Matching on dating apps usually works one way: you swipe, they swipe, and if you both like each other — it's a match. But what if you could skip the waiting and start a conversation with someone you actually want to meet?
That's exactly what Poke does. It's Flava's exclusive feature for people who know what they want — and don't want to wait for the algorithm to catch up.
What is Poke?
Poke lets you send a direct message to someone before you've matched. Think of it as a personal introduction — you can compliment their profile, reference a shared interest, or suggest meeting up, all before they've even swiped on you.
When someone receives your Poke, it appears as a highlighted notification at the top of their incoming likes. They can read your message and decide if they want to match with you — already knowing what you have to say. It's the closest thing to walking up to someone at a bar and saying hi, but inside the app.
The numbers: 8× higher match rate
The data speaks for itself. Across our entire user base, people who use Poke have an 8× higher match rate compared to regular swiping. That's not a marginal improvement — it's a completely different outcome.
Why does it work? Three reasons. First, it shows genuine effort. A Poke takes more thought than a swipe, and people notice. It signals that you actually looked at their profile and found something specific that interested you. Second, context changes everything. Your message gives the other person a reason to swipe right beyond just photos — they get a window into your personality before committing to a match. Third, you stand out. In a feed of silent swipes, a Poke is a conversation that's already started.
How to write a Poke that works
The best Pokes are short, personal, and specific. Reference something from their profile — a Turn-on tag, a photo detail, or something in their bio. Ask a light question that's easy to answer. Show personality without trying too hard.
Avoid generic openers like "Hey" or "What's up" — those don't give anyone a reason to respond. Instead, try something like: "I noticed we're both into vinyl — what's the last record you picked up?" or "Your hiking photos are incredible, is that from the Dolomites?"
Keep it under two sentences. You're sparking interest, not writing a letter.
How many Pokes do you get?
Flava Plus subscribers get 1 free Poke per day — that's enough to focus on the one person you're most excited about. Flava Infinity subscribers get 5 per day, which gives you room to reach out to multiple people and see who vibes back.
You can also earn extra Pokes through Streaks — Flava's daily engagement rewards. Open the app 3 days in a row and you'll unlock bonus Pokes as part of your streak prizes. It's a way to get premium perks without paying a thing.
When to use Poke (and when not to)
Poke works best when you've found someone whose profile genuinely interests you. Don't mass-Poke everyone — it dilutes the impact. Use it on profiles that have overlapping Turn-on tags or "Looking for" preferences with yours. That shared context makes your message land better and gives you something real to open with.
Timing matters too. People are most active on Flava during evenings (7–10 PM) and weekends. A Poke sent during peak hours is more likely to be seen and responded to quickly, before it gets buried under other notifications.
One more tip: make sure your own profile is complete and verified before you Poke. A great message paired with a half-empty profile won't convert. Verification badge, good photos, filled-in Turn-ons — put your best foot forward, and let the Poke do the rest.
