You’ve been dating someone new, and things are getting serious, but you’re not quite ready for the official unveiling. Enter the soft launch, a subtle, not-too-obvious way of introducing your boo to the online world. But how do you do it? Let’s talk strategy.

First things first: start with the basics. If you’re not ready to go full PDA, ease into it with something low-key. Maybe a photo of their hand holding yours over brunch, or a well-placed reflection in a window. The key here is being subtle. No tags, no captions, just a quick glimpse that’ll make people wonder. You want to spark curiosity, not announce a wedding date.

Keep it casual and avoid overthinking. The best soft launches are the ones that are quiet. It’s about giving just enough detail to let people know you’re seeing someone without giving away the whole story. A shot of two plates at dinner or their shoes next to yours might feel small, but it says a lot without saying too much.

Now, if you want to take it up a notch, share a story. Stories are the perfect playground for soft launches because they disappear after 24 hours. A quick Boomerang of you two clinking glasses or a blurred-out shot of them walking. This gives a sneak peek without the permanent commitment of a post.

Get ready for the comments. Even with your best soft launch, your friends are bound to ask questions. The best part of a soft launch is that you control the narrative, and you don’t have to spill the details until you’re ready.

Finally, remember that timing is everything. The soft launch is great for when you’re not quite sure about making things official online. Just make sure you and your partner are on the same page. The last thing you want is for them to see their half-hidden photo on your story when they're not expecting it.

In the end, the soft launch is a fun, low-pressure way to test the waters of going public with your relationship. Done right, it’s playful, mysterious, and leaves people wanting more.

tl;dr:

A soft launch is a subtle way to introduce your new partner on social media. Here are some tips for a successful soft launch:

  • Start with subtle hints. Share photos that feature your partner but don't directly identify them.
  • Keep it casual. Avoid overthinking and don't share too much information.
  • Use Stories. Share disappearing Stories to give people a sneak peek.
  • Be prepared for questions. Your friends may ask about your new partner.
  • Time it right. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page about going public.

Learn more about relationships without leaving your sofa

Join the on RELASH community for personalized relationship advice whenever you need it.

Get expert tips for every stage of your dating life, whether you're single, engaged, or sneaky linking. We got you!

JOIN TODAY