On this page 5 sections
How it works
You match. You both like each other and the match appears in your chats.
She has 24 hours to say hello. The chat shows a countdown to both of you. Until she messages, he can't send anything.
A reminder before time runs out. If she hasn't messaged and there's less than an hour left, she gets a reminder.
If no message is sent, the match expires. No hard feelings, and nobody is left waiting indefinitely.
Once she's messaged, it's an open conversation. Either of you can write from then on.
The rule only applies to matches between a man and a woman. In other matches, either person can send the first message.
Why Matcha works this way
Fewer unwanted messages.
Women decide which conversations start, so their inbox fills with people they actually want to hear from.
Less guesswork for men.
If she messages, she's interested. There's no wondering whether you're bothering someone.
Conversations start sooner.
The 24-hour window means matches turn into conversations instead of sitting untouched for weeks.
Tips for women
The first message doesn't need to be clever. Something simple and specific works best:
Your Piha photo is great. Do you surf, or were you just there for the view?
Okay, I have to ask about the 'world's best cheese scone' prompt. Where is it?
If you're not feeling it, you don't have to message. The match simply expires.
Tips for men
You can't send the first message, but you can make it easy for her to send one. Profiles with clear photos, a specific bio and filled-in prompts give her something to reply to. Our profile tips cover what works.
Common questions
What happens if she doesn't message within 24 hours?
The match expires and the chat closes.
Can he send anything before she does?
No. The chat opens for him once she sends the first message.
Does this apply to every match?
No, only matches between a man and a woman. In other matches, either person can start the conversation.
Can a date suggestion be the first message?
Not from him. A suggestion from Plan a date counts as a message, so she still goes first. After that, either of you can suggest a spot halfway between you.
Is it like Bumble?
The idea will be familiar if you've used Bumble. On Matcha, it comes alongside profiles built for relationships, photo checks and reminders against ghosting.