Yes, if at all possible, pull something from their profile, into your first message.
Music, tv, arts, sports, other hobbies. Things you notice from pics, such as travel, style, etc.
Any of that stuff could be there. But try to identify which are most important to them. If at a loss, music is always a good choice. People who bother to mention books, are doing it for important reasons.
Anything intellectual which you can extrapolate or lead into, can often work double.
The thing is, many girls get a lot of messages. And most of them are basic two or three word pings. Some of them can be kind of rude.
There are girls who will respond to such messages. However, your chances are better, if you can be a little more complex. This isn't like saying "hi, how are you?" On the street, at the coffee shop, on the light rail, etc.
If you are having trouble saying something particular----then try to express some sort of thought about why you chose to message them.
Example: I am currently looking for a girl who isn't shy, has some boldness in her everyday personality. So if I'm messaging a girl with a minimal profile, its because her pics (sometimes with captions!) make her seem like she isn't shy.
Also, don't get too focused on one person. Sometimes, it becomes law of averages. If you live in a populated area, try to message a few people, per week. You will also figure by doing that, some approaches which work in your area.
Random stuff like announcing a GIF dance battle is fun and random. Some people may not get it. Some people might love it. I wouldn't expect GIF battle responses work as much with people over the age of about 28.
I graduated to phone texting with a girl, recently. Somewhere along the way, I did this thing I like to do when it is 5:55 PM --- I send a text, announcing that its 555. Because alliteration, etc.
Anyway, she had no damn clue what I was doing. My Last two girlfriends loved that. The most recent, did it to me first!