interested in. This improves your match-to-like ratio, which tells the algorithm that your profile is high-quality, leading to even more visibility.

10. Strategically use Badoo Premium features

If you are serious about maximizing your reach, Badoo Premium (and features like Superpowers) can provide a significant edge. These features allow you to see who liked you first, highlight your messages, and use "invisible mode" to browse profiles.

Specifically, use the "Extra Show" or "Rise Up" features during peak hours (usually Sunday evenings) to put your profile at the very top of the local deck. Taking advantage of these localization and visibility tools can result in a massive influx of likes in a short period, helping you break through the noise of the standard free experience.

How to get better likes on Badoo for girls: 7 Badoo tips

As we move through 2026, the digital dating landscape on Badoo has shifted. It’s no longer just about the sheer number of likes you get; it’s about the quality of the connections you’re making. If you feel like your inbox is full of the wrong matches, it is time to refine your strategy. By making a few intentional adjustments to your profile and behavior, you can attract the type of high-value men you actually want to meet.

Let's see what can work in your favor:

1. Define your ideal match: Instead of trying to be the girl for everyone, try to be the girl for someone specific. When you try to appeal to the masses, your profile often becomes generic and forgettable. Define the traits, hobbies, and values of the guy you actually want to attract, and then tailor your language to reflect that. If you want someone adventurous, talk about your last hiking trip. If you want someone who values quiet nights, mention your favorite book or niche documentaries. Being specific acts as a natural filter, attracting people who resonate with your actual lifestyle.

2. Prioritize Profile Verification: One of the quickest ways to upgrade the quality of your likes is to utilize Profile Verification. In 2026, trust is the most valuable currency in online dating. When you verify your account, you get a badge that signals you are a real person. More importantly, this feature allows you to filter your settings so that you primarily interact with other verified users. High-value men who are serious about finding a real connection often look for this badge first to avoid bots and catfish. It instantly elevates your status and security on the app.

3. Leverage specific Interests: The Badoo Interests section is one of the most effective tools for boosting the quality of your matches. Don’t just pick broad, boring categories like "Music" or "Movies." Dig deeper into the subcategories. Use specific tags that reflect your unique personality, such as "Vintage Vinyl," "Organic Gardening," or "Sustainable Fashion." When you select niche interests, the Badoo algorithm does a much better job of placing your profile in front of men who share those exact passions. It provides an immediate talking point and proves you have put effort into your presence.

4. Ditch the selfies for high-quality portraits: While a quick mirror selfie is easy, it rarely does you justice. Selfies can often look distorted or low-effort, which might attract low-effort likes. Instead, use well-lit, high-resolution portrait shots. You do not need a professional photographer; most smartphones now have incredible portrait modes that create a beautiful, professional-looking depth of field. Ask a friend to take a few shots of you in natural light. These photos look more intentional and present you as someone who takes their dating life seriously.

5. Be highly selective with your swipes: It is tempting to swipe right on everyone just to see who likes you back, but this actually hurts your visibility in the long run. The Badoo algorithm tracks your behavior to determine your "type." If you like every profile you see, the app doesn't know how to categorize you. By being selective and only liking guys who genuinely catch your eye, you train the algorithm. Over time, you will notice that the profiles appearing in your stack are much more aligned with your actual preferences.

6. Add engagement baits to your bio: Give potential matches an easy way to start a conversation. An engagement bait is a specific question or a fun, polarizing opinion included in your bio or prompt answers. For example, instead of saying "I like coffee," try "I'm on a mission to find the best espresso martini in the city—any recommendations?" This makes it incredibly easy for a guy to send a thoughtful opening message rather than a boring "Hey" or "How are you?"

7. Maintain consistent, intentional activity: Badoo rewards active users by keeping their profiles near the top of the deck. If you haven't logged in for a week, your profile visibility sinks. You do not need to spend hours on the app; just a few minutes a day of thoughtful swiping and responding to messages keeps your profile "warm." This consistent activity ensures you remain visible to the most active, high-quality users who are currently looking for a match.

Bonus tip: Swipe faster to skip ads

If you want to bypass the slow grind and see immediate results, investing in visibility tools is a total game-changer. Instead of waiting for the algorithm to naturally surface your profile over time, you can take direct control of your reach. To generate a massive spike in likes right now, consider these strategic options:

• Extra Shows: This feature pushes your profile to the very top of the "Encounters" stack for local users. It acts as a massive visibility boost, ensuring you are seen by a high volume of potential matches almost instantly.
• Rise Up: By spending your Badoo Credits, you can jump to the front of the queue in your city. This is most effective during peak usage hours in 2026, such as Sunday nights, when user activity reaches its weekly high.

Investing in Badoo Premium provides a sophisticated suite of tools designed to maximize your dating potential. Beyond simple visibility, these features allow you to see exactly who has already liked your profile, letting you skip the guessing game and start meaningful conversations immediately.

While Badoo is an awesome platform for finding everything from casual dates to meaningful relationships, a strategic boost can redefine your experience. By combining these premium tools with a polished profile and consistent activity—like checking your messages and engaging with others—you will maximize your presence and improve your overall results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not getting any likes on Badoo?

You are not getting likes on Badoo because your profile likely lacks the depth or visual variety needed to attract other users. If you are struggling to find success, we recommend filling out every section of your profile to give the algorithm more data to work with. Adding several high-quality images and being honest about your unique interests helps you stand out. By the standards of 2026, a complete and verified profile is essential for building trust and catching the eye of potential matches.

How to get matches in Badoo?

You get matches on Badoo by presenting an authentic and well-curated version of yourself that encourages others to engage. While there is no magic trick for how to get more likes on Badoo, following a consistent strategy will significantly improve your visibility.

A Variety of Pictures: You should upload at least four photos that show you in different environments, including a clear headshot and a photo of you doing a hobby. No Shirtless Pics: You should avoid using shirtless photos as your primary profile picture, as these often result in fewer quality matches. Experiment with Your Pictures: You can improve your results by rotating your photos every few weeks to see which specific image generates the most engagement. An Interesting Bio: You need an engaging bio that highlights your personality or asks a question to make it easier for others to start a conversation. Creative Opening Lines: You will see better results if you avoid generic greetings and instead reference a specific detail from a match's profile. Keep Swiping: You must remain active on the app daily, as regular activity keeps your profile at the top of the discovery stack for others. List Your Interests: You should utilize the interest tags to help the platform connect you with people who share your specific passions.

Which city uses Badoo the most?

Athens is the city that uses Badoo the most according to data ranking the world's most active social hubs. The Greek capital topped the "World Flirtation League," which ranked cities based on the number of online flirtations initiated per month by the average user. While the app is popular globally in 2026, Athens remains the leader for user engagement and interaction frequency. If you are looking for the highest concentration of active users, this Mediterranean city is the undisputed champion.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of digital dating in 2026 comes down to a mix of authenticity and a bit of technical savvy. We’ve covered everything from choosing the right lighting for your photos to writing a bio that actually sparks a conversation. By focusing on these core elements, you are setting yourself up for success on one of the world's most popular social discovery apps.

Final Verdict

There is no magic button for instant popularity, but consistency is your best friend. To truly boost your presence and understand how to get more likes on Badoo, you need to be an active participant who keeps their content fresh and engaging.

Key Action Items:

• Refresh your gallery: Update your photos every few months to stay relevant in the stack.
• Verify your account: That verification badge goes a long way in building trust with potential matches.
• Engage authentically: Focus on quality over quantity by sending thoughtful openers.

Your journey from zero to hero starts with that first profile tweak. Head over to the app, apply these tips, and watch your match rate climb.