A dating app called Hily, an acronym for “Hey I Like You,” has entered the online dating scene with a focus on compatibility over quick swipes. A reviewer with over a decade of experience on apps like Bumble and Hinge tested Hily for two weeks in New York City and found it delivers on its promise of fostering real connections, though with some caveats.
How Hily Works
Hily is designed for users aged 18 to 30 and has a 4.4 out of 5.0 rating on the App Store. It is available on iOS and Android. The app centers on compatibility, shared interests, and conversation tools rather than relying solely on photos. Profiles include interest badges, dating goal indicators, and a compatibility score.
The app uses an up or down swipe motion instead of the traditional left or right. Swiping up indicates interest, while swiping down passes on a profile. This vertical motion is intended to slow users down and encourage reading bios before making a decision.
A key feature is the Discover page, which refreshes every 24 hours. It is divided into three sections: Top Picks, profiles with shared interests, and profiles with similar dating goals. This curated approach aims to reduce the overwhelming feeling of endless scrolling. The Likes page organizes all incoming likes in one place, with a separate tracker for likes the user has sent. About 20 likes are visible at a time, and users must use an “Unblur” feature to see more. Unblurs can be won through a daily Roulette spin or purchased with a paid membership.
The app includes a compatibility quiz with 50 questions. Scores shift as more questions are answered. Once completed, users can see where they align with a potential match. The app also offers conversation starters and icebreakers within chats. Verified profiles require a selfie that matches profile photos, adding a layer of safety.
Testing the App
The reviewer, a 32-year-old woman in New York City, found the app organized and easy to use. She preferred the Discover page and Likes page over the general pool of matches. The Discover page became a daily ritual, making browsing feel purposeful. The Likes page provided confidence by showing profiles that had already expressed interest.
The compatibility quiz was a favorite feature. However, the reviewer noted that the longer quiz costs extra. She advised finishing the full 50-question quiz before using the feature. After answering only 15 questions, she found a profile with a 100% match. After completing all 50 questions, that same profile’s compatibility score dropped to 69%. The Mega Crush feature, similar to a super like, signals serious interest. It is part of the paid subscription but can be won through the roulette wheel, which refreshes daily.
The reviewer noted that the U.S. user base is still growing. Even in New York City, she needed to set a 20-mile radius to find matches. Despite this, she was impressed by the overall user experience and the app’s design, which encourages more thoughtful engagement than many other dating apps.
