Swipe Right Into 2025: Dr. Jess O’Reilly’s Tips For Conquering Dating Sunday

The new year brings fresh opportunities—and for singles, January 5 is the ultimate chance to make connections. Known as Dating Sunday, it’s the busiest day of the year for online dating, with Tinder reporting a 20% surge in activity. Whether you’re looking for love or just testing the waters, it’s the perfect time to manifest your dating goals. We sat down with Tinder Canada’s relationship expert, Dr. Jess O’Reilly, to learn how to make the most of this swipe-fueled day. From profile updates to leaning on friends, here’s how to start 2025 with meaningful matches. —Noa Nichol

Why do you think Dating Sunday sees such a surge in online dating activity compared to other times of the year?

In the simplest terms: new year, new possibilities! Dating Sunday sees a surge in online dating activity because it aligns with the natural rhythms of the new year when people are motivated to embrace change and set fresh goals. There are a few contributing factors driving this trend:

• New Year’s Resolutions: Singles often include personal growth and relationships in their new year goals. As part of “new year, new you” resolutions, many decide to invest more effort in their love lives, making Dating Sunday an ideal starting point.
• Post-holiday Reflection: The holiday season can highlight feelings of loneliness for those without a partner or simply provide the time and space for self-reflection. This can motivate singles to seek connections, leading to heightened dating activity as the new year begins.
• Peak Optimism and Energy: The first Sunday of the year typically comes after the rest and relaxation of the holiday break. People are energized, optimistic, and ready to engage with others, resulting in nearly 20% higher swipe activity and a 10% increase in matches versus the annual average, according to data from Tinder.

These combined factors make Dating Sunday a unique confluence of optimism, opportunity, and intentionality.

What are some common mistakes singles make on Dating Sunday, and how can they avoid them?

The increased excitement and pressure to capitalize on the busiest online dating day of the year can lead to a few missteps. Here are some potential pitfalls and tips to avoid them:

• Sending generic messages: With so many messages exchanged on Dating Sunday, a basic “Hi” or “How are you?” is more likely to be ignored. Personalize your opening message by referencing something unique in the match’s profile. Show genuine interest by asking a thoughtful question or tying in a creative conversation starter, such as asking about their New Year’s resolutions or sharing a quirky fact about yourself.
• Neglecting to communicate intentions clearly: Being vague about what you’re looking for can lead to mismatched connections and wasted energy. Embrace the “Loud Looking” trend, as outlined in Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report, by stating your preferences and goals upfront in your profile or early conversations. This fosters meaningful matches with like-minded daters.
• Focusing solely on quantity over quality: Attempting to match or message as many people as possible can dilute efforts and lead to surface-level interactions. Instead, prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on a few promising matches, and invest time in meaningful conversations to build stronger connections.

What’s the best way to make a Tinder profile stand out during Peak Dating Season?

During Peak Dating Season, over 486 Tinder bios are edited per minute, so keeping your profile fresh and relevant is paramount. Here are some tips and tricks that can increase your chances of making meaningful connections.

• Be authentically you: Daters are valuing authenticity and “realness” more than ever. With this in mind, I recommend users include details on their profile that help express their unique and authentic personality! Add a fresh bio that highlights your 2025 goals or unique hobbies to spark meaningful conversations. And be upfront about what you’re looking for.
• Lean on technology: Tinder has an AI-powered verification feature that requires a video selfie to help users identify who’s real and who’s a bot or catfish. This can be particularly helpful in cuffing season when activity is high and daters are eager!  This feature has already boosted matches, as users feel more confident that their potential match is genuine and looks like their photos. In the 18-25 age group, being Photo Verified increases the chance of matching by 10%.
  • Users can also take advantage of a feature called Photo Selector when they’re having trouble picking a profile pic. Since Tinder found that 52% of singles struggle with choosing the perfect photo, this AI-driven feature takes the hassle out of the process. And at the end, you still have the final say on which photo gets uploaded!
• Snap several pics: On the topic of photos, select images (selfies, group pics, what have you!)  that genuinely reflect your personality and show who you are. When it comes to heterosexual men, Tinder found that most single women prefer profiles with at least four images that show potential matches who they really are. Men who include more than one face photo in their profiles increase their chances of matching with women by 71%. (Source.)
  

How can singles use astrology in their dating profiles to connect more effectively, especially with the rising interest in astrological love predictions?

Astrology is becoming a popular conversation starter with nearly 40% of surveyed singles saying it influences their dating choices. I think that many people turn to astrology as a way to gain insights into their romantic compatibility, often using zodiac signs as a guide for understanding personality traits, communication styles, and emotional needs in relationships. 

Beyond understanding different signs of compatibility, astrology is a great conversation starter and a definite profile enhancer,  no matter where someone falls on the astrology spectrum. Moreover, when astrological profiles highlight something about your personality, expectations, behaviour or experience, you may find yourself more likely to reflect, take action or talk about what you’re feeling with a friend, for example. This introspection and communication can lead to new perspectives — whether you agree with astrological predictions or not.

What advice would you give to someone who’s nervous about diving back into online dating at the start of the year?

Start with small, achievable steps. Update your profile, set clear intentions, and use features like Tinder Matchmaker to involve friends for support and perspective. Remember that dating is about exploring possibilities, not about perfect outcomes. Embrace trends like “Nano-ships” to find joy in micro-connections and build momentum at your own pace.

With so many matches and messages being exchanged on Dating Sunday, what are your tips for crafting a compelling opening message?

A great opening message is specific, thoughtful, and engaging. Mention something unique from their profile to show genuine interest. You could also tie in fun new-year themes, like asking about their resolutions or sharing an intriguing goal you have. Messages with originality tend to resonate more during Peak Dating Season when conversations are at an all-time high.

Why is it important to involve friends in the dating process, and how can features like Tinder’s Matchmaker help facilitate this?

When we partake in any activity on our own, we have a tendency to overthink, which can lead to cognitive distortions (e.g. catastrophic thinking or fortune-telling); when we invite others (friends and family) into the process, tensions ease and we tend to approach dating from a more realistic lens, which often leads to more positive experiences. 

Tinder Matchmaker lets users invite their loved ones to role-play cupid, and recommend potential matches directly in the app, regardless of whether they have a Tinder profile or not. Keeping your friends and family in the loop about your dating life can give you a whole new perspective on how things are going. It’s like getting a bird’s-eye view—sometimes they’ll spot things, good and bad, that you might have missed.

In general, people tend to feel more supported when their friends and family cheer them on in their dating adventures. Bringing loved ones into the loop can really boost their encouragement.

What role does intentionality play in online dating success, and how can singles align their dating goals with what truly matters to them in 2025?

According to Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2024 Report, nearly 20% of internationally surveyed singles reported that they are creating vision boards to manifest their ideal relationships for the year ahead. This shows us that singles are really embracing what they want and need in their dating lives, refusing to settle and getting more specific than ever before about what it is they’re looking for in relationships. 

Intentionality is at the heart of dating trends like “Loud Looking,” where singles clearly articulate their desires. Reflect on what matters most to you—whether it’s shared values, trustworthiness, or emotional availability—and update your profile to reflect those priorities. This approach not only attracts aligned matches but also fosters deeper, more meaningful connections.

What trends are you predicting for dating in 2025, and how can singles prepare to embrace them?

Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that singles are entering the year with a whole new vibe—more fun, more spontaneity, but with a lot more clarity on what they want. Whether it’s “Loud Looking,” “Kiss-mets,” or “Nano-ships,” people are getting intentional about their dating goals and focusing on building real, authentic connections. The whole trend is moving away from playing games and leaning into relationships that actually mean something. It’s about being serious without taking yourself too seriously. 

• “Loud Looking” is a key trend of 2024, where singles are being unapologetically clear about what they want. No more vague bios or mixed signals—people are stating their intentions upfront, whether they’re looking for something casual or long-term. As we move into 2025, expect even more intentionality in dating, with fewer misunderstandings and more authentic connections. It’s all about being direct, honest, and confident in your dating journey
• Kiss-mets: It’s the modern take on the classic meet-cute. Dating is moving away from strict “rules” and embracing spontaneous, magical connections. This year, we’re seeing more Kiss-mets—serendipitous moments that make for real, unplanned chemistry. 
• Nano-ships: Even the smallest romantic interactions matter. Whether it’s an “eyecontactship” or a “textuationship,” singles are finding meaning in every micro-connection. These moments are no longer trivial but full of possibility
  

How can singles maintain momentum after Dating Sunday and carry that energy through the rest of Peak Dating Season?

Stay proactive by keeping your profile dynamic and your conversations fresh. Continue to set intentions so that you remain clear on what you’re looking for — from enjoying new connections to exploring something more serious. Consider your values and desires more generally as opposed to setting a rigid set of expectations. Note that your intentions may change as you open yourself up to possibilities, so give yourself grace and flexibility. And don’t forget to celebrate small wins, like meaningful conversations or exciting dates, and use these moments to fuel your motivation. Staying open to unexpected connections will keep the energy alive throughout Peak Season.