We've introduced a new way to start conversations on Bumble. As part of this update, Opening Moves are no longer part of the experience.
Instead of just one person making the first move, you both get one opening message before the chat fully unlocks.
Start strong! A great opening message shows genuine interest and gives the other person something to respond to. Once they've replied, the chat will open, and you can continue the conversation as normal.
This works the same way for everyone and is designed to help spark better connections by:
- Showing other members that you're genuinely interested
- Encouraging more thoughtful, engaging first messages
- Reducing low-effort messages like "hey" or "hi"
- Helping both people actively participate in starting the conversation
How it works
- You both have 72 hours from matching to send your opening message
- If one person sends their message first, the other person will have 72 hours from that point to reply
- If neither person sends a message within 72 hours of matching, the match will expire
- If you send someone a Note, this also counts as an opening message
Make your opening message stand out
If you type a very simple opener like “hi” or “hey,” you may see a gentle suggestion to make your message more personal.
These prompts are designed to help you make a stronger first impression and get conversations off to a great start.
Your message won’t be blocked, and you can still send it as is or edit it based on the suggestions.
Please note: you can edit your opening message once within 5 minutes of sending it. The edited version will replace your original message, and editing it won’t reset any timers.
Tips for a great opening message
Need a little inspiration? Try:
- Asking a specific question about their profile
- Referencing a shared interest or photo
- Starting a fun mini-game like “two truths and a lie”
A great opener makes it easier for the other person to reply and helps get the conversation going!