We want our app to be a positive place where everyone has fun and feels respected.

To create that kind of environment, we have to set a few ground rules that help protect our users. We know, you may shudder at the word “rules.” But the truth is we don’t intend to stifle your lifestyle or individuality; instead, we want to set guidelines that allow everyone to feel secure and comfortable when using our app.

Did you know the most swiped left profiles on Bumble are mirror selfies? It’s true. Those ultra-posed photos in front of one’s own reflection are among the least popular on our platform.

In response to your feedback and because we want to help keep Bumble a place where our users feel safe to eventually meet people offline, we’ve laid out some ground rules on what you can and cannot post on your Bumble profile.

Not only will these photo moderation rules help keep users in check, they’ll also maximize your chances of getting noticed on the app — and who doesn’t want that?

Since Bumble offers three different areas to meet people — Bumble for dating, Bumble BFF for socializing, and Bumble Bizz for networking — each one has slightly different profile photo regulations. Below, we outline the general guidelines for everybody on our app and explain the few exceptions for each of our verticals.



RULES ACROSS THE BOARD

If a photo isn’t yours and you don’t have permission to use, don’t add it.



Your kids are totally cute, but they can’t be on your profile picture unless you are in the photo, too.



Absolutely no nudity or pornography. Of course.



No photos of any type of illegal activity. That means no pictures of drug usage or abusive and obscene behavior.



Bikinis and swimwear pics are only okay if you are outdoors; for example, in a pool or at the beach. But if you’re indoors, that’s a no-no, since it looks too much like underwear.



On that note, no pictures in your underwear either. And men, no shirtless photos—unless you’re at the beach. Why? Consider this restaurant analogy. You wouldn’t necessarily want to meet or approach someone in a restaurant in your (or their) underwear. You want a user’s consent to send that kind of content. It’s just bad manners to jump to such conclusions.



Photos with friends are allowed, but you have to include at least one photo of yourself where you can clearly see your face. We want to know who you are!

No photos that include guns, unless the user is a member of the military or a law enforcement officer in uniform. As mass shootings continue to devastate communities across the country, it’s time to state unequivocally that gun violence is not in line with our values, nor do these weapons belong on Bumble.



SPECIFIC RULES FOR BUMBLE and BUMBLE BFF

Your face has to be clearly visible in every single one of the photos you upload to your profile. No hiding behind your phone or your hair please.



No watermarks or text overlaid over photos.



Photos with no people will be removed.



SPECIFIC RULES FOR BUMBLE BIZZ

Photos of your work or portfolio are acceptable, just as long as you remember to include at least one photo of yourself where your face is clearly visible. (We’re okay with seeing what’ve you done, but we also want to know who you are!)



Watermarks are okay. (That way, if you’re an artist or photographer, you won’t have to worry about your work being stolen.)



No solicitations! That means no coupons or special offers on your profile.



That covers it! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Bumble Customer Support team. We’re happy to help.