One of the most commonly asked questions we get here at Plenty of Fish from our members is “Where did my profile photo go” or “Why was my photo deleted? It wasn’t offensive” We understand that it can be frustrating to have your photo taken down, especially if you’re not sure why, so I am here today to answer this age-old FAQ with some advice from the inside.
Photo by Joseph Gruenthal on Unsplash
Next time you notice your profile is down a photo or two, take a look at the following list of reasons why it may have been removed.
IT’S JUST NOT YOU
Trust me. Nobody wants to get catfished. Plenty of Fish exists to help singles connect and foster relationships. The most important thing for us is to keep our members safe, and we can’t do that if we let people pretend like they’re someone they’re not.
Pro tip: We know you’re most likely not an A list celebrity or a cartoon character, so your profile shouldn’t try to tell us otherwise. We want to see the real you!
IT’S TOO “ARTSY”
We understand everyone has their own style, and you want to attract people who ‘get’ you, but they also have to be able to see what you look like! If there are photos on your profile that only show part of your face (i.e. just your eye, just your lips, or only half your face) or your face is covered by your phone or your hat, you can expect them to be short-lived on your Plenty of Fish account.
Pro tip: We know it’s for the sake of responsibility, not art, but unless you’re a healthcare worker showing off an ‘on the job’ image, remove the mask and show off your pearly whites instead! Masks are for safety, not for selfies.
IT’S TOO HARD TO TELL WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE
As mentioned in a previous blog post, if you’re sporting a ‘basem*nt photo,’ an ‘I can’t see you’ photo, a ‘you wear your sunglasses at night’ photo or an ‘old school webcam photo,’ your potential future dates are going to have a really hard time deciphering what you really look like. Your photos should be well-lit, high quality, close enough to see your face, and show you as you and not you as the character you dressed up as for Halloween last year.
Pro tip: Cell phones have great cameras these days, make good use of them! Portrait mode is your new photoshoot buddy and it’s waiting for you.
IT’S NOT AUTHENTIC, OR YOU’RE USING A FILTER
We get it. You want to look your best in your photos, and you want to show off a little. However, there’s truly nothing worse than meeting someone for the first time in person and realizing they look nothing like they do online. You wouldn’t want to experience that either, right? Overly edited or filtered photos don’t show the real you, and if the image is too distorted, it’s gotta go!
Pro tip: Plenty of Fish is filter-free, so leave the bunny ears and flower crowns in the past, embrace that #nofilter life, and thank us later!
YOU’RE SHOWING TOO MUCH SKIN
I think this one speaks for itself, but in case it isn’t clear here’s a little rhyme for you:
If you’re nude in your photo, it’s a POF profile no-no!
Yes, this goes for bare torsos and booty pics as well.
Pro tip: Shirtless selfies and indoor bikini pics will not get you dates, but your beautiful face will!
IT’S JUST PLAIN INAPPROPRIATE AND/OR DISTURBING
Again, though it seems self-explanatory, some members need a reminder of what isn’t cool to be posting on your profile. If your photo is violent, graphic, distasteful, or offensive in any way, it just doesn’t have a place on Plenty of Fish. But you guys know this!
Pro tip: If you’re questioning whether your photo is offensive, it probably is… stick with the wholesome nature shot instead.
YOU’RE JUST NOT IN IT
We promise we love your dog, your art, that homemade pasta you made that one time and even your car. What we don’t love, is when you’re not in the photo with them! Every single photo featured on your profile needs to have you in it (read that again) – it’s in our community guidelines… and we’re a dating site! If there was ever a time to show yourself off, this is it.
Pro tip: We love a powerful quote moment, but it belongs in your bio. Also… self-timer – use it, know it, love it, because dog selfies are adorable (that’s selfies with your dog, not your dog taking a selfie).
Plenty of Fish is all about creating genuine connections, so we want your profile to help reflect the best, (and most honest) version of you because guess what? That’s what grown-ups do.
Click here to learn more about our image and community guidelines and how to get the right type of attention with your profile photo.
Carly Johannson
Carly is on the Brand Team at Plenty of Fish. She's a certified English nerd with a passion for new adventures and a tendency to stop mid-sentence to point out dogs on the street. When she's not enthralled by nature documentaries and/or whatever is on Food Network, you'll find her cooking extravagant meals and memorizing rap lyrics to perform badly at karaoke nights.
