How to Make a Dating App Like Tinder – A Comprehensive Guide

By examining the latest statistics, we will learn that the trend of online dating apps has gone nowhere. In the US, three out of 10 adults say they use a dating app or site, and 40% admit online dating to be one of the easiest ways to date. 

Regarding the success rate of dating apps, in 2023, the revenue in the online dating market is anticipated to grow and reach $2.98 billion with a CAGR of around 3.28%. By 2027, the market will likely be valued at $3.39 billion. 

As you are also looking to create a Tinder-like app, you can move ahead as the future of dating apps seems brighter and will not likely leave the stage soon. 

But how to start? What are the steps, features to include, tech stack to consider, etc? Besides, how does Tinder make money? Knowing this, we can use profitable strategies in our app. Well, there are loads of questions that strike our heads while we plan to start our journey.

This article will help you build one. Yes, of course, we have incorporated every aspect you would need to develop your app. 

So, let’s get the ball rolling!

What is Tinder Mobile App – An Overview

This online dating app matches couples based on their physical attraction. It alerts its users to other Tinder app users falling within a specified age range & gender and who are within a specified distance of their location. It allows lets them to know whether they share any mutual friends. If a user likes a person’s profile, they can show interest; if there is no interest, the user will never know. When both users are interested, they can engage via messaging function that offers a private chat thread to interact and get to know one another better. 

To start using Tinder, install it from App Store or Google Play, which is free for Android and iOS users. Earlier, a Facebook account was required for signup; however, post the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Tinder now allows the option to make an account by just using a phone number. However, creating an account by just using a phone number prevents the users from using some app features, like uploading pictures directly from Facebook and showing mutual friends or Likes with another Tinder user.

Dating Industry Market Size & Statistics

Some market research stated that more than 27% of committed relationships are starting via the internet today. Around 40 million people use dating apps and websites worldwide, while the yearly revenue of all dating apps is about $2 billion. Presently enjoying the spot of the numero uno dating app, Tinder has more than 50 million users around the globe, whereas 60 percent of it comes from the United States. Tinder’s total worth at the moment is approximately $1.6 billion. 

The global online dating app market size was valued at USD 7,939.2 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2023 to 2030.

Grand View Research, Inc

Global Online Dating Market:

• Valued at USD 9.65 billion in 2022.
• Projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2023 to 2030.

Online Dating Segment Revenue:

• Revenue in the Online Dating Industry is projected to reach US$2.98bn in 2023.
• Expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 3.23%
• Projected market volume of USD 3.39 billion by 2027

Online Dating Segment Users (Statista):

• The number of users is expected to amount to 440.90 million users by 2027
• User penetration is expected to be 5.0% in 2023 and 5.5% by 2027
• The user penetration rate in the United States projected to be 17.6%

Revenue by Region (Statista):

• Most revenue expected to be generated in the United States (USD 1,347.00 million in 2023)

So with the market of dating market constantly growing, there lies a great business opportunity for those wanting to create a dating app, and the timing is just right. It is a good idea to look up to the success attained by Tinder. So, let’s first start by understanding Tinder, what it is, and how it works. 

Why Develop a Dating App Like Tinder – Reasons to Invest

With time, more people are choosing to develop a dating app (the statistics we mentioned indicate this). 

Below are a few reasons showcasing why to invest in a dating app like Tinder:

1. High User Engagement

Among others, dating apps are the most engaging and most used applications in a day. Reports say users spend around 1.5 hours per day surfing such apps. 

2. In Demand and Socially Accepted 

Tinder-like apps have been in demand for quite a long time. Besides, its social acceptance is also elevating. This way, such apps are acknowledged as an amazing way to find potential partners and build connections. 

3. Huge Market Potential

As we have read, the online dating market has been valued at billions of dollars and is unstoppable; in the coming years, it’s anticipated to grow exceptionally. 

How Does a Dating App Like Tinder Work?

The app also offers features like “super likes” to show a higher level of interest, the ability to undo a swipe, and the ability to see who has already liked their profile.

Tinder has implemented safety measures such as the ability to report and block users who violate community guidelines. The app also uses encryption to protect users’ personal information and conversations. With its user-friendly interface and robust safety features, Tinder has become popular for those looking to connect with others in the digital age.

One factor fueling up the premium subscribers and active users of the Tinder-like app is dating app algorithms. 

In such apps, match-making algorithms play a vital role. These complex systems analyze user data, including their preferences, to let potential matches connect. 

Let’s understand how Tinder algorithms work to make everything clear. 

Below factors are included to evaluate the profiles for the best match-making:

User Profiles

Users create their profiles, incorporating a few details, like gender, age, photos, location, and a short bio. 

Swiping Process

The swiping feature got hype from Tinder, where users easily swipe to the right or left to indicate interest or pass on the profiles, respectively. This swiping data helps the algorithm learn user preferences. 

Machine Learning

Dating app algorithms leverage machine learning techniques to enhance the match accuracy over time. They constantly analyze user behaviors, interactions, and preferences to emerge with better predictions. 

Content-Based Filtering

One of the common approaches is content-based filtering, which suggests matches based on the factors of the users’ profiles. 

Collaborative Filtering

This approach helps find user similarities based on their preferences and behavior. It identifies the patterns and uses that data to recommend potential matches. 

Principle of Reciprocity

Considering this principle, the algorithm prioritizes showcasing the users who are already expressing interest in them. 

Ranking

Using ranking mechanisms, the algorithm prefers putting forth the most relevant matches first. A higher probability profile liked by the users will be exhibited higher in the list. 

Active Users

Active users’ profiles using the app frequently are more expected to be shown to others. 

Geographic Presence

Various dating apps consider location and offer matches within a particular distance to boost the chances of real-life meetups.

Steps to Develop a Dating App Like Tinder

To know how to make an app like Tinder, let’s take a walkthrough of the steps one should follow to build a dating app.

1. Research the Market

Before you create a Tinder-like app, you should first understand your latest market trends for dating apps, what factors are affecting the growth of such apps, and what not. Find the features that are engaging more users. 

This step may add more to your budget, but skipping it may take you beyond your budget with potential losses. 

2. Decide the Features You Want to Include

Once you know what you expect from your app, it’s time to finalize the features to incorporate in your app. Consider the factors such as messaging systems, matching algorithms, and user profiles. Besides, choosing which third-party solutions will give a push to your app, like payment solutions, will add convenience. 

3. Choose the Right Technology Stack

A technology stack is a set of programming languages, tools, and frameworks you use to develop an app. When building a dating app, choose a technology stack that ensures scalability, security, and high performance. You can combine technologies like Node.js, React Native, MongoDB, and AWS.

4. Develop a User-Friendly Interface

The user interface of your dating app should be simple, intuitive, and easy to use. You can use a clean design, simple navigation, and appealing graphics to create a user-friendly interface.

5. Develop a Matching Algorithm

Matching algorithms are at the core of dating apps. You must develop an algorithm matching users based on their preferences, interests, and location. The algorithm should be scalable and able to handle millions of users simultaneously.

6. Build the App and Integrate The Algorithm

Now, you need to create your app and integrate the matching algorithm you created to align with your dating app needs. 

7. Social Media Integration

Social media integration is crucial to dating apps. You can allow users to log in using their social media accounts and import their profile data. You can also use social media integration to enable users to share their dating experiences on social media platforms.

8. Implement Push Notifications

Push notifications effectively engage users and keep them returning to your app. Push notifications can notify users about new matches, messages, or app updates.

9. Implement User Authentication and Security Features

User privacy and security are critical for dating apps. You must implement robust user authentication and security features to ensure user data is safe and secure. You can use encryption, SSL, and two-factor authentication to enhance security.

10. Test and Deploy the App

Before launching your app, you must test it thoroughly to ensure it is free from bugs and errors. You can use automated testing tools to speed up the testing process. Once satisfied with the app’s performance, you can deploy it on app stores and promote it through various channels.

11. Maintain and Update the App

After launching it, you must maintain and update it regularly to fix bugs, add new features, and improve user experience. You can use analytics tools to track user behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve the app’s performance.

Why is Tinder Successful in the Domain of Dating Apps – Chief Factors to Know

What makes Tinder, a dating app, so popular?

Let’s consider the factors behind:

1. Swipe Feature

As discussed earlier, the swipe features help swiftly find the potential match. Integrating such a feature is simple; the touch it appends to the app is exceptional. The more ease you provide to your users, the more they would prefer coming to your app repeatedly. 

2. User-friendly Interface

Revealing a user-friendly, simple interface eases the app navigation for the users. Intuitive designs drive a seamless user experience, which is what users focus on while using an app. 

3. Automated Matching that comes from Unique Algorithms

Using its algorithm, tinder-like dating apps automatically match users, harnessing their potential data, like their interests and preferences. This way, they recommend good fits for each. 

4. Smooth Social Media Integration

Such apps integrated seamlessly with social media networks, like Facebook, enabling users to swiftly log into the app and share content with their family and friends. This assists in app promotion and motivates users to stay active on the platform. 

Top Competitors To Dating Mobile App Tinder

1. Bumble

Bumble is a dating app that allows women to make the first move. It operates similarly to Tinder, with users swiping left or right on potential matches. However, if two users match, the woman has to initiate the conversation within 24 hours, or the match will expire.

2. Hinge

Hinge is a dating app that aims to create more meaningful connections. It uses a “swipe” system like Tinder, but it also allows users to like specific parts of another user’s profile, such as a photo or a prompt answer, to start a conversation.

3. OkCupid

OkCupid is a dating app that uses a matching algorithm to suggest potential matches based on users’ answers to various questions. It also has a swiping feature like Tinder, where users can swipe left or right on potential matches.

4. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that sends users a “bagel” (a potential match) daily at noon. Users have 24 hours to like or pass on the bagel; if both users like each other, they can start a conversation.

5. Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish is a dating app that has existed for a long time. It allows users to create detailed profiles and message other users for free. Like Tinder, it also has a swiping feature for potential matches.

How Does Tinder Mobile App Make Money? 

Tinder makes money primarily through its premium subscription service called Tinder Plus, which offers additional features like unlimited swipes, the ability to rewind your last swipe, and the option to change your location.

The popular dating app makes its money through these features, such as:

1. Tinder Premium

Tinder charges a fee to offer each of these functionalities, hence making a lot of money from its users. So, this was the business model used by Tinder; now, let’s focus on the monetization models used by the other dating app.

• Twitter Plus: $7.99 (1 month)
• Twitter Gold: $24.99 (1 month)
• Twitter Platinum: 29.99 (1 month)

2. Boost

Here, Tinder offers its users to subscribe to Tinder Boost to get their maximum profile chances for views & matches. 

3. Super-like

Using this feature, any Tinder app user can super like another user by directly notifying them in case they’re interested. Usually, the free app user receives one super like daily, whereas the subscribed user can receive 5 Super Likes in a day. Here, the users can even subscribe/purchase packages ranging from 5 to 25 by paying an additional $5 to $20. 

4. Sponsored Profiles

Most app providers or corporate businesses collaborate with the app to visualize the app content. And here, Tinder has adopted this model from Snapchat, where it modifies sponsored content or advertisement that resembles the user interface, making it appear more relevant and secure. As the user clicks on the sponsored profile

Monetization Opportunities Offered By Tinder-Like Dating Apps

Here we have mentioned some of the monetization models that dating apps like Tinder can use; they can be:

1. Advertisement

This is among the most profitable ways to earn money for dating apps, generating profit and revenue. With users worldwide using dating apps, they are spending a reasonable amount of time on these apps, and this way, constantly news users and existing users are viewing the advertisements. Several industries are focusing on targeting this audience for their brand promotion or advertising the services related to the dating services, such as food items, beverages, florists, greeting cards, etc. Even cafes and restaurants can promote their businesses on these apps as once someone finds a date, they will be looking for lovely places to visit. Hence, dating apps can offer an excellent advertising boost to many related businesses. 

2. Premium Subscriptions

This is a basic revenue strategy for dating apps where the users can use services offered by the apps by paying for monthly, quarterly or annual subscriptions. In the subscription, the basic services can be offered like chatting features, and then in the premium model, features like video chatting or unlimited swipes can be included. The number of search results can also be limited, where the free members can see only limited results, whereas paid members can view all the results.   

3. eCommerce Integrations

This can be one great model that dating apps can use to add multiple services to select or send gifts via the app. It allows huge revenues as many users can use the app to make purchases or send gifts to their respective matches.

Key Features To Include While Developing Tinder-Like Dating App.

1. User Onboarding & Authorization

Here, the app users can get onboard the app and authorize it by logging in to the app by using Instagram or Facebook profiles. The dating app account can be connected to social networking accounts, and this social authentication allows the platform to become more reliable. 

2. Profile Setting & Editing

This feature allows dating app users to make their profiles more attractive and reliable. 

3. Left-Right Swipe

Here, the Tinder users can like the other profile via ‘swipe right’ and dislike the profiles via ‘swipe left. As per the Tinder press release, the Swipe Surge feature increased the user activity up to 15 times more, increasing the match-making potential of the user by 250 percent. 

4. Push Notifications

In this feature, as the app algorithm finds a new suitable match, the app users a push notification to the app user. 

5. Private Chat

As the app matches the users, these users can then use the built-in unscripted messenger feature to start chatting with their respective matches. 

6. Geo-Locations Tracking

Here the Tinder uses the users’ location to see what social spots they frequently visit, like cafes, malls, lounges, bars, etc. This way, these apps use geo-location functionality to find interest-based matches. It allows the app to improve its services, like the app starts removing movie theatres from its social spots list if many app users are deleting those from their lists.

7. Profile Match Algorithm

Here, the app algorithm compares the new user profile with the other profiles already in the database and suggests relevant matches. In the case of Tinder, its algorithm works as: the app uses sore to rank people as per their attractiveness, the app keeps a count of how many people swiped right on a person’s profile, more number of likes (swipe right), means higher user score, the dating app shows the profiles to the other users with a similar number of likes. This way, the app makes matches for the most-liked people. 

8. Gamification Elements

Appending gaming elements, like leaderboards and rewards, can assist in user engagement and motivate them to use the app. 

9. Multimedia Sharing

Ensure your app facilitates the users to share their videos, photos, and any media with their matches that may help in building robust connections. 

10. Messaging System

Include an in-app messaging system while you build a dating app like Tinder, as it allows the users to communicate with each other seamlessly. 

11. Social Media Integration

While you develop a dating app like Tinder, you should remember to integrate popular social networks, such as Instagram and Facebook, into your application to help users find better matches and ease them with swift and smooth connection. 

12. Anonymous Mode

Consider this feature for your app to facilitate users to safeguard their identity by shielding their names, pictures, contact numbers, etc. 

13. Compatibility Score

Make a Tinder-like app including a compatibility score to assist users in finding a perfect match with high compatibility before connecting with them. 

14. In-App Purchases

While you create an app like Tinder, you need to ensure it generates additional revenue. For that, you can add in-app purchase functionality that provides users extra paid features, like unlimited messaging or filtering options. 

15. Calendar Scheduling

Including this feature, you can enable your app users to set the dates easily and quickly only by syncing their calendars. 

16. Voice and Video Chat

Facilitate the users with real-time interaction with their matches, incorporating voice and video chat options in your dating app. 

17. Photo Verification

User photo verification will help ensure genuine users and eliminate fake profiles from the app. 

What Are The Challenges In Developing A Dating App like Tinder?

As it comes to dating apps, it is not all rosy picture as the users of dating apps face several challenges, and here we have mentioned crucial ones, like:

1. Cyber Bullying

It is common for app users to become victims of cyberbullying, and it can severely impact their mental health. Hence, several measures have to be taken to manage this aspect.

2. Harassment & Violence on Dating

This is a prevalent case among dating apps, where the app users have faced harassment and violence as they go to meet their match in person on a date. This is why specific actions are needed by these apps to ensure the safety of their users.

3. Identity & Privacy

Again, quite rampant in the arena of dating apps, where certain app users try to fool others by offering fake identities. And this can lead to a lot of harm later on.

4. Personal Data Security

Often, dating app users have faced the issue of their data being misused by other users via the app. It needs stringent actions to ensure the safety of personal data.

5. Robust User Verification

This functionality allows users to verify instantly every time they try to log in to the app. A strong system allows recognizing every time a fake user tries instantly.

Why You Should Choose Emizentech for Dating App Development?

Let’s Explore Why You Should Choose Us for Dating App Development. Here Are a Few Recommendations

• Expertise in Mobile App Development: We have a team of experienced developers specializing in mobile app development. Our team has expertise in developing dating apps for both iOS and Android platforms. We use the latest technologies and tools to create high-quality, user-friendly, and engaging dating apps.
• Customized Solutions: Every business has unique requirements, so we provide customized solutions to our clients. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and tailor our services accordingly. Our aim is to develop personalized dating apps to meet our client’s requirements.
• Secure and Reliable: We ensure that the dating apps we develop are secure and reliable. We use the latest security protocols and features to safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access. Our team follows the best practices in the industry to ensure that the dating apps we develop are reliable and perform efficiently.
• Support and Maintenance: Our services do not end with the development of the dating app. We provide support and maintenance services to our clients to ensure their dating apps remain up-to-date, secure, and bug-free. We also offer 24/7 technical support to our clients to resolve any issues that may arise.
• Cost-effective Solutions: We provide cost-effective solutions to our clients without compromising on the quality of our services. We aim to provide affordable dating app development services to startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs with a limited budget.

Ways AI Can Be Used in Dating App Development

*NOTE: If you’re interested in integrating AI into your app and would like to know the associated costs, please reach out for a detailed price estimate.

Build a Better Dating App than Tinder with New Technology Trends

Online dating has come a long way in recent years, with the emergence of new technologies and trends constantly changing the way people connect and form relationships. While Tinder has been one of the most popular dating apps in recent years, there is always room for improvement and innovation. Here are some ways to build a better dating app than Tinder with the latest technology trends.

1. Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Matches

Tinder uses an algorithm to match users based on location, age, and preferences. However, this system can be improved with the use of AI. By analyzing users’ behavior, interests, and communication patterns, AI can create more accurate matches and even suggest conversation topics break the ice.

2. Implement Video Dating

With the pandemic forcing people to stay home, video dating has become more popular than ever. By implementing a video feature on your dating app, users can get to know each other face-to-face before deciding to meet in person. This can also increase safety and prevent catfishing.

3. Embrace Gamification

Gamification has become a popular trend in many industries, including dating apps. By adding game-like features to your app, such as virtual rewards or challenges, you can keep users engaged and increase their likelihood of returning to the app.

4. Focus on Niche Markets

Tinder Appeals to A Broad Audience, but There Is Potential in Focusing on Specific Niche Markets. For Example, an App that focuses on professionals or people with specific hobbies or interests can attract a dedicated user base.

5. Enhance Security and Privacy.

One of the biggest concerns with dating apps is security and privacy. By implementing better verification processes and securing user data, you can build trust with your users and attract more people to your app.

6. Incorporate Blockchain Technology for Enhanced Transparency and Security

By leveraging blockchain technology, you can create a more secure and transparent platform for users. For Example, you can use smart contracts to ensure that all user interactions are recorded on a public ledger, which can prevent fraudulent behavior and increase user trust.

7. Implement Decentralized Identity Verification

Decentralized identity verification can improve the security and privacy of user data. By allowing users to verify their identity using a decentralized system, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and identity theft.

8. Integrate Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual and augmented reality can provide a more immersive and interactive dating experience. For Example, you can create virtual environments where users can meet and interact with each other or use augmented reality to enhance the user’s experience when browsing potential matches.

9. Utilize Big Data Analytics.

Big data analytics can provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. You can personalize the user experience and improve match accuracy by analyzing user data.

10. Incorporate Chatbots and Natural Language Processing

Chatbots and natural language processing can improve communication between users and the app. By using chatbots to handle routine tasks, such as scheduling dates or sending messages, you can free up resources and improve the overall user experience.

By leveraging these latest technology trends, you can create a dating app that offers users a more secure, personalized, and immersive experience, setting your app apart from competitors like Tinder.

What Tech Stack Is Required To Develop A Tinder Like Dating App?

When choosing a tech stack, it is crucial to consider scalability because if the app is not scalable, there will be issues in the later stages of the app upgradation. For example, Tinder initially used NoSQL & MongoDB databases to match people. But then, with increased app users, it got challenging for Tinder to offer the best performance with the same database. It is why the developers behind Tinder chose to shift the data to Amazon Web Hosting. It clearly states that the tech stack directly impacts app performance and scalability. 

To Develop a Tinder-Like Dating App, You Will Need a Variety of Technologies, Including:

• Front-End Technologies: You will need to develop a user interface that is visually appealing and user-friendly. For this, you may use technologies such as React Native, Angular, or Vue.js.
• Back-End Technologies: The back-end is the engine that powers your app, and it’s responsible for things like data storage, user authentication, and messaging. You may use a backend framework such as Node.js or Ruby on Rails.
• Database: Your app will require a database to store user data, such as user profiles, preferences, and matches. Popular databases for dating apps include PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB.
• Cloud Hosting: To ensure your app can handle many users, you will need to host it on a cloud-based server. You can choose from popular cloud providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.
• Push Notifications: To keep users engaged, you must implement push notifications to alert them of new matches, messages, and other relevant events. You may use a service such as Firebase Cloud Messaging or Apple Push Notification Service.
• Payment Gateway: To monetize your app, you must integrate a payment gateway to facilitate user transactions. Popular payment gateways include Stripe, PayPal, and Braintree.
• Third-Party APIs: You may also need to integrate third-party APIs to add functionality to your app, such as location-based services, social media integration, or image recognition.

What Team Structure Is Required To Create A Dating App? 

Creating a dating app requires a well-organized team structure that can effectively manage the different aspects of app development, such as design, development, testing, and marketing.

Here Are Some of The Key Roles that You May Need to Consider for Building a Successful Dating App:

• Project Manager: The project manager will oversee the entire project and ensure the development process is on track, milestones are met, and budgets are adhered to.
• UI/UX Designer: The UI/UX designer will design the app’s interface, user experience, and overall look and feel.
• Front-end Developer: The front-end developer will translate the design into code that users can interact with. They will need expertise in web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Back-end Developer: The back-end developer will be responsible for building the server side of the application, which includes developing the application’s database, API, and other server-side functionalities.
• Mobile App Developer: The mobile app developer will be responsible for developing the native mobile app version of the dating app for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Quality Assurance Tester: The quality assurance tester will ensure that the app works as intended, testing all aspects to identify and fix bugs or issues.
• Marketing Specialist: The marketing specialist will create a marketing strategy for the app, identify target audiences, and develop promotional materials.

Overall, building a dating app requires a diverse and skilled team that can work together to bring the app to life and make it a success.

How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Tinder?

To create an MVP of a Tinder-like dating app, you would need to develop and integrate various functionalities, such as sign-in, user-profile editing, GPS tracking, app settings, photo editing, Instagram integration, admin panel, payment method integration, chats, push notifications, and matching algorithms. The estimated hours required for the development and integration of each function are listed below:

In addition to the above functionalities, you must pay for UX & UI design, marketing support, and quality analysts. The estimated hours required for each task are:

And here’s the estimated hours required for design, management, and marketing support:

Overall, the estimated development, design, management, and marketing support hours total 1400, with an estimated app development cost between $50k-$70k.

How EmizenTech Can Help You?

As a leading app development company, we at EmizenTech provide multiple services that meet all your requirements of clients. To make a dating app like Tinder requires a lot of experience and a team of dedicated developers. We have a qualified team of experts who have knowledge of different and new technologies such as AI and ML. We look into our client’s requirements thoroughly to meet the business’s unique needs.

Final Note

Developing a dating app like Tinder requires thoroughly understanding user needs, preferences, and behaviors. The process involves several steps, including market research, feature development, design, and testing, which require careful planning and execution.

To create a successful dating app, it is essential to provide a seamless user experience, incorporate advanced algorithms for matching and recommendation, ensure data privacy and security, and offer innovative features that differentiate the app from competitors.

If you are looking to make an app like Tinder, contact EmizenTech, a leading App Development Company providing services globally.