Most dating sites have some sort of "like" functionality to show women you're interested.  Do likes work for men?  Should you use them?  How do likes work on dating sites?

The short answer is no; never use a "like" as a way to signal interest if you can send a message instead. Messages are the best way to make a first impression.

Likes are low-effort approaches to start conversations... a "like" is basically just a click of a button.  The ideal way to make the first move is to send a message... pure and simple.

If you need help creating messages that get responses, check out my blog post: How To Write A Good First Message To A Girl On A Dating Site.

A "like" has different meanings depending on the dating site.  On sites like Tinder, a like is the same thing as swiping right; which shows you're interested in someone.

To start a conversation, the woman must like you back. 

On other sites, OkCupid for example, you are given tools to show you "like" a woman without sending a message.

As I stated above, to start conversations on some dating sites you must both like each other first.  Tinder and Bumble are examples.  You need to like each other to trade messages.

When you both like each other, you can start a conversation:

Do likes work on these sites?  Of course, because you must like a woman in order to unlock the ability to email her.  These aren't the likes I'm talking about.

You should never "like" a woman when you can send a message.  Opt to send women messages first.

Let's look at OkCupid...

OkCupid allows you to "like" photos or a woman's self-summary.  When you like something, you are given two choices:

1. Click the like icon and send a like to a woman.
2. Click like icon and send a like, PLUS add a message.

Always send a message with your like.  I can't emphasize this enough; if you don't send a message with your "like," you are shooting yourself in the foot.

Step up and be a man and send a message.  Show some confidence and don't cower behind a "like" hoping a woman likes you back.

If you've ever been on OkCupid, you may ask "What does 'I can't see likes' mean?"  You have to be a paying member of OkCupid to see who likes you, so women write this on the profile to tell you to send a message.

So, if you like a woman, she may not even see it.  Take this example I found on a woman's OkCupid profile.

OkCupid allows you to see how many likes you have; you just can't see them without being an A-list member of OkCupid.

Another site which allows you to "like" women is Hinge.

Below are screenshots from Hinge.  The app allows you to "like" a woman and leave it at that, or you can add a comment to your like which is essentially the same thing as a message.

If you're on any dating app that allows you to send a like to women as a means to start a conversation, always add a message.

It's just plain lazy to pin your hopes on a like without adding a message.  If you only send a like, it's the same thing as writing this; "I'm too lazy or insecure to send a message, so I expect you to, then I will decide if you are worthy of my reply."

Tinder has "super like" while Bumble has"super swipe" to show women you are REALLY interested in them.  Honestly, these are useless features.

These are just ways for dating sites to charge you more money.  They tell you these features help you stand out but believe me, you'll do fine without these.  

I have never paid for any of these features and do fine on dating sites.  If you want to waste your money on these additions, go ahead.  I recommend, however, you stay away from any "super like" feature.

Bumble allows you to "like" a message like Facebook.  This is fine.  You're already knee deep in a conversation.  This is about the only time a like is OK to use.

Ask yourself this question, "Can I send a message with my like?"  If the answer is "yes," then send a message with your like.  End of discussion.

Do likes work?  Do women respond to them?  No.  If your dating site gives you the choice of sending a message or "liking" a woman; send a message.

You're a man, so take the initiative and send a message first.  Opting to choose a "like" over a message is a weak approach to catch a woman's attention.  

I'm not saying "likes" never work... they might for some women.  However, the likelihood women will be interested in you in substantially increases when your first move is a message.