It might seem that the dating app landscape is overcrowded in 2024, yet opportunities abound for innovative startups. With the increasing usage of smartphones and hectic lifestyles, more and more individuals eye online dating apps as a convenient and accessible way to find potential partners without traditional social pressures.
But to create the next big thing, you need the right blend of technology, trends, and a unique value proposition aligned with your target audience. Our guide will walk you through the essential steps of creating a successful dating app and give you the skinny on the latest trends to help you develop your very own dating app that stays ahead of the curve.
The state of online dating apps in 2024
When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit, tapping on screens was the only option to mingle with someone new while confined indoors. Since then, it has been an upward trajectory for dating apps, driven by the influx of new users.
For example, Tinder, a popular dating app and the fifth top-grossing mobile app in 2024, earned $1.9 billion in 2023, an increase of 7% compared to 2022. The number of Tinder’s paying customers has also increased, amounting to 9.6 million subscribers. Hinge, another top dating app, earned $396 million in 2023 and grew its downloads to 700,000 in 2024.
Besides heavy hitters, the market of online dating apps has great dynamics, with new entrants constantly walking onto the stage. Hatched, a dating app with a one-of-a-kind gamified user experience and $1 million in pre-seed funding, is a prime example of such newcomers. Queerie, an LGBTQIA+ dating app with pre-seed funding of $300,000, and Blush, an invite-only dating app with $7 million in seed funding, have also made waves in the dating market.
Here are some other numbers that display the current stand of dating apps:
- Three in ten US adults say they use a dating site or app.
- The revenue of the online dating market is projected to reach $3.15 billion by the end of 2024, while the number of users is expected to climb to 470 million users by 2029.
- The US dating market accounts for almost $1.4 billion in 2023, which makes it the leading market in terms of revenue. China and the United Kingdom follow, with revenues of $296 million and $198 million, respectively.
- In 2023, dating apps were the second highest-grossing category for global app users, generating around $5.7 billion in consumer spending.
Trends in mobile dating app development
No matter what type of dating app you’re developing, you have to go with the flow, i.e., make sure that it’s up to the current market trends. Also, lately, people have been growing weary of virtual dating, so your application has to bring its A-game to the market. With that said, let’s go over the latest trends in dating app development.
AI-driven engine
Even though AI-powered dating is considered a trend, we think that it has already become a golden standard in the niche. AI-powered matchmaking relies on advanced algorithms to analyze user data, offering more accurate and personalized matches. For example, Hatched, the dating app we mentioned earlier, helps users build meaningful connections through its AI-powered compatibility matching and interactive question format.
Beyond intelligent courting, dating apps incorporate AI to help users enhance their dating profiles, generate pickup lines, select the best profile photos, and even simulate blind dates.
Virtual dating
Today, a mind-blowing 65% of people prefer to meet digitally instead of meeting in person, hence the popularity of video calling functionality in dating apps. Immersive dating takes video calls to the next level by allowing users to create their digital avatars and use them to meet new people.
For example, Apple Vision Pro users can enjoy an enhanced interactive dating experience paired with the DateGPT AI engine to create personal and tailored connections in the virtual world.
Gamification
Tinder was the first to break the mold by gamifying dating apps, and since then, many dating apps have followed suit. Beyond the swipe mechanics, a gamified experience can power elements of competition, such as matchmaking challenges, chance elements, like daily picks, and urgency features, such as Super Likes and others.
One new player taking this route is Smitten, a dating app known for its in-app mini-games that help singles break the ice. The app encourages matched users to engage over yes-and-no questions and a lie-guessing game.
Niching down
According to statistics, 61% of daters use dating apps to meet people with common interests. As an alternative to mainstream dating venues, niche dating apps are geared toward specific communities, interests, lifestyles, and backgrounds, increasing the odds of finding compatible matches. Such apps boast a narrow dating pool but help users filter out the clutter and double down on connections that truly matter.
Date Like Goblins, a new dating platform, is a fine specimen of niche dating apps. This application caters to the gaming community, allowing users to connect via voice chat while playing video games. Datefit, another specialized dating app, raised $9 million in funding thanks to its unique concept of connecting people based on their fitness activities.
Core steps of the dating app development process
Now that you have a better idea about the online dating app market, it's time to take a closer look at the dating app development process. Keep in mind that having a trusted tech partner onboard will greatly accelerate the process and maximize your chances of market success.
Market and competitors research
Starting a business in the dating app industry doesn't differ all that much from starting any other business. However, keep in mind that it's not enough to build a dating app like Tinder; you need to create your own dating solution with a unique selling proposition.
First, you should analyze the market carefully and get a clear understanding of its current situation, perspectives, and problem areas. Remember, because the dating app market is so dense, it's not enough to create another app with a modern design. In-depth research will help to find an attractive niche and opportunities to monetize your dating app.
You'll find what could be unique about your product by studying the key players and current trends. This unique selling point may be a modern matching algorithm, in-app dating ideas, a specific interest that matches users, or an out-of-the-box idea that no one has ever thought of.
Along with the app's competitive advantages, keep in mind the portrait of your future user, including:
- Personal demographics;
- Education and career background;
- Typical everyday routine;
- Possible hobbies and interests;
- Fears and pain points.
The more detailed your vision is, the more relevant and successful your product will be.
MVP for a dating app
Your mobile app development idea will influence the set of basic features included in the application. Although each dating app is unique, there are some core modules you can't go without. So, let's consider the key features of a minimum viable product (MVP).
1. Sign up/Sign in
For the first version, we suggest using phone registration and authorization. It's easy to implement as everyone has a mobile number, and this type of account creation helps to verify the user. Usually, instead of creating passwords, we use Twilio, which sends the code via a text message.
In future versions, you can add additional verification steps like photo or video proof if needed. You can also use Google and Apple accounts for registration and authorization since this is often convenient for users.
The main point is starting with a single account creation method. Later, you can add as many sign-up/sign-in options as you want.
2. Onboarding
Onboarding is an essential part of any application. Using appealing and colorful images, you can introduce your product to users and highlight its advantages.
3. Geolocation
Another essential feature of dating apps is location-based matching. To suggest the most relevant matches distance-wise, having access to users' current locations is required.
Ensure you provide the users with a clear explanation of this geolocation request. If you don't prove the need for your request, Apple and Google may reject the application during the publishing process.
4. Personal profile
This section contains the basic info about the user:
- Photos
- Name
- Gender
- Age
- Location
- Hobbies
- Their goal for using the app
- About Me
Additionally, the user can add info about their preferences for the future partner:
- Age
- Gender
- Location
5. Other users’ profiles
This is the screen that is shown during the matching process. On another user’s profile, you should find the following basic info about the potential match:
- Photos
- Name
- Age
- Location
- Other personal information
Google and Apple require developers to implement user blocking and violation reporting features for applications that allow users to create content. So, you also have to think about including such features in the other users' profiles.
6. Browsing
Browsing is the functionality for which everyone downloads a dating app. Here, the users can look through the user base, search for potential matches, and like or dislike them by swiping or hitting buttons.
7. Messaging
No one can imagine a dating app without in-app messaging. You can start with a simple built-in messenger and upgrade it in future versions.
Considering the current trends in dating app development, you might also want to implement audio or video calls in the first version if they correlate with your business idea.
8. Settings
Settings should also be among the main features of your dating app. Typically, users can find information about the application, contacts, Privacy Policy, and User Agreement in an app’s “Settings” section. Further, they should be able to locate privacy options like location access, push notifications, visibility, and subscription settings.
9. Push notifications
Sending notifications about new messages, matches, or other activities in the app is a powerful tool for boosting users' engagement. The list of possible push events will depend on the final functionality.
10. Analytics
Don't forget to add an analytics solution (e.g., Firebase) to track basic metrics like the number of active users, session length, session interval, crucial screen visits, etc. This data will help you to study users' behavior and detect some weak points in the application.
Feature set for the admin panel
When you create a dating app, you certainly need a management system. Based on the functionality described above, we propose the following features for the admin panel:
1. User management
With this module, you can see the registered users' list, as well as their basic information and activity. Here, you can block or delete them from the app.
2. Reports management
In this section, you can see the list of users' reports about violations and address the issues.
UI/UX design of a dating app
The success of any product depends on multiple factors and details, and your app's appearance plays a big part. So, to win your future users' hearts, show them a great UI/UX design.
There are no specific rules for dating app design. Focus on detail while considering a user-friendly, easy-to-use, secure interface. In the end, your app should provide a top-notch intuitive experience.
Choosing the matching algorithm
The matching algorithm is a core feature and key to a dating app's success. A properly designed algorithm guarantees a higher rate of relevant matches.
In the table below, let's look at some of the most popular matching algorithms so you can choose any of them as a basis or invent your own.
| Matching Algorithm | Description |
|---|---|
| Location-based matching | This is the easiest algorithm. Here, the app uses the data about the user's current location, distance preferences, and basic preference settings like age and gender to form a list of potential matches. |
| Calculation-based matching | This algorithm is used to evaluate the results of questionnaires. When preparing the list of potential matches, it considers distance preferences and the percentage of coinciding answers and skipped questions. |
| Preference-based matching | This type of algorithm takes into account users’ activity on social networks. Such an approach dramatically raises the accuracy of the matching process as it analyses the preferred posts, comments, groups, and other social activities. |
| AI-based matching | This is the most modern and accurate type of algorithm. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach allows us to consider many different factors in combination with Big Data analysis. For example, this matching algorithm can process information about hobbies, interests, age, social activity, and behavior. |
Technology stack for a dating app
The tech stack depends on the project specifics and the preferences of dating app developers and app owners. However, there are staple programming languages, frameworks, and technologies present in most dating apps:
- Mobile development: Kotlin for Android, iOS for Swift
- Admin panel development: Node.js, React.js
- Database: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Cloud storage: Amazon S3
- Backend development: PHP, Symfony, Laravel
- General utilities: Firebase, Google Analytics, Twilio, Google Maps.
Dating app development cost
Our sales team has prepared a ballpark estimate of an MVP with an illustration of the cost for each activity. This estimation lists only core features with no additional functionality.
| Features | Development time (hours) | Backend development time (hours) | Approx. cost ($) |
| Sign in / Sign up | 28 | 30 | 2,900 |
| Create account | 64 | 28 | 4,600 |
| Profile | 56 | 18 | 3,700 |
| Other users’ profiles | 24 | 16 | 2,000 |
| Searching and matching | 96 | 64 | 8,000 |
| Onboarding | 32 | – | 1,600 |
| Geolocation | 16 | 10 | 1,300 |
| Messaging | 160 | 120 | 14,000 |
| Settings | 48 | 32 | 4,000 |
| Push notifications | 24 | 20 | 2,200 |
| Analytics | 32 | 28 | 3,000 |
| Report users | 26 | 16 | 2,100 |
| Architecture | 32 | 32 | 3,200 |
| Server interaction & API | 32 | – | 1,600 |
| Database | 16 | 16 | 1,600 |
| Admin panel | 124 | 96 | 11,000 |
| Total | 810 | 526 | 66,800 |
The approximate cost of building an MVP for a dating app is around $67K. Keep in mind that this is a ballpark estimation for the development stage only, and it doesn’t factor in your unique application needs but gives an overall understanding of the investment needed. Also, we’ve included only a set of core features. To develop your mobile app, you will also need a project manager, UI/UX designers, QA engineers, and other specialists. Their services are priced separately and are not included in this estimate.
How to monetize a dating app
Often, businesses launch the app's MVP to validate the main idea of the product and attract users without any dating app monetization strategy in mind. If everything goes smoothly, then you can implement various monetization strategies. For dating applications, owners can consider the following business models:
Premium accounts
This model is often the first idea that comes to mind. Premium account gives the users access to some additional tempting options, like:
- Who looks through your profile;
- Who likes you;
- More matches per day;
- Advanced filter for searching;
- Free of ads usage, etc.
The most challenging part here is forming a valuable proposal for your target audience. Some dating apps also roll out ultra-premium subscription tiers to select users, charging an extra to access exclusive search and matching.
Development time estimation: 48 hours minimum per platform.
In-app purchases
The users of dating applications are not generally into purchasing, but you can offer more special extras for purchase, like:
- Themed emojis;
- Special compliments;
- Different types of reactions;
- Virtual gifts, etc.
Development time estimation: 32 hours minimum per platform.
Partnership
This model is an exciting idea that can spice up your product. Partnered up with local businesses, you could create an interesting offer for the users, including:
- In-app flower orders;
- In-app taxi orders;
- In-app restaurant searches, etc.
Estimating this functionality will depend on the complexity of integration with the partners.
Development time estimation: 16 hours minimum per platform.
Ads
This model is a straightforward way to earn money quickly. You can implement banner, native, or video ads. However, with this approach, you want to ensure the ads’ content, frequency, and location don’t frustrate your users.
Development time estimation: 20 hours minimum per platform.
Dating app development challenges
With the right combination of great features, an engaging interface, and an accurate algorithm, it seems easy to develop a dating app. However, dating app development goes hand in hand with common challenges that can bog down your product when left unaddressed.
Data security
The very nature of dating apps is for users to find the best matches based on personal information. To make the algorithm more precise, dating apps collect a wealth of user data – from age to location.
The sheer amount of data collected raises worries about data security. Twenty-two of the 25 (88%) most popular dating apps come with insufficient data privacy safeguards. According to Kaspersky, the main pitfalls associated with dating app security include the following:
- Password mailed in plain text (like Mamba and Badoo do);
- Users placing sensitive information about themselves into the public domain;
- Enabled screenshots of private conversations between singles;
- Mandatory profile photo required by dating apps;
- And mandatory geolocation access.
Although you cannot make a dating app without user data, you can at least do the utmost to ensure the safety of user data on your side. For example, your dating app can have a Screenshot Block feature that forbids users from taking screenshots like Badoo.
Other must-have data security features for dating apps include the following:
- Data encryption;
- Multi-factor authentication;
- Photo-blurring option;
- And optional access to geolocation data and other features.
User safety
While dating apps are a modern way to find true love, it’s also the ground zero for scams and romance frauds. Therefore, while making a dating app, consider features that will safeguard users and keep scammers at bay. Here’s how you can help users put themselves out there without putting them at risk:
- Profile verification
- Block and report features
- Selfie confirmation
- AI-based image analysis to flag unsolicited photos
You can also go the extra mile and enable the user to share a match’s profile with a friend when users go on an in-person date.
Marketing
The dating app development market is not saturated but is dominated by frontrunners such as Tinder and Hinge. Therefore, you need an application with a twist to stand out among the rest.
Thursday is a prominent example of thinking out of the box. This dating app is a unique platform that is live only once a week – every Thursday. On all other days, users are encouraged to focus on other things. This approach has earned Thursday $3.5 million in seed investments.
Along with the unique selling proposition, you should also focus on standard pre-launch and launch campaigns that will get your app more traction. These might include:
- Branded visuals and a press kit;
- Landing page;
- Omnichannel media presence;
- App store optimization;
- Referrals and partnerships;
- Email campaigns, and others.
Make sure you factor in the marketing investment, be it time or employee compensation.
Our experience
Orangesoft has quite a few dating applications in its portfolio. For one of our clients, we implemented a dating application that bucks the trend and focuses on the quality of connections rather than their quantity. While the general idea of this app was to swipe right and connect with people, we took it up an ante by integrating a custom AI-based matching algorithm along with a smart chatbot.
The virtual assistant engages the user in conversational interactions and then delivers highly personalized connections based on the user's answers. We also integrated the app with payment gateways and added social logins for a seamless, holistic experience.
Let’s set a date
The upcoming years are likely to put a strain on the revenues of companies and shrink customer spending. However, people are eager to establish deep, emotional relationships now more than ever.
So even if users aren't paying for current premium features, businesses can continue to provide new features that are more relevant to evolving user needs. Plus, the current monetization situation could be an opportunity to grow more adventurous companies, as the dating industry will never be the same and is open to innovations.
We hope our extensive guide on dating app development and its costs has helped you understand how to create your own app that will hopefully become the next Tinder. The only thing left is to find an experienced mobile app development company to turn your idea into reality.
We're along for the ride. With over 13 years of experience, our team knows the secret sauce of mobile app development and will go out of our way to help you create the next big thing. Share your idea, consult with our specialists, and get an estimate for your project at no charge.