“Tick tock, tick tock”…the countdown timer shows only 2 minutes and 37 seconds remaining in your Bumble Speed Date. Do you want to know what this countdown is for?
To cut a long story short, it is an exciting fast-paced game where in just a few minutes, you get matched and start chatting with potential matches without seeing their profile or picture first. It’s simply a fun and easy way to make genuine connections.
Excited to know more about this game? Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Bumble Speed Dating. Let’s get started!
What is Bumble Speed Dating?
Bumble Speed Dating is a chat game inside the Bumble dating app. Every Thursday from 7 PM to 8 PM in your local time, you can opt into the Speed Dating game by tapping the stopwatch icon.
You’ll then be matched randomly with other Bumble users who also opted into the experience based on your set match preferences like age range and location radius.
The twist is that you only have 3 minutes to chat with each match, and you can’t see their pictures or profiles during that time.
After the short chat, you’ll get the option to extend the match if you both felt a connection, opening up a regular Bumble chat where you can continue getting to know each other. If there’s no interest from either party, you simply move on to the next quick date!
The purpose of Bumble Speed Dating is to encourage making connections based on personality rather than just looks. With conversations timed to just 3 minutes, the pressure is on you to be charming, ask questions, and put your best self forward if you want to make an impression and stand out from the crowd.
When to Play Bumble Speed Dating
Bumble’s Speed Dating game happens every Thursday from 7 PM to 8 PM in your local time zone.
So for example, if you are in Los Angeles, Bumble Speed Dating will run from 7 PM to 8 PM Pacific Time each Thursday. In New York, it would run from 7 PM to 8 PM Eastern Time. And so on across different time zones.
You can opt-in to play at any point during that hour block by tapping the stopwatch icon in the Bumble app, either from the main swiping page or once you get a notification that the game has started.
How to Sign Up for Bumble Speed Dating
Signing up for Bumble’s Speed Dating game only takes a few seconds. Just follow these simple steps:
- Open the Bumble app on your phone during Speed Dating hours on Thursday evening.
- Tap on the yellow stopwatch icon in the top right corner of the main swiping page. This takes you to the Speed Dating opt-in page.
- On the Speed Dating page, tap the “Sign Up” button to reserve your spot.
- You’ll get a confirmation that you are signed up, with a countdown until your next match.
Once signed up, you can start playing Bumble Speed Dating right away or anytime over the next hour. You’ll automatically get matched with people at intervals after opting in.
If you don’t see the stopwatch icon on Thursday evenings, make sure your Bumble app is fully updated to the latest version.
How Bumble Speed Dating Works
Here is how Bumble’s Speed Dating game works once you are signed up:
- Get matched: Bumble will automatically match you via chat with another user who fits your set match preferences. Neither of you can see each other’s profiles or pictures during this phase.
- 3 minutes to chat: You’ll both receive a notification that your 3-minute timer has started. Chat back and forth over text, exchange Banter questions, or send some witty GIFs to break the ice. The goal is to make a quick connection and see if you vibe with each other’s personalities.
- Like or Pass: After the 3 minutes are up, you’ll be asked privately if you “Liked” the chat or want to “Pass” and move on. Your match is asked the same question.
- Mutual Like leads to a match: If you both “Liked” the chat, your profiles will be revealed and you’ll match! Now you can open a regular Bumble chat with your match to keep talking.
- On to the next: If one or both of you passed, you simply move on to the next random match and restart the 3-minute quick date.
The fast-paced cycles repeat for the full hour so you can chat with up to 20 potential matches! It’s an exciting way to make connections you may have otherwise passed on if you just saw their profile.
Bumble Speed Dating Rules and Guidelines
To keep Bumble Speed Dating fun for everyone, make sure to follow these community rules and guidelines:
- Be Respectful: Don’t make inappropriate or vulgar comments. Harassment and sexual remarks will not be tolerated.
- Be Kind: Treat every match with courtesy and kindness, even if you don’t feel a romantic connection after your quick chat.
- No Pictures Without Consent: Do not share sexual images or request sexual pictures from your match without getting consent first. This can lead to getting banned.
- No Spam: Only participate if genuinely interested in making connections. Don’t use bots or spam matches with pre-written messages.
- Be Authentic: Present your real, true self throughout so any resulting conversations can lead to real relationships.
- Follow Local Laws: Do not use Bumble Speed Dating for illegal activities like selling drugs. You will get banned and possibly face legal consequences.
- Report Bad Behavior: If a match is rude, inappropriate, or makes you uncomfortable, quickly block and report them in-app so Bumble can investigate.
By following these common-sense rules, everyone can feel safe and have fun meeting potential partners through Bumble Speed Dating!
Troubleshooting Bumble Speed Dating Issues
Sometimes there can be minor technical issues when first trying out the Bumble Speed Dating game. Here are fixes for some common problems:
Speed Dating isn’t showing up in my Bumble app:
- Double check it is 7-8 PM local time on a Thursday evening when the game happens weekly.
- Force close and fully restart the Bumble app.
- Make sure you have the latest version of Bumble from your device’s app store.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the internet on your device.
It’s taking a long time to get my first match:
- Expand your match preferences like age range and location radius to increase potential match partners.
- Consider purchasing Spotlight. This premium feature moves you to the front of the match queue to get Speed Dates faster.
I keep getting matched with people I didn’t “Like” from previous chats:
- Unfortunately, you can sometimes get re-matched with Speed Dates you previously passed on, especially if playing in an area with a low user population.
- Using Spotlight reduces re-matching likelihood by prioritizing you first in line.
Tips for Successful Bumble Speed Dating
Here are some top tips from power daters on making memorable first impressions during your quick 3-minute Bumble chats:
- Bring your A-game – Put thought into your responses, ask engaging questions, use humor, and exude confidence to stand out.
- Focus on getting to know them – Don’t talk just about yourself. Ask probing questions and listen to learn as much as you can in 3 minutes.
- Be aware of the clock – Glance at the timer so you don’t start an in-depth story you can’t finish. Leave them wanting more!
- Don’t take it too seriously – Have fun with the silly experience! A playful, lighthearted vibe makes the best first impression.
- Lead with a unique opener – Whether a funny gif, thoughtful question, or outrageous compliment, start strong to grab their attention.
- Hide any first date jitters – Even if nervous, project poise and charm. Fake it till you make it!
Putting effort into each quick date, while keeping things breezy and fun, is the key to matching with quality prospects on Bumble Speed Dating night!
What to Do After You Match on Bumble Speed Dating
When you mutually match with someone after your 3-minute Speed Date, that’s when the real fun begins!
Here are some ideas on making the most of matches who also felt a spark after your timed chat:
- Open the chat and keep the conversation flowing. Bring up something interesting from your quick date. Ask lots of questions about them.
- Try using Bumble’s creative in-app icebreakers like Banter questions and fun date & time proposing features.
- If really feel a connection, exchange phone numbers or social media to chat outside the app.
- Suggest meeting up in person for a proper first date! Coffee, drinks, mini-golf…the options are endless.
- Share something about yourself first like a funny story if the chat ever goes quiet. Be proactive.
- Don’t take it personally if a match doesn’t message back. People get busy. Just move on to better prospects!
Turning matches into IRL dates should be the ultimate goal. So put effort into continuing conversations after connecting on Speed Date night!
Why Bumble Speed Dating is So Popular
It’s easy to see why Bumble Speed Dating has become such a popular weekly event since launching. Here are some of the key reasons people keep coming back for more:
It’s a rush! – The timed aspect gives an exhilarating sense of excitement and anticipation before every match.
Surprisingly effective – Many users end up meeting their perfect partner through the rapid-fire experience!
Efficiency – You can screen many more potential dates in an hour than days or weeks of normal app swiping.
Encourages quick chemistry – Having only 3 minutes to make an impression encourages creative flirting to see if sparks fly.
Less emphasis on looks – Judging matches on quick wits and banter first is a refreshing change of pace.
It’s simply fun! – The idea of going on 20 mini-dates in an hour is just a blast no matter what connections you make.
The genius of Bumble Speed Dating is that it addresses common frustrations with modern online dating. Instead of endless swiping based purely on appearances, this gives people a chance to instantly vibe with compatible personalities – leading to better first impressions overall.
Give Bumble Speed Dating a try for a one-of-a-kind dating adventure! An exciting new match and potential soulmate may only be 3 minutes away.
Conclusion
I hope this guide covered everything you need to confidently dive into Bumble Speed Dating!
Now you can look forward to making lots of quick connections every Thursday night.
Just remember to project your most charming, witty, authentic self in those high-pressure 3-minute chats. Speed dating success awaits!
