Dating App Development: Trends, Features and Cost
Statista forecasts growth of online dating revenue to USD 1 billion in 2021 in the US only. This says one thing: the online dating app market is on the rise. These numbers indicate that online dating apps and other similar tools the primary way of meeting people. With the demand as high as it is, can there be a place for entrepreneurs and for startup owners to wedge in the dating industry, and perhaps, create a successful dating app?
If you are determined to take a shot in the industry, let’s talk about dating app development and figure out how to make a dating application and how much does it cost to develop a dating app?
1. Dating App Development Trends & Statistics
Among dating apps, Tinder stands out with 50 million users, 60% from the US, and a total value estimated at $1.6 billion. These stats highlight a clear message: the demand for dating apps is high, making it an ideal time to explore dating app development.
If you want to create a dating app, look to industry leaders like Tinder for guidance. Here’s how to approach dating app development and the costs involved.
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2. Dating App Development | Must-Have Features
Tinder’s success stems from its simplicity and its “swipe right” feature. This makes it a perfect example for those looking into dating app development. Below, we discuss the essential components for creating a successful dating app.
2.1. Matching Algorithms in Dating App Development
One of the most crucial aspects of dating app development is the matching algorithm. Here are some common approaches:
- Geodata Usage: Matches are suggested based on a user’s location.
- Mathematical Algorithms: This analyzes data provided by users, such as personality traits and interests, but has limitations due to potential dishonesty.
- Behavior Analysis: More complex, this looks at users’ digital footprints to understand personality better.
- Advanced Matching (AI & AR): AI and AR can enhance matching accuracy by using facial recognition and behavioral analysis, providing users with precise recommendations.
2.2. Socials & Communication Intergration
The success of a dating app depends on how well users can communicate. To ensure good user experience, focus on secure and intuitive communication features. Offer advanced options like GIFs, stickers, and even video calls. Other key features include:
- Swipe Surge: Boosts user engagement, increasing match potential by 250%.
- News Feed & Stories: Allows users to share content, offering a more engaging experience.
- Like Features & Message Editing: Emotionally engaging interactions, with options to edit messages.
- Verification & Private Chat: Ensures user privacy and safety.
- Push Notifications: Alerts users about potential matches and nearby users.
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2.3. Dating App | MVP Development
To get started with dating app development, build a minimum viable product (MVP) with these core features:
- Social Sign-In: Simplifies registration.
- User Profile: Personal information pulled from social media.
- Geolocation: Helps users find matches in their area.
- Matching: AI-based algorithms for smarter matchmaking.
- Chatting: Basic messaging functionality with room for stickers and GIFs.
- Push Notifications: Keeps users updated on new matches.
- Swiping: A swipe feature for quick likes or skips.
- Admin Panel: For managing users and ensuring security.
- User Data Security: Implement modern security standards like GDPR and PCI DSS.
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2.4. Additional Features for Your Dating App Development
After building an MVP, focus on advanced features to enhance user experience, such as:
- AI-powered chatbots: Helps break the ice in conversations.
- Video Calls: Facilitates face-to-face communication.
- Profile Verification: Builds user trust by ensuring profiles are authentic.
3. Dating App Monetization
The dating app industry has money and consumers who are willing to invest money to find a partner, according to statistics. Match Group has grown its paying subscriber base from $3.4 million in 2014 to $10.8 million in 2020. In the second and third quarters of 2020, another 700,000 users signed up. Tinder, on the other hand, has 6 million paying users worldwide. That’s why mobile app monetization is crucial for any development process.
You must detail the scenario for the return on investment while estimating the cost of developing a dating app, preparing your budget, and/or raising funds. Consider the following revenue sources if you’re trying to figure out how to make a dating app that makes money:
3.1. Advertising Model
Incorporate affiliate networks by partnering with relevant businesses like cafes or florists. You can also offer ad-free versions for a premium.
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3.2. Freemium Model
Users can choose to be billed monthly or annually. Additional features include unlimited swipes, profile showcases, and an ad-free app version in this model.
3.3. Affiliate Model
Promote related content, such as special deals for couples or dating-related services.
3.4. Premium Model
Sell VIP accounts that boost a user’s profile visibility. Another option is selling unlimited right swipes, a monetization feature already used by apps like Bumble and Tinder.
4. Technology Stack for Dating App (Like Tinder)
Developing a dating app like Tinder requires a robust tech stack. It’s not about cloning Tinder but about understanding the core technology and solving user problems effectively. Here’s a look at the tech stack:
- Mobile stack (Android/iOS): Swift, Objective C, Java.
- Backend/API stack: Node.js, JavaScript, MongoDB, AWS.
- Website stack: HTML5, jQuery, Nginx.
Partnering with a skilled dating app development company will help ensure these technologies are integrated smoothly.
| Android/iOS mobile app stack: | Backend/API stack: | Website stack: |
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5. Dating App Development Cost
The cost of dating app development depends on several factors, such as the complexity of features, design, and the number of platforms. On average, a full-featured dating app development project can range from $60,000 to $150,000 for an MVP. More complex versions with additional features can push costs upwards of $300,000.
Key cost drivers include:
- Development approach: The complexity of the app.
- Number of platforms: iOS, Android, or both.
- App design: More intricate designs cost more.
- Feature complexity: More complex features lead to higher app development costs.
| MVP | More features and design of a larger complexity, 1 platform | Complex app design, development, and support, 2+ platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UX/UI Design | $5,000+ | $15,000+ | $25,000+ |
| Custom Development | $40,000+ | $95,000+ | $200,000+ |
| Quality Assurance | $5,000+ | $15,000+ | $25,000+ |
| Project Management | $7,500+ | $15,000+ | $35,000+ |
| Business Analysis | $2,500+ | $10,000+ | $15,000+ |
| Total setup | $60,000+ | $150,000+ | $300,000+ |
| Time | 3 – 6 months | 4 – 9 months | 9+ months |
Extra note: Asking how to make a dating app close to Tinder isn’t a good idea. The Tinder app was created, scaled, and promoted by that organization, which received a $50 million investment. Such a budget is not available for every product. You can, however, write your own success story. Simply put, don’t plan to create an app like Tinder, as cloning an existing product would not yield a good result. Instead, consider introducing a novel concept to the market.
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6. Step-by-step on How to Build a Successful Mobile Dating App
To begin, you should create a dating app that caters to a specific but appropriate audience. If you want to create a dating app with more trustworthiness, you can focus on matches with specific interests, preferences, or relationship goals, or even allow group dates.
6.1. Conduct Market Research
To continue the debate about whether or not to create a dating app, figures show that 19% of couples met their spouses on a dating website. Take a look at the data from Stanford University, which shows how meeting partners has changed over time. In today’s world, 40% of Americans use online dating services (more men – 52.4 percent , than women- 47.6 percent ). Consider this: in the United States, over 11 million people use a dating app at least once a month.
Statista provided the following insight about the online dating market:
- Revenue in matchmaking will reach US $2,652m in 2020
- Revenue predicted at 10.5% annual growth rate (2020 – 2024)
- Average revenue in online dating, per user amounts to US $32.91
- The projected market volume in 2024 will amount to US $3,961
- Currently there are 80.6M users in the matchmaking sector in 2020
- In 2020, most revenue was generated in China (US $503m)
Furthermore, according to IBISWorld, the dating service market has grown at an annual rate of 11% over the last five years. However, only 27% of US adults used or were currently using a dating app or website as of April 2020, indicating that there is still plenty of space for creativity and consumer attraction.
Key takeaway: Dating apps account for nearly a quarter of the dating services industry’s sales, and they’re getting bigger every year. This is attributable to the increased use of the Internet and mobile devices.
6.2. Competitor Analysis
The majority of dating apps (Tinder, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and so on) are owned by the Match Group, which is worth noting. By 2020, the company will have surpassed 10 million paying dating app subscribers around the world, and it will continue to grow through foreign acquisitions such as Meetic in Europe and Eureka in Japan. Facebook is now developing its own dating app. More specifically, the network would make date recommendations based on upcoming activities, personal status, and interests.
But you want to know how to build a standout dating app? First and foremost, you must thoroughly research your competitors.
6.3. Dating App Idea Validation
Validate your dating app idea by conducting user surveys and polls. Learn what your target audience wants and how to meet their expectations. From here, you can build your app’s unique selling points.
6.4. Design UI / UX for Dating App
Good UI/UX is critical to the success of any dating app. Ensure the design is visually appealing, intuitive, and user-friendly. Engage users with clear onboarding processes, easy navigation, and interactive elements.
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6.5. Choose the ideal Tech Stack & MVP Development
Clarification of the project’s specifications, the business goals, and project prototyping will all be part of this point. If you wish to test out the app first then we would recommend you going for a MVP version at the start. Below are a few features that you should take notice while developing a MVP Dating App.
| Feature | Description |
| Social sign-in | Empower your app with sign-in via social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn for a more seamless experience. |
| User profile | Each user has their own profile where one indicates interests and hobbies. |
| Geolocation | With this feature, the app users will choose the region where they want to find a soulmate and even choose nearby locations. |
| Matching | To make the matching software development process more accurate, use AI-based algorithms. |
| Chatting | When users have a match, they can start chatting and get to know each other better. Also, it is possible to add stickers and GIFs optionally to make messages more vivid. |
| Push notifications | Push notifications will inform your app users about their matches. |
| Settings | Settings include main features like select by categories, on/off the sound, customize different filters, and so on. |
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