Hinge has added a “Hidden Words” feature to its app, which filters out likes that include comments containing that phrase or word. It works much like a mute filter on social media apps.
Hinge allows users to send messages when they like a profile. That message can contain any text. Rivals such as Bumble introduced a similar feature called “compliments” in 2022. Hinge, which is owned by Match Group, is using this new word-hiding feature to try to reduce online harassment through these messages.
If a Like with a comment includes a word you've added to your muted list, your profile won't appear in your regular Likes list. Instead, they will appear in a separate “Hidden Likes” section. This reminds me of the message request inbox on Twitter/X or Instagram. You can review these comments or delete the request directly.
Image credit: Hinge
Users can add words, phrases, or emojis to the hidden word list. Hinge says users can add up to 1,000 hidden words to their profiles.
Hinge's Jeff Dunn told TechCrunch by phone that the company has been testing many features of the safety toolkit and found “Hidden Words” to be the first choice for public release. Dunn suggested that the scope of this feature could be expanded in the future to include chat filtering.
“We have a roadmap that includes expanding the functionality, flexibility, and reach of Hidden Words. “We are looking into ways to improve it,” he said.