While swiping and matching with people on Bumble is not difficult, starting a conversation certainly is, especially with the 24-hour warning bell hanging around your neck. And the problem with starting a conversation is where to even begin?
How to start a conversation with a stranger on a dating app – obviously, extroverts can’t relate. But for the vast majority of people, a little help can go a long way in making things better.
Yep, with the right Bumble conversation starters, you can improve your overall online dating experience.
And while the internet is scattered with conversation starters for specific dating apps, there is no guarantee that those will ACTUALLY work.
So, as an experiment, I asked 100 men what opening message would have made them reply instantly – and ladies, you all are going to be super shocked about this one!
Stay tuned.
40 Bumble Conversation Starters For Instant Responses:

TBH, the best Bumble conversation starters come with the right amount of personal touch – one generic pickup line will not get you any reply. In fact, people are less likely to reply to you when you send them a generic pickup line – most people find these lines cheesy and tend to ignore such opening messages.
On that note, let’s check out the 40 best Bumble conversation starters for getting instant responses – remember, the point is to go on an actual date! And these conversation starters are your gateway to a few dates and even an actual relationship.
1. Tease, Don’t Overshare:
Men are truly simple – especially intellectually. Also, men are very shallow. So, if your pictures are great and you have a decent bio, chances are most men will reply to you quickly.
However, you might be attracted to that one emotionally unavailable fish in the pond. In that case, remember that you just have to tease and retain your mystery for as long as possible.
Your opening message should tease him a little – it shouldn’t reveal much about you. The point? To make him curious and text you back ASAP in the hopes of knowing who you are.
Examples:
- You are kinda handsome. I had to text you before my brain talked me out of it.
- Be honest: why did you swipe right on me? Was it my smile or my vibe?
- You look a lot like trouble. But are you the good kind or just plain chaotic?
- I like your vibe. Talk to me? That way, I’ll know if I was right about your vibe.
- Are you the kind of person who stays friends with their ex? Then I’ll not waste my time.
- I normally don’t start conversations like this… but something told me to.
- I bet you have a hobby that’ll make me question my life choices. Care to prove me right?
- Stop scrolling – your next conversation might start here.
- I have a bold prediction: this chat will be the highlight of your week.
- I’d say something smooth… but I like to live on the edge.
- This chat might change both our weekends. Are you ready for that?
2. Dare Him To Finish Your Sentence:
Men love to compete (and so do women). And if he is a Fire sign (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), chances are that he will compete with people over anything – it’s his favorite hobby.
In that case, it is best to just dare him playfully and watch him chase you – like a madman, if you are into that kind of thing!
Your opening message can start with something like, “Complete my next sentence – it will be fun, I promise.” And then, you give something basic like “If I could travel the world, I would…”
The best part? You can turn your sentence into anything – I always tell the person that they are wrong and say something completely different. Yep, I say they are wrong at least twice before I give them one point for guessing accurately.
Examples:
- If we met at a bar instead of Bumble…
- If we were working on a Netflix show together, it would be…
- I was thinking of saying something witty, but then…
- If you could restart your life with a new name in a new city, you would…
- If I were with you right now, I would have probably…
- You know what is crazy? I can’t really stop thinking about how…
- If we were to hang out right now, I would probably…
- The first (and only) thing I noticed about you…
- If there’s one thing you can be good at for the rest of your life, you would…
- If I ask you on a date right now, you would…
3. Send Him A Clickbait:
I’m sorry if this blog is turning out to be too honest to deal with! But I do intend to be absolutely honest about my experience with modern love and online dating.
On that note, clickbait messages are the best Bumble conversation starters – and not just Bumble, you can use a clickbait just about anywhere for the most effective results!
So, clickbait has somewhat of a scammy reputation in 2025 – but when it’s all done in good fun, it’s fine! With a shamefully simple,
With the shamefully simple, “Do you know what’s so interesting about your photos?,” you can get a reply back instantly. Moreover, the right clickbait can ensure your conversations are never boring. So, it’s best to use the power of clickbait wisely!
Examples:
- Let’s settle this one before we proceed: pineapple on pizza. Yes or no?
- If your bio had a plot twist, what could it be? I’m intrigued.
- Two truths and one lie – I’ll go first only if you promise that you won’t cheat.
- I bet I can guess your go-to drink order in two attempts. Should I?
- Love at first sight is a sham. What do you think?
- How many times have you been in love?
- If you could be anyone for a whole day, who would that be and why?
- You’ve got the kind of profile that feels like a setup for a story.
- I’ve got a bold theory about you – but you’ll have to earn it.
- Don’t reply if you hate good conversations.
4. Look For Similarities And Make It Personal:
This has always been my favorite way to start a conversation – yes, among all the Bumble conversation starters on this curated list, adding a personal touch based on shared interests is perhaps the most dependable one. It will definitely get you a reply – and I’ll tell you why.
We are social animals – and most of your social interactions depend on two things: proximity and relatability. In the case of dating apps, we can safely rule out our proximity. But relatability? Not something we can rule out, to be honest. So, scan this guy’s profile to find out something common, something relatable. Once you have that, you can use it to start a conversation.
Just one pro tip: remember that you are trying to establish relatability. So, you need to be really invested in whatever you pick to talk about.
Examples:
- You seem like someone who would win at games and trivia night. Right?
- I’m 95% sure that you have main character energy. True?
- From your photos, it’s kinda obvious that you give good hugs. Ask me how?
- I really like your (anything they have with them or on them). Where did you get it?
- Before we go on our first date, I want to know your thoughts on (any topic you feel like).
- I have nothing to watch. But it seems like you can recommend something to me. Any recommendations?
- I can already tell your personality is dangerous. I am right, ain’t I?
- You seem like the kind of person who says ‘just one drink’ and means four. True?
- I see potential for chaos and coffee dates here. You in?
- Confession: I’m only messaging you to see if your personality is as good as your smile.
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