FOUR in 10 singles find thirst traps on dating apps ‘off‑putting’ – unless they follow these rules. A poll of 1,000 dating app users has revealed a list of red flags linked to ‘thirst traps’ — suggestive photos designed to inspire desire and grab attention.
Top turn-offs include grainy or blurry snaps (16%), heavy editing or filters (26%) and profiles that leave people wondering what someone’s face actually looks like (28%).
Instead, eight in 10 (83%) said the best dating profile pictures show off your personality, not just how you look. And, according to Grindr, personality matters just as much as abs and angles.
To prove it, the app teamed up with former rugby player, model and confidence coach Keegan Hirst. Over the weekend, he played ‘Thirst Trap Coach’ aboard Grindr’s Bussy at Mighty Hoopla Festival, helping festivalgoers level up their photo game and get grid-ready in a single click.
View 3 ImagesConfidence coach Keegan Hirst reveals the rules of thirst trap photos(Image: PinPep)
Keegan Hirst said: “Thirst traps have always been about confidence, but the best ones aren’t trying too hard – they show a bit of personality, a bit of attitude, and leave people wanting to know more.
“Whether it’s a smirk, a pose, an outfit, or just the right energy, refreshing your profile pics can be a real confidence boost – and on an app, that confidence can be the difference between getting a tap and starting a proper conversation.”
When it comes to what works, respondents said thirst-trap ‘turn-ons’ include candid-looking photos that suggest spontaneity (30%), shots that signal self-care (29%) and well-lit, polished images rather than heavy filters (21%). Two thirds (67%) also said they only land if the person in the picture doesn’t take themselves too seriously.
View 3 ImagesHirst hosted a selfie boot camp to help Mighty Hoopla festival-goers level up their grid(Image: PinPep)
An in-app survey of Grindr users found 72% are more likely to start a conversation with someone who has a thirst trap in their photo rotation. Users said a good pic gives off more than “I’m hot” energy, with 58% saying it suggests “they know they’re hot and want you to know it too”, while 48% said it gives “here for a good time” vibes.
Bedroom mirrors were named as the number one place to take a thirst trap, followed by gym locker rooms. More than half (54%) admitted they’ve re-taken their own after being inspired by someone else’s, while 83% of those who have posted one said it got them more attention, according to the OnePoll.com research.
Tristan Piñeiro, spokesperson for the brand, which has recently introduced NSFW Pics on its Right Now feature, giving users a new way to express themselves authentically on their own terms, said: “Mighty Hoopla is our app in festival form: loud, proud, chaotically camp and full of fabulous people.
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“For our community, a snap on the grid is never just a photo. It’s a first impression, a confidence statement, and sometimes the start of a great connection.
“With Bussy and its in-built Thirst Trap Studio, we’re giving festivalgoers a playful way to refresh their profiles, show off what makes them hot, and embrace thirst trapping as the queer art form it’s become.”