‘Dating Sunday’: Why January 7 is the biggest day of the year for Tinder

The best day of the year to go on a date is officially right around the corner – here’s how to make the most of it.

The pursuit of love is perhaps the world’s most enduring New Year’s resolution – so much so that, in recent years, dating apps have assigned a specific day to it: January 7, or what’s known as ‘Dating Sunday’.

According to data from Tinder, which has dubbed the calendar date ‘Swipe Sunday’, the app sees an 18.2 per cent boost in the number of Likes users receive compared to the rest of the year, and a 22 per cent increase in the number of messages sent – which are responded to, on average, 19.4 minutes faster than on other Sundays of the year.

Then, in the 37-day window between January 7 and Valentine’s Day, there are 11.4 million more messages and a whopping 58.7 million more Likes sent globally compared to the rest of the year. During the same period, 519 bios are edited and 2263 photos are added to Tinder profiles every 60 seconds.

Suffice it to say, then, that January 7 “is prime time to update your Tinder profiles … and to set your dating goals and intentions to help you make new connections,” according to Tinder Australia spokesperson Kirsty Dunn.

Tinder sees an 18.2 per cent boost in the number of Likes users receive on January 7 compared to the rest of the year. Picture: Supplied

A combination of factors, Tinder dating expert and founder of Sideswiped, Sera Bozza, explained, drive people to dating apps around this time.

“It’s all that New Year hype. Everyone is pumped with their resolutions and goals – plus, let’s not forget Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re smart, you’ll start swiping now to prepare for the busiest time of the year,” Ms Bozza told news.com.au.

“And there’s also the holiday vibe. Here in Australia, it’s peak summer. Everyone has broken free from their usual routines – which usually keep us stuck – and they have the time, space and capacity to explore, meet new people and welcome new experiences.

“For the sceptics who think all this New Year’s energy fizzles out by the end of January, don’t just sit back and be cynical, because you’re missing out [if you hold] that attitude. Use this time to your advantage! Make the most of this momentum right now.”

Millions of people make like Bridget Jones each year and resolve to find love come January 1.

As for the best way to approach dating in the coming weeks, Ms Bozza said it’s important to find a balance between “setting expectations and goals” and being “playful and creative with it”.

“[Knowing what you want] is great – it gives you a road map, something to aim for, keeps you excited, and holds you accountable,” she advised.

“But don’t freak yourself out – and [ultimately] put it off – by thinking it has to be this big, scary, daunting, set-in-stone thing … Your list [of goals] should be exciting, positive and hopeful.

“Remember, the dating game is as much about figuring out what you’re into (and what you’re not into) as it is about getting to know the person on the other side of the table.

“It’s just a draft, anyway. I hope that your initial ‘I want this partner’ list gets a total makeover after a few dates. Dating is the best way to road test what you thought you wanted or what you ‘should’ want – and realise these things aren’t actually what you need. It’s great to become more open to different experiences or attributes as you learn more about yourself.”

Tinder dating expert and founder of Sideswiped, Sera Bozza. Picture: Supplied

Once you’ve matched with someone, or you’re on a date with them, Ms Bozza said it’s “your moment to be even more transparent and upfront about what you’re all about”.

“It’s 2024, and being straightforward is the way to go. You’re after quality connections, not just a long list of matches,” she added.

“By being honest, you’ll either find what you’re looking for or learn where else to redirect your energy. Either way, you win because you know where you stand.”

Asked what the key is to ensuring a successful first date, Ms Bozza suggested “keeping it fun, low effort, and pick an activity you’re genuinely pumped about”.

“I always tell my clients to list cool spots or fun stuff they want to see and do in their city. Then dating becomes the perfect excuse to start ticking those off,” she said.

At the same time, though, “don’t go overboard with crazy and elaborate plans. Keeping it simple – brief and close to work or home – means you’re not over-investing in someone because you know if you have a good IRL (in real life) connection”.

Tinder Australia spokesperson Kirsty Dunn. Picture: Supplied

When it comes to possibly the most daunting aspect – the conversation – “ditch the standard ‘What do you do?’ and try ‘Why do you do it?’”, Ms Bozza said.

“You’ll get way deeper, more interesting answers that way. Ask for stories, not just facts,” she said.

“More importantly, be present and actively, really listen. Even if you’re a bit nervous, focusing on what they say, and staying present beats living in your head trying to pre-plan your next question. You’ll find the chat flows more naturally and you can relax more into the conversation.

“And remember, not every first date will be the start of something epic. But, you can still walk away with something great, like a new book, podcast or series to check out … A new travel destination for your bucket list and, most importantly, a great way to test your list (what you thought you wanted) and test your ability to ask better questions and create a cool new connection, even if it isn’t a romantic one.”