Your bagel note is your chance to make a great impression, and we want to help you start off strong.
At Coffee Meets Bagel, we believe that meaningful connections start with meaningful conversations. Your bagel note is often the spark that helps two people discover something real. So we’ve introduced new guidelines to make sure every first interaction feels positive, safe, and genuine.
What is the “bagel note” feature?
When you come across someone you’re interested in, you can now like their profile and leave a comment on one of their prompts or photos.
It’s your chance to stand out, show a little personality, and start the conversation in a more intentional way.
Instead of just “liking” someone, your bagel note helps you express why you’re interested. Maybe you connected with their answer about travel, or you loved their sense of humor.
Why we’re setting clearer guidelines
We want Coffee Meets Bagel to remain a space where everyone feels respected and comfortable. That’s why we’re setting clearer boundaries for what’s okay (and not okay) to say in your bagel note.
Your bagel note should be friendly, thoughtful, and appropriate. Think of it as a way to break the ice, not break boundaries.
What’s not allowed in your bagel note
To protect our community, we don’t allow messages that include:
Requests for personal contact info or social media. Please don’t ask for or share phone numbers, Instagram handles, or other links in your bagel note.
Profanity or sexually explicit language. Even if you mean it playfully, profanity or sexual comments can make others uncomfortable. Keep it clean and thoughtful; it’s a great chance to show off your wider vocabulary instead. For example, saying “f*cking awesome pictures!!” might come across as too strong; try something like “Your photos are full of great energy!” instead.
References to violence, self-harm, or suicide. These are serious topics that should never be used casually or in early conversation.
Harassment or discrimination. Any language that’s threatening, bullying, or disrespectful toward someone’s identity or background is not okay.
Promotions or solicitations. CMB isn’t a place for advertising, offering services, or recruiting. Messages that sound like spam or sales pitches will be removed.
What’s encouraged
Your bagel note is about making a positive impression, not a perfect one. We encourage messages that are:
Personal and specific. Reference something from their prompt or photo. (“I love that hiking trail too! What’s your favorite spot?”)
Genuine and kind. A little warmth goes a long way.
Curious. Ask a question that invites conversation, not a yes/no answer.
A thoughtful message not only helps you stand out, but also makes CMB a better, more welcoming place for everyone.