What is Bumble Spotlight (And How to Use it to Get Matches)

Standing out from the crowd when you’re using Bumble can feel like an endless uphill battle. 

With users swiping through profiles at lightning speed, your professionally taken Bumble photos and well-crafted bio can easily get lost in the shuffle. 

But what if there was a way to give your profile a targeted boost – a way to ensure more potential matches see you at the right moment? 

Bumble’s Premium feature – Spotlight – is designed to do just that.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Spotlight and help make your profile stand out.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Bumble Spotlight?

Bumble's Spotlight feature acts like a VIP pass for your dating profile. By using it, you can push your profile to the front of the queue, ensuring it's one of the first others see when they open the app. 

This can be incredibly helpful if you're short on time or trying to connect with someone quickly - like if you're traveling or need a date for an upcoming event.

Essentially, Spotlight gives your profile a visibility boost over a short timeframe. It's a strategic tool for users who want to increase their chances of making meaningful matches without the usual waiting game. 

Cool, right?

How To Activate Bumble Spotlight?

To activate Bumble's Spotlight feature and give your profile a visibility boost, here’s what you need to do:

#1. Open the Bumble App and Tap The profile Icon

Start by opening the Buble app and tapping on your profile photo, usually located at the bottom of the main screen.

#2. Navigate to Spotlight

Once you open your profile, you'll see options to sign up for Bumble Boost or Bumble Premium; alternatively, you can choose to purchase Spotlight independently.

#3. Make Your Purchase

If you haven’t already subscribed to Bumble Boost or Bumble Premium, you can buy a Spotlight session directly from this menu. If you subscribe to Boost or Premium, however, you automatically get one Spotlight per week along with five SuperSwipes.

#4. Activate Spotlight

Once you’ve made your purchase, you can activate the Spotlight feature. 

Your profile will instantly move to the top of the stack, increasing its visibility to other users in your area for 30 minutes. You also have the option to use two consecutive Spotlights to extend the period your profile will be given priority to 150 minutes.

Note that for Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium, any unused Spotlights and SuperSwipes expire and are renewed weekly on the same day you initiated your subscription.

How To Make The Most Of Bubmle Spotlight?

Timing is key when using Bumble's Spotlight feature. Activating it during peak hours, between 6 and 10 PM, can significantly enhance your visibility, as that’s when most users are actively swiping.

So, to make the most of Spotlight, it's a good idea to save up your daily swipes and use them during this prime time window.

That said, before you hit that Spotlight button, take a moment to ensure your profile is looking its absolute best. Fill out all six photo slots, and complete at least three Bumble Prompts to give people a well-rounded sense of your personality. 

Remember, the more users who see your profile, the greater your chances of finding a match. So use Bumble Spotlight whenever you're looking for that extra boost to get noticed.

It's a simple but powerful tool that can make a real difference in your dating journey.

Is Bumble Spotlight Worth It?

Bumble Spotlight stands out as one of the top premium features on Bumble, offering your profile a boost at a more affordable rate compared to similar features on other dating apps, such as Tinder.

However, this feature doesn’t come without its drawbacks. While the cost of Spotlight has decreased now that it's no longer tied to Bumble Coins, its effectiveness can vary depending on your location.

If you're in a rural area, your chances of getting matches might not increase as much, due to fewer users. 

And remember – activating Spotlight doesn’t grant extra swipes, so make sure you have enough left to make the most out of your visibility boost.

Here’s a table that can visualize the pros and cons of Bumble Spotlight:

Pros Cons
Increased Visibility: With Spotlight, your profile is prominently featured and shown to more potential matches in your area for a set period. Cost: Spotlight is a paid feature, so it requires a financial investment.
Higher Match Potential: By appearing more frequently in others' queues, you're more likely to receive more right swipes and matches. No Guaranteed Results: Despite increased exposure, there's no guarantee you'll receive more high-quality matches or make connections.
Easy Discovery: Spotlight helps you get discovered by users who may have missed your profile in their normal queue. Limited Duration: The Spotlight effect only lasts for a specified amount of time (e.g., 24 hours), so the benefits are temporary.
Tailored to Your Preferences: You can adjust Spotlight to focus on specific filters, such as age range and distance. Potential Overexposure: Being shown to too many users at once could lead to a higher rate of left swipes or burnout.

5 Tips To Get More Matches on Bumble

Wondering how exactly to get more matches on Bumble? Here are some tips from our Bumble experts:

  • Optimize Your Profile: Ensure your profile photos are clear and show you in a positive light. Include photos that represent your interests and lifestyle. Keep your bio concise but informative, highlighting your unique traits and interests.
  • Be Active During Peak Times: Try to use the app during peak hours, such as early evening or late afternoon on weekends, when more users are likely to be active.
  • Use Your Daily Extend Wisely: Bumble allows you to extend the time before a match expires once per day for free. Use this on matches you are genuinely interested in to show that you're serious.
  • Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Start conversations with something more interesting than just "Hi" or "Hey". Refer to something from their profile to show you've taken an interest.
  • Utilize Bumble’s Features: Apart from Spotlight, consider using other features like SuperSwipe to show someone you’re especially interested in them.

Conclusion

Bumble Spotlight is a powerful tool that can significantly amplify your profile and give your dating prospects a major boost.

When used strategically, Spotlight grants you unparalleled visibility during the app's peak usage hours, ensuring your carefully crafted profile gets in front of far more potential matches. 

Of course, like any premium feature, Spotlight does come at a cost, and whether the 

potential benefits outweigh the cost will depend on your dating goals and preferences.

Related Readings: 

Back to Blog