Slide Into Someone’s DMs: What Is It and How to Do It Properly

Recent statistics show that many people prefer using dating apps or social media for dating over traditional methods of meeting people.

However, even though sending a message is much easier than approaching someone at the club, it still takes some skill and charm to slide into someone’s DMs the right way.

So, what is the best way to slide into someone’s DMs? Is there a right way to do it? Well, in this article, we’ll try to cover all of the questions you might have on this topic.

Let’s check them out!

What Does It Mean to Slide Into Someone’s DMs?

So, what exactly does sliding into someone's DMs mean? Well, 'DMs' is an abbreviation for Direct Messages, a term used on most social media platforms. Sliding usually refers to sending that first message.

In short, it’s slang for sending a stranger or an acquaintance your first message on a social media platform.

Example

“The food looks great! Which restaurant is this?”

This is a very common, simple, but effective way to slide into someone’s DMs. It’s a message related to a post or a story that gives off a friendly vibe and respects the person's boundaries.

It’s very important to personalize your messages in this way, depending on the person you are texting.

Is It Okay for Me to Slide Into Anyone’s DMs?

Yes! Sliding into someone’s DMs is pretty common, so it’s practically the social norm for dating apps, so there’s nothing wrong with doing it. However, when doing so, it is important to respect the person’s boundaries when sending your first message.

But, if you want to get a response when sliding into DMs, it’s important to have a good conversation starter.

RECOMMENDED: What are the Best Conversation Starters on Hinge?

What are the Best Ways to Slide into Someone’s DMs?

As we mentioned previously, the most effective way to slide into someone’s DMs is by personalizing the message.

However, there are some tried and tested methods you can try that work most of the time. Let’s check them out!

1. Make Sure To Follow Them First

On social media platforms, follow/friend requests are the first boundary of every user and that’s why we need to respect it.

If they accept your follow request, they’ve allowed you to “explore their world” and check out their content, which is also a good thing for you as you’ll have a lot more to go on when creating your first message.

If you get a follow back, that is a sign that this person is interested in your content as well. But, don’t send your message just yet! We suggest waiting for a couple of days or even weeks before you slide into their DMs.

Also, keep in mind that certain people completely block or ignore messages from non-followers.

2. Replying To Stories

Replying to stories is one of the surefire ways to get a response when sliding to DMs. And since stories are a thing on most social media platforms, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go with this method.

It’s an effective method because it gives you current and relatable information that you can use to slide into someone's DMs.

So, if your person of interest shares an image of a certain activity, restaurant, etc., you can build a message around this. Ask them what they liked, disliked, or where it’s located.

Examples:

• “I’ve been meaning to go here for months, but could never find the time. Is it worth it?” - This message relates closely to what they’re currently doing and has an open-ended question that can continue the conversation.
• “I just picked up rock climbing as well. Any suggestions for a good climbing gym?” - Again, closely related to their story and interests and a question that increases the chances for a response.

3. Message Them About One of Their Posts

People prefer responding to stories because they are usually the latest content and last only 24 hours. Responding to posts, not so much. Why?

Because days (or even months) might have passed from the person’s last post which could feel a bit weird and like you are late to the party.

However, this shouldn’t dissuade you from using posts to slide into DMs as long as you link the post first and then send a message related to the post.

Just make sure the post isn’t too old (several months or years), as someone can see this as creepy behavior, even if you have no such intentions.

Examples:

• “Is this your puppy? It’s so cute, my pup is jealous!” - Who doesn’t like getting compliments for their pets? It’s a great opener, but it’s also a great conversation “cliffhanger” because they’ll want to know more about your pet as well.
• “A hilarious video with great edits! Definitely a fan of your content now!” - as much as people love compliments about their pets, they love compliments about themselves. No open-ended question here, but it should get you a response.

4. Try A Pickup Line

Pickup lines are usually used in dating apps like Tinder or Hinge, but there is no reason they shouldn’t work when sliding into someone’s DMs on most social media platforms.

It’s an innocent and simple message that usually incites a laugh. Once you make someone laugh, you’re already at a great start.

A huge plus is that you don’t even have to come up with one because you can always find a whole list of pick up lines online.

Examples:

• “Do you have a Band-Aid? Because I just scraped my knee falling for you.”
• “Do you come with coffee? Because you're brewing up some strong feelings in me."

5. Mention a Mutual Friend

If you see a mutual friend in some of their stories, highlights, or posts, mentioning them is a good way to connect with someone.

Examples:

• “Hey, I just saw Sarah on your post! How do you know her? We’ve been friends for years now.” - This is a pretty straightforward message, and having that one mutual friend provides you both with a sense of security.

6. Continue The Conversation

While sliding into DMs the right way is very important to get that first response, it’s just as important to keep that conversation going.

The best way to do this is by remaining curious and asking open-ended questions about their interests and hobbies.

Utilizing our Chat Assistant could also be useful to make sure you give out the right response to their messages to keep the conversation alive until you can ask them on a date.

FAQs

What are some things that I should keep in mind when sending DMs to someone?

When sliding into someone’s DMs, make sure to follow them, keep in mind the person’s boundaries, and remember that the message should be light and fun. Extra points if you use their posts and stories to find something to relate to.

What should I do if someone doesn’t respond to my DMs?

If you don’t get a response to your DMs, first make sure you’ve followed the person. Second, give them some time (a couple of days). If you still don’t get a response, you can send a short, light-hearted follow-up joke. Finally, the best thing to do might just be to let it go.

Is there a difference between sliding into DMs on different platforms?

Usually, the methods for sliding into DMs work for all platforms. The only difference is that people on online dating platforms prefer shorter and witty pick up lines compared to the more personalized DMs that are used on social media platforms.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide will help you bring success when sliding into someone’s DMs. Just make sure to remember that your messages won’t always result in a response.

But, that’s fine too! As long as you just have fun and are persistent, you will most likely get to meet and talk to many people!

For more tips on sending texts that can get you responses, check out our blog. And, if you’re planning on building a profile on online dating apps, you can use our free Profile Writer.

Our YourMove assistant is also a good way to turn conversations into dates on dating apps.