Dating App Development Guide: Costs & Key Features

With the revolutionizing digital world, dating fans turn to online dating platforms to meet potential partners. Various obvious reasons are behind this, like the convenience of accessing the platform anytime, anywhere, and the opportunity to connect to a pool of potential partners. 

The Number of Online Dating Users in The Us Will Surpass 60 Million by The End of 2024. 

Be it users’ busy lifestyles, the increasing adoption of social media, or engaging technological advancements, the online dating market is experiencing noticeable growth and is likely to continue growing. 

Around 70% of People Who Found Someone on A Dating App Experienced Their Relationship to Be Exclusive and Romantic. 

While peeping into platform insight, the online dating application found to be the most profitable in 2022 with approximately 81% of income. 

Per Globe Newswire, as Recorded in 2023, the Online Dating Market Is Anticipated to Be Valued at $23.8 Billion by 2032, Which Was Around 10.1 Billion in 2022, an Expected Hike of 9.2% Cagr. 

Aiming at these lucrative figures, you should grab your market share and dominate the industry. Well, on this page, you will find answers to every relevant and essential question that can help you with a successful online dating app development. 

Let’s Gear up Then!

Online Dating Market and App Statistics: Facts and Figures

We jotted down some figures revealing how beneficial developing a dating mobile app is. Still, if you are not convinced, let’s check out a few more statistics that can show you the current status of the online dating segment. 

• 45% of respondents said the top place to meet someone was online dating apps, followed by festivals or concerts and through friends. 
• The worldwide online dating segment was valued at about $9.65 in 2022, and it is likely to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2030. 
• In 2024, the user penetration rate is likely to be 17.9% and projected to boost by 2028 and hit 19.0%. 
• Looking at revenue generation, the market is divided into advertising and subscription, and the latter one attained the highest revenue share of 63% and more in 2022.
• When evaluating the “success” of online dating, under-30 partnered, or LGB adults stand out compared to other groups. 

• Considering the sexual orientation, around 51% of lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) adults are more anticipated to use dating apps. 
• Approximately 46% of individuals currently having partners and 36% of windowed, divorced, or separated individuals are more likely to have tried online dating than married adults. 
• In 2022, the 18-to-25-year-old age group was found responsible for a huge revenue share of about 36%, followed by the 26-to-34-year-old age group. 

Well, these stats are enough to reveal that the online dating market is running successfully and will continue to be so in the long run, making it favorable for enthusiasts to choose online dating app development. 

Why Are Online Dating Apps Getting So Popular?

The dating world has entirely transformed with the debut of dating apps that ease the users’ finding potential partners, saving them from trying out restrictive dates and meeting people in person. 

Even the increasing use of smartphones has also redefined how people meet and fall in love. 

let’s dig more and surface some reasons behind the popularity of dating apps:

1. Large Pool of Potential Matches

As dating apps go beyond geographical boundaries, they let users from all over the world reach out. This widens the base of potential matches, offering users more choices to opt for than they can get through conventional dating. 

2. Diminish Social Anxiety

Most people find it awkward to meet someone and start a conversation. With online dating apps, they can meet people virtually and engage with them without the pressure of interacting in person. 

3. Time-Saving Dating

Modern customers usually prefer to cherish courtship rituals taking only a short time. Opting for dating apps eases communication and facilitates users to assess compatibility quickly.

4. Efficient Matching Algorithms

Incorporating sophisticated algorithms in fintech apps helps connect users based on compatibility criteria, such as values, interests, and lifestyle choices. 

5. Customizable Experience

Dating app development lets users customize their experience according to their preferences by using filters and selecting the person according to their specific choices. 

These points show that this revolutionary way of meeting new people will expand with time, and so will its popularity. 

Benefits of Developing Mobile Dating Apps

Why do you have to prefer online dating apps over any other? Well, we have the perfect answers for this. 

Below are some of the remarkable benefits of dating apps to explain why they are suitable for making applications.

1. Revenue Generation

You can collect revenue from the application through various means, such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertisements. Subscriptions can provide a recurring income, while users can access premium features with in-app purchases. Advertising is also a good source of revenue, as dating apps often have a large and engaged user base.

2. Market Demand

Online dating is rapidly increasing daily and thus has a massive demand for mobile dating applications. So this allows industries to enter the market and capitalize on the growing demand.  

3. Competitive Advantage

Companies can focus on creating things that differentiate from others. This can provide the advantage of engaging more audiences on your app. You can also go for the quick updates suggested by the people to make it more user-friendly. It helps the company grow fast in the market. 

4. Data-Driven Insights

Dating apps can generate a large amount of data on user preferences and behavior. This data can be used to gain valuable insights. These insights can help companies improve the app and better understand their users. 

5. Increased Brand Awareness

To reach a large and engaged audience, dating apps can provide a platform for companies. The company’s brand awareness and visibility can also be increased by making a successful dating application. 

6. User Engagement

The dating app platform allows two strangers to get in touch for extended periods. This is one of the common reasons user engagement and retention increased as the user is more likely to use the application. 

7. Expansion Opportunities

The platform also provides new opportunities and markets for international growth. This can help companies reach new audiences and increase their revenue potential. 

Types of Dating Apps

On the mobile dating apps stage, you will find varied types of dating apps that meet diverse user choices. Let’s check them out below:

1. Matchmaking Dating Apps

These online dating apps leverage the power of algorithms and follow the standards to match two strangers looking for a lasting relationship. The users need to provide their personal and required details that are shown to potential partners. 

Matchmaking dating apps find compatible individuals based on users’ dealbreakers, responses, and preferences. 

Example: Hinge learns from users’ feedback and actions to create better matches for them. 

2. Swipe-Based Dating Apps

Such a type of dating app facilitates users to swipe left or right while going through the users’ profiles, photos, and bios. If they find the compatible match and both swipe right, they can move ahead chatting and arranging a date. 

Swipe-based dating apps usually aim at casual dating and physical attention. 

Examples: Tinder and Bumble. 

3. Niche Dating Apps

These online dating apps target a specific group of people based on their interests, hobbies, identities, or lifestyles. Niche dating apps allow users to find like-minded partners with the same values, goals, and passions. 

Examples: Christian Mingle, Aisle, and Grindr (LGBTQ+ communities).

4. GeoLocation-Based Dating Apps

This type of online dating app utilizes a smartphone’s GPS to find potential matches near the user’s location. On such an app, users are allowed to meet other people who share their location, preferences, and interests. 

Every time the users cross each others’ lane or lie within a few kilometers, the app shows real-time notification on the main page. Users can secretly like them, and this will be revealed once they become a mutual connection.

Example: Happn allows users crossing by to like, send SuperCrush (if interested), or Crush (to start a conversation). 

5. Video Dating Apps

Online dating mobile apps that allow face-to-face chat between users on their smartphones are video dating apps. They are usually opted for because they permit the users to see and hear their potential matches even before they meet them personally. 

Example: VDating

6. LGBTQ+ Dating Apps

Usually preferred as a gay dating app, LGBTQ+ dating apps meet the relationship and dating requirements of lesbians, bisexual, transgender, gay, queer, and other gender-fluid or non-binary people. Such apps are mostly in demand as they ease users to find and connect with individuals who share their gender identity, preferences, and sexual orientation. 

Examples: Her and Grindr. 

7. Elite Dating Apps

Elite dating apps aim at the high-end online dating segment, specifically designed for successful people who are attractive, famous, and wealthy and looking to connect with similar-quality individuals. Such apps have strict joining criteria, like education, social status, profession, and income. Besides, they provide exclusive services and features, like privacy protection, access to elite events, and personalized matchmaking. 

Examples: EliteSingles, The League, Lucy, and Raya. 

8. Casual Dating Apps

Such an online dating app is developed for people looking for no-strings-attached or casual relationships, or you can say it is suitable for people seeking hookups. Such apps are gaining traction as they facilitate users’ finding and connecting with similar sexual preferences and interests without any pressure or commitment. 

Example: FWB Adult Friend Hookup, BeNaughty, and Gleeden App. 

9. Friendship Dating Apps

Such an app facilitates people finding and connecting with people seeking non-romantic, platonic relationships. These are popular as they ease meeting new friends with the same hobbies, personalities, interests, or locations. 

Example: FRND

10. Astrology & Numerology Dating Apps

Using the user’s birth time, date, and location, astrology, and numerology dating apps, match it with compatible partners by considering varied factors. People usually prefer using such apps who are interested in connecting with people sharing the same cosmic personality, connection, and destiny. 

Examples: NUiT, Stars Align, and Karma.

11. Senior Dating Apps

These apps meet the dating and relationship needs of 50+ and older aged people. Senior dating apps help connect people who belong to the same life stage with similar experiences and share the same goals and values. 

Examples: SeniorMatch. OurTime, and SilverSingles. 

12. Stranger Dating Apps

Apps that allow users to chat with random people without unveiling identity or personal details. Stranger dating apps bring fun, make new friends, and explore new cultures.  

Example: Emerald Chat (Omegle alternative)

13. Dinner Dating Apps

Aiming at instant, real-time dates in bars, cafes, or restaurants, dinner dating apps connect people looking to find compatible matches while enjoying dinner at their favorite spots. 

Example: Dine Dating App

How do Dating Applications Make Money?

Dating mobile app development is a profitable business idea one can opt to make money. Aiming this, you should opt for monetization strategies to drive different revenue streams through your app. 

Let’s discuss some major monetization models you can choose: 

1. In-app Purchase

These are the options available in the application while using it regularly. Many apps offer extra features for the users and can avail them in a minimal amount, such as to make the profile private for unwanted crowds. Premium memberships and virtual gifts are also parts of the in-app benefits.

2. Advertising

Dating apps often include ads within the application, which is a way of earning revenue within apps. These ads can be in any form, interstitial or banner form. This model often works best for the platform with the larger user bases as it enables them to offer their services for free. 

3. Subscription-Based Model

So all the features included in the application are paid for, and the user has to pay a fee to access the full range of features offered by the app. This can be either a monthly or annual base subscription so that the user continues to enjoy the service for a more extended period. 

4. B2B services

Some dating apps also offer business-to-business services on the platform. For example, the business can provide white labels and advertising solutions to companies to put their apps and information in the dating apps. 

5. Data Monetisation

The users of the dating application fill in their details, which can be helpful in many analytics companies. And this is benefited by the companies that collect and sell the user’s data to third parties, market researchers, advertisers, and many others. 

6. Event-Based Monetisation

The dating app company can collab or host live events and invite the in-app users to attend. Also, the users can be charged for attending different events and things to meet in person. 

7. Membership Fee

A membership fee applies to users who download the app. But, this monetization strategy will attract opportunities when you engage and retain users. Also, charging an amount will keep fake profiles away.

8. In-app Ads

Most dating apps have adopted one more successful monetization source: advertisements. The app owners charge an amount to the firms advertising their products or services on their platforms. Also, you can segregate the users looking for ad-free services by offering them paid subscriptions.

Must-Have Features of Online Mobile Dating Apps

Here are some of the best features you can add while creating the dating app to get a good amount of users While looking for the best dating app, you need to consider factors that will help you make a better decision, engagement and inspire them to return to the platform. 

1. Social Media Integration

To make the users feel more authentic, adding different social media accounts can be a perfect idea and make things transparent between two users. 

2. Profile Verification

It should be an essential step in the application as cybercrime is increasing daily. Sometimes meeting new people can be daunting. Integrating your profile with social media and other platforms makes it real and helps in a smooth verification process and less risk of fake profiles. 

3. Detailed Profile

The profile should add the basic details of the users after the verification and the login procedure are completed in the questionnaire form. This feature helps the other users to have a brief description and knowledge of their interests, likes, dislikes, and if it matches their personality before connecting on the platform. 

4. Lock and Unlock the Profile

This option is vital for users to maintain a sense of privacy in the dating app. The user can decide who can see or not on the dating app account. 

5. Undo Immediately If Accidentally Swiped

Adding this option can be helpful for the user who accidentally swiped someone and doesn’t want to be a match further without sending them the notification. This should also include the feature of not having any limit of un-swiping in a day and no cost for the un-match with a person. Sometimes people change their minds while using the platform.

6. Voice and Video Calling

Voice and video calling features allow the user to know the other person in a more understanding way. If it is a long distance, the users can minimize that by using this app and sharing sweet moments together. 

7. First Date Suggestion

This feature can be added to the application to make things easy for introverts and those who often think about how to take the first step. The app, with the help of the activity and your preferences, can suggest the right date ideas for the first date in suggestions. 

8. Adding Avatars

A new way of using technology. Metaverse can be added to the application to create personalized avatars of the individual with many different features like avatars can even be used for virtual dates instead of people in real life. This can be a fascinating feature for the users matching the user living far from one another. They can experience this with the help of this feature and are excited to use the application regularly.

9. Recognition of Unwanted Pictures and Video

Think of the app you are using, like Snapchat. It has the feature of face recognition. Similarly, you can use this feature in your dating app that can recognize the pictures and videos that are unwanted and inappropriate for the users before successfully delivering them to the person. The app sensors them and allow users to reveal, remove, and block them. 

10. In-App Games

There can be multiple options to keep users engaged and in conversation, but one of the interesting ones is in-app games. This feature can be a perfect icebreaker between two introverts willing to converse but not knowing how to start the conversation. The games can help them invest in playing together and learning their interest and start a normal conversation that can lead to a long-term relationship. 

11. Matching Algorithm

A matching algorithm in a dating app is a computational process or mathematical formula used to determine the compatibility between two users with the help of different information provided, like preferences, behaviors, and many more. It works based on some common things, and some of them are location-based matching with the help of GPS, the behavior based on how users log into the application. Also, ML is used to determine the type of matches and failed matches according to which the searches are customized for the users.

12. AI-Based Chat

This dating app feature leverages artificial intelligence to improve communication between users. It can also analyze chat conversations, translate messages in real-time, and suggest conversation starters for users. 

13. Gamification

The dating experience becomes more engaging and fun using gamification elements, such as badges, points, or challenges. Users may earn points for initiating conversations, completing their profiles, or attending dates. Such points keep users active and motivated to use the app. 

14. Anytime Subscription Changes

Such a dating app feature allows users to download, upgrade, or cancel their subscription using the app anytime. Offering regulation and flexibility over subscription, this feature improves user experience. 

15. Value-Oriented Video Preview

Despite showing complete video profiles, offering short video snippets showcasing users’ interests or personalities would greatly help engage users. It’s one of the best ways to preview users’ potential matches without flooding them with excessive content. 

16. Advance Notification

Basic match notifications are the gone-by modes of informing users. With advanced notifications, users can get updates of their profile matching, messages sent, or matches passing nearby (with the user’s consent). This will increase user engagement and encourage them to participate in dating vigorously. 

Considering these features in mobile dating app development can help you build a helpful app that will run successfully for a long time. 

How to Develop a Dating App – Steps to Create

Before you know how to create a dating app, you should be informed of the elements that should be considered to launch a competitive app in the market. Look into user feedback for popular dating apps and notice the loopholes affecting the rating of such apps. This way, you will surface the best dating app as users expect.

Now, let’s check out the steps to build a dating app:

1. Define the Target Audience

The first to see before starting the Development of the application is to determine who the app is intended for. This will help you define the key features and design elements that appeal to your target users. For Instance, if the app is focused on young people, it might have a fun design and be more playful, while for the older group of people, it should be more sophisticated and severe compared to the younger one. 

2. Conduct Market Research

The next important thing to look at is the market of the current dating apps and analyze their competition. This will give a rough idea of the features that the users want in their application and those already available. To analyze the trends and competition in the market, you can use the tools such as Google Trends and App Annie. 

3. Plan and Design

After completing all the market research, you can finally start designing and planning the application. You must create a detailed outline of the app’s functionality, user interface, and features. Consider the user flow, and then decide how they will navigate the app and what information they need to provide. Work with the best designers to create an appealing and intuitive user interface. 

4. Choose a Development Platform:

After completing the application design and initial steps, it’s time to be sure if you will build a native or cross-platform app for the users. It will include the features you want in the app, such as the target audience and budget of the app making. 

5. Build The App

With the design and plan in place, it’s time to create the app. This process requires a well-qualified developers team responsible for developing frontend and backend using a programming language such as Python or Java. The user interface depends on the front end, and the back end manages the data and logic of the app.  

6. Test and Debug

Once the app is created, it is essential to test and fix any bugs or technical issues occurring in the application. You have to ensure the app is working correctly on different devices and operating systems to ensure it works properly on all the platforms as needed. 

7. Launch and Market the App

When all the app’s processes are completed, it’s time to introduce the dating application to the audience. The app can be submitted by different means, firstly, launching on the play store to get easy access. The marketing can be done using multiple channels like social media, influencer marketing, and search engine optimization. You can offer some incentives to attract users, and free trials are a good choice.

8. Maintain and Improve the App

After launching the application, it’s time for the updates. You have to be updated about the new features, listen to the customer’s feedback reviews, and start working on it to improve it and maintain the user’s engagement. From time to time, improvement and maintenance will help to ensure the dating app remains attractive and relevant to the users. 

Technology Stacks for Dating Apps 

Choosing the proper and suitable tech stack for dating mobile app development is vital. Here, we will check out what tools and technologies you can consider for your app. 

Technology plays a vital role in the development of the application. It can be different for different platforms like iOS and Android as well as for cross-platform applications. Here is a list of applications that can be used in developing dating applications.

APIs and SDKs for Building Your Dating App

Dating app development utilizes SDK (Software Development Kit) and API (Application Programming Interface). They are developed using SDK and API to give developers tools and building blocks to help them create the app more quickly and effectively. Developers can save time and effort by using the pre-written code, libraries, tools, and documentation typically included in the SDK rather than building everything from scratch.

Developers can access and retrieve information from these systems, including user data, payment processing, and messaging, by using the API, which serves as an interface between the dating app and various other systems. By using an SDK and API, developers can build a more functional and feature-rich dating app while reducing the time and effort required.

Below are some of the best APIs and SDKs you can include in your dating app development.The right API and SDK depend on the specific requirements and limitations of dating apps you are developing. 

5 Popular Dating Apps in the Market

1. Bumble

Bumble is an app similar to any other dating application. What makes it different from any other dating app is in the case of the match of any heterosexual match, the woman should have to be the first one to send a message to prevent them from getting bombarded with messages from men. Besides this, it allows users to find friends and business connections rather than just dates. 

2. Tinder

Tinder is a free location-based dating app that helps users to find and connect with potential matches. It uses a Facebook profile to link and create a genuine profile, photos, and brief bio to tell the other user about a particular user more accurately and also to avoid fake accounts. 

3. Happn

Happn is the best example of a geolocation-based feature. The app stands out from the crowd as it is differently made from other mobile dating app development. It only shows the people who have recently been in the same place as you are or crossed you at that moment. This concept came with the idea that one can search for the mysterious person passing them at any time. And can then check their profile and the information related to their interests, like dislikes and others.

4. OkCupid

One of the best among various types of dating apps, OkCupid is a US-based online dating and friendship app that features multiple-choice questions to find the perfect match. It arrives with many free features and millions of users, including all genders/daters. This dating app is mostly used for chatting, meeting singles, connecting, having deep conversations, and more.

5. Grindr

The Grindr app is different from any other dating application as it targets members of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. It has some features that are different from other dating apps, as all other apps show one person at a time, while this shows the grid of users active at the same time. Also, in the order of the distance, they are close to your location, making it easy to find someone near your area. It also allows you to write your own bio and other options like your preferences, tribe, height, and position. 

Modern Technology Trends To Develop Best Dating Application in 2024 

Besides hiring a company for dating app development services, you should consider following the latest trends and technology to boost your venture and keep it ahead of the curve.

Let’s dive deeper to know better.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are widely used in dating mobile apps to improve matchmaking and the user experience algorithm. The AI algorithm analyzes various data, behavioral patterns, and user preferences to suggest suitable matches next time. ML can be used to find the success rate of the match game. 

2. Virtual and Augmented Reality

These are emerging trends in the dating app industry. Virtual and augmented reality enhance the user connection and dating experience in a virtual environment. AR aims to integrate digital elements into the real world, whereas VR allows users to have dates virtually in an interactive and immersive environment. 

3. Social Network Integration

One of the new and popular trends in dating apps, social networking integration allows the user to connect and build relationships more casually and socially. This feature includes sharing pictures, stories, and interests and facilitates users to join many communities if they are interested in group activities. This is useful for people to introduce a particular type of user according to their interests and preferences. 

4. Metaverse

This outstanding feature is also used in most dating apps. Many people often feel anxiety and geographical restrictions, but with the help of the metaverse, it can be possible to experience things online. Users can create avatars for their profiles, add all the details, and set the requirements they prefer in the application, and they are good to go. They can even go on accurate virtual dates to different places with the match.

5. Blockchain

The use of blockchain technology in dating apps can enhance the security of user data by allowing it to be stored in an encrypted and decentralized manner. A hacker can only abstract the users’ data as it is stored in the blocks on the distributed ledger. Incorporating the blockchain in the application can increase security and give users more control over their personal information. 

6. Voice Interaction

As customers become modern, the specifications that are relevant to finding perfect matches also change. The voice-based matching algorithm or voice prompts for voice interaction can be an influential move. 

7. Advanced User Verification & Safety 

Implementing robust security measures for user verification and safeguarding their data fosters customer trust and creates a safe dating platform for them. 

8. AI-Powered Real-Time Language Translation

Some online dating apps, when integrated with the latest technology, remove language barriers between online dating partners by providing real-time language translation features. One can date from any location, with anyone speaking any language. 

Integrating advanced trends and technologies in online dating app development can help create interesting and authentic user profiles that, in turn, enhance the user dating experience. 

Team Required for The Development of A Dating App 

Understanding a mobile app development team will help you select the right partner for your app development. So, let us look at all the positions that make up an app development team.

• Project Manager
• Scrum Master
• Product Owner
• Designers
• Frontend and Backend Developers
• Analyst
• Quality Assurance Lead

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Dating Mobile Application?

How much does it cost to develop a dating app? 

It’s a good question. After learning about features, functionalities, trends, the latest technologies, and every aspect needed, it is time to know the cost of developing a dating app. 

This question has no exact answer because the cost of developing a app can differ based on your chosen platform. The price can be anywhere between starting from $50,000. It also varies according to the features you want to involve in the application, the tools used, and the complexity involved in the Development.  

Why Should You Choose EmizenTech To Create a Dating App?

When choosing a dating app development company for your project, hiring EmizenTech will be a good decision. 

Why?

Counted among the market leaders in the app development segment, EmizenTech serves a wide clientele worldwide and is committed to customer satisfaction. Besides, there are more parameters that will surely convince you to choose the company. 

Key Highlights of EmizenTech 

• Clutch Awarded and Recognition.
• Competitive Pricing.
• Decade Year of Experience.
• Team of Certified Professionals.
• Open to the Latest Market Trends and Technologies
• Post-Development Support & Maintenance Services.
• On-Time & Within Budget Delivery.
• Engaging Portfolio.
• Positive Customer Reviews & Feedback, etc. 

Wrapping Lines

Online dating app development has transformed how people search for love and connect, eliminating every boundary, age, time, etc. Integrating advanced technology and trends enhances the user experience, making the platform more engaging and allowing users to revisit and meet their dating requirements. 

We hope this blog has provided you with answers and information on all the questions and aspects you need to build a successful dating app. 

You can grab the endless opportunities of the expanding online dating market, and spot varied revenue streams. 

Connect with a app development company and get assistance to convert your unique app ideas into a useful product for the end users. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Dating App Development