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How to Build a Dating App Like Tinder?

Author
SPEC INDIA
Posted

September 19, 2024

Looking for love is a never-ending process in every human being’s life. Many films and books have shown that the search for Mr. or Ms. Right has been a popular theme throughout the centuries. Still, the ability to consider true love an achievable target remains the same today.

But it’s 2024, and in this world of technology, most issues can be resolved if there is an application for them!

Are you planning to develop a Tinder-like Dating app for iOS and Android? Welcome to the right place!

This is the right time for your unique idea, thanks to downloads reaching millions of users searching for connections. If you are motivated by Tinder’s success or want to create your vision of a dating app, we’ll show you how it’s done.

This guide will explain how to create an application that assists people in finding meaningful relationships, from its characteristics to the steps of building the application. Let’s start by giving an overview of why dating apps are so popular.

How to build a dating app like tinder

Why Are Dating Apps So Popular?

It has become more common in the last decade that people have started using dating apps to find a partner and socialize. Indeed, surveys reveal that more than 270 million people are using these dating applications, with Tinder alone registering billions of swipes daily. Well then, what makes these apps so that they receive people’s attention and become increasingly popular? This is because the concept of dating has been developed to a level of ease in the current fast lifestyles and has been made accessible.

Unlike in the past, when people met accidentally, dating applications allow people to meet from the comfort of their homes at a specific time, how, and with whom they want. Algorithms, handy options, and changes in people’s perception of relationships make dating apps the new favorite of millions searching for love or a partner.

Dating apps tend to attract more users than other social media apps because social media apps are more focused on making friends, while dating apps are solely created to help people find their perfect match.

Here are some key reasons behind their popularity:

  • Offers anytime, anywhere access to potential matches.
  • You get a chance to connect with people beyond your usual social circle.
  • It has personalized algorithms that streamline the process of finding a game.
  • Online dating is now widely accepted and expected.
  • Less effort in making connections
  • Good for busy people
  • 24/7 availability
  • No unwanted interactions
  • Possibility to search by location

Modern dating apps have transformed casual meetings into purposeful interactions, and meeting new people has become as simple as swiping on a screen.

Here are some statistics that will give you a rough estimate of how quickly such apps are becoming popular.

Dating app market, statistics, and trends

Types of Dating Apps

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all in dating applications, as they are diverse and are designed to meet the customer’s preferences and objectives. Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship, casual dating, or something specific, there’s a dating app designed for you. Here are the main types:

  • Swipe-Based Apps: These are the most common and easy to use. For instance, popular dating applications such as Tinder engage users by providing an option to swipe left or right to signify interest in each profile.
  • Niche Dating Apps: These apps target a particular interest, specific demography, or how their users lead their lives. For instance, FarmersOnly or Christian Mingle are applications that connect people with similar aims or beliefs.
  • Serious Relationship Apps: Other mainstream dating sites, such as eHarmony and OkCupid, aim to match people seeking long-term relationships. They ask users several detailed questionnaires to determine their compatibility levels and matches.
  • Casual Dating Apps: Sites such as Pure and Feeld are designed for people who need no-strings sexual experiences, and, therefore, the experience is more straightforward and less concealed.
  • Geolocation-Based Apps: Apps like Happn connect people based on proximity, showing users others they’ve crossed paths with in real life.

6 Steps Process to Make a Dating App Like Tinder

Find Out the Similar Dating Apps and Decide the Type

The first is the identification of your competitors, and the second one – is the definition of your audience.

So, the question would be: What is unique about your app or service?

  • Are you targeting a particular sector or providing something no one else offers?
  • Who are your target customers?
  • What percentage of the total mobile user base is captured by dating apps?
  • What are the current and top dating apps in your area?
  • What are the challenges and market opportunities for dating applications?
  • What is so unique that Tinder and Bumble became dating applications? What does it contain?

Answering these questions and researching will provide an understanding of the basic information concerning the dating app solution development market. For instance, deciding on the niche will assist you in identifying whether you would like to create an app for all people finding romantic partners or a dating application intended for members of the LGBTQ community.

Moreover, it will assist you in determining the features to incorporate into your app to make it stand out. It is important to note that the features in dating apps such as Tinder or Bumble will not be like features in a dating app such as Grindr. These apps have their specific functionality and purpose to serve.

1. Define the Exact Specification

Determine the detailed nature of your app, including the type of app and the features, tack stacks, or app monetization plan you wish to incorporate. Below are general questions that should be discussed with the team.

  • Native or hybrid app: what is better to choose?
  • What specific services are you delivering that set you apart from your competitors?
  • Are you interested in having an application that accommodates many users, or are you interested in a specific dating application?
  • Which monetization strategy do you wish to apply? (You need to develop the specifications based on that).

Once you decide on the exact specifications, you will receive a roadmap that you must follow. It is suggested that you focus on one area rather than covering all of them through one app.

2. Choose the Features of your App

The set features of your application will determine its success. There are numerous ways in which people engage with these features, and the ways that people will engage with these features will determine the next steps. Determine which features are mandatory for your app. Some must-have features for a dating app include:

  • User Profiles
  • Swipe Functionality
  • Matching Algorithm
  • In-App Messaging
  • Geolocation
  • Push Notifications
  • Social Media Integration
  • Advanced Filters
  • User Verification
  • Safety Features

Unique Features You Can Add:

  • Video Profile
  • AI-Powered Match Suggestions
  • Voice Notes in Chats
  • Date Ideas Generator
  • Event Integration

3. Design the User Interface (UI)

The design of your app plays a crucial role in user engagement.

Focus on how your application will look and work. The focus is on UI/UX design to ensure users stick with your solution. Consider the application’s ease of use and maintain consistency in the fonts, colors, and transitions between various parts of the application.

A team of professional UI/UX designers and several tools, such as wireframes and mockups, exist to assist. Hire UI/UX designers at SPEC INDIA and get intuitive and user-centric designs that match your app theme. We pay close attention to UI/UX because it is critical to an app’s success. Try us and then decide.

4. Pick the Right Tech Stack

Selecting the right technology for your app is crucial to ensure it is optimally effective. Even though your development team will assist you in making those decisions, they must possess appropriate skills. If you intend to hire third parties for a development company to develop your mobile dating application, ensure they offer the technical work to deliver a high-end product.

  • Programming languages: Swift, Kotlin, Java
  • Frameworks: React, Node.js, Express.js, Next.js
  • Database: SQL, Redis, MongoDB
  • Cloud storage: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
  • Web servers: Nginx, Apache
  • Payment gateways: PayPal, Stripe

5. Develop and Test

Finally, the critical testing phase comes after introducing all the features to your dating app. This phase lets you detect any flaws your app might have before launching on the market. Always try out multiple features, such as API, signup, login, and matching services, to ensure everything runs as it should.

Here’s a tip: testing your user-matching algorithms is crucial to ensure they only show relevant profiles. Remember to integrate and test a payment system like Stripe or PayPal to avoid payment issues if your app includes in-app purchases.

Once you’ve finished testing and everything looks good, you can launch your app on the Play Store and App Store. Be sure to follow their submission guidelines carefully.

6. Launch and Market Your App

So, once you have developed and tested your app, the next step is to release it in the App Store and Play Store. If you want the public to be interested, develop a marketing strategy. Post the word and advertise yourself via social media platforms, SEO, and ads to gain your target audience.

‘Pay proper attention to what users of your application are doing and adjust accordingly.’ This will assist in making your app relevant and interesting to your users, hence making frequent updates.

Top 9 Popular Dating Apps

1. Bumble

Bumble empowers women by letting them make the first move. Men and women are equal in their contribution, while in heterosexual matches, only women are free to start a conversation with a man; the man cannot do it himself. In addition, there are also the BFF and Bizz features, which are used to make new friends and for business purposes.

Bumble dating app

  • Weekly subscription cost: $9.99 for Boost, $17.99 for Premium, $29.99 for Premium+
  • Free version available
  • Special features: SuperSwipe and Spotlight
  • BBB Rating: F; Trustpilot rating: 1.3 out of 5

2. Tinder

Tinder’s claim to fame is its simplistic swiping mechanism, in which people judge others based on their looks. The function of the application allows users to swipe right for likes and left for dislikes. This is also frequent not only in casual dating but also in searching for severe relationships among people.

Tinder dating app

  • Monthly subscription cost: $24.99 for Tinder+, $39.99 for Tinder Gold, $49.99 for Tinder Platinum
  • Free version available
  • Special features: Super Likes, Boost, Incognito Mode
  • Android Rating – 4.1/5
  • iOS Rating – 4.1/5

3. Coffee Meets Bagel

Features of Coffee Meets Bagel include sending only a limited number of profiles, which have been specially selected from a vast pool of users. Matches are sent to the user depending on the information provided on their profile and what they are interested in.

Coffee meets bagel

  • Monthly subscription cost: $14.99 for Mini, $34.99 for Premium
  • Free version available
  • Special features: Boost, Rewinds, Incognito Mode, Activity Reports
  • iOS rating – 4/5/5
  • Android Rating – 3.2/5

4. Hinge

Hinge aims to help people find and build deeper connections by providing prompts and questions for users to fill in when creating an account. Tinder uses an algorithm to connect users, showing that they share the same interests and activities.

Hinge dating app

  • Weekly subscription cost: $14.99 for Hinge+, $24.99 for HingeX
  • Free version available
  • App availability: iOS and Android
  • Special features: Boost, Superboost (24 hours) and Roses/Superlikes
  • Android Rating – 4.1
  • iOS Rating – 4.4

5. Facebook Dating

It is an integrated platform with Facebook and uses a friends list. It has the Secret Crush feature, whereby the user declares their Facebook friend, and it is made to help people find real compatibility.

Facebook dating app

  • Free to use
  • App availability: Via the Facebook app, available on iOS and Android
  • Special features: Secret Crush and Match Anywhere
  • iOS Rating – NA
  • Android Rating – NA

6. happn

happen allows users to interact with other individuals they have likely seen daily. It employed location data to display other users’ profiles with whom the user has been physically close, and thus, it was meant for immediacy and location.

Happn dating app

  • Monthly subscription cost: $16.99 for Premium
    Free version available
  • Special features: Hellos, Crush, SuperCrush, personalize message sending facility, and more
  • Android Rating – 3.7
  • iOS Rating – 4.3

7. Plenty of Fish

POF has an extensive database of users and many features, such as communication options and personality quizzes. It is famous for its significant free options and was built for those searching for different forms of relationships.

Plenty of fish dating app

  • Annual subscription cost: $119.99 for POF Premium
  • Free version available
  • Special features: Boost (show up first to other users) and like+ (stand out to another user beyond a Like)
  • iOS Rating – 4.3
  • Android Rating – 2.7

8. BLK

BLK is mainly targeted at black people. Its purpose is to offer them a platform where they can find dates. It aims to promote Black people’s unique heritage and build relations among its subscribers.

BLK dating app

  • Monthly subscription cost: $29.99 for Elite and $14.99 for Premium
  • Free version available
  • Special features: BLK Community, Rewinds, Gems, Gem messages, Boosts
  • iOS Rating – 4.6
  • Android Rating – 3.5

9. Feels

Feels is a personality-based dating application designed especially for people seeking emotional bonding. This feature allows users to express their emotions and participate in the exchange of messages rather than just swiping based on looks.

Feels dating app

  • Monthly subscription cost: $9.99 for Fastpass and $24.99 for Infinity
    Free version available
  • App availability: iOS and Android
  • Special features: SuperFeels and Boost (makes your profile a top profile for two hours)
  • Android rating – 4.4
  • iOS rating – 4.3

How Much Time Does It Take to Develop a Dating App?

The cost of developing a dating application app like Tinder lies between $10000 and $150000. Of course, it is nearly impossible to determine the exact cost of creating an application since it depends on numerous factors, such as the characteristics of the app and its functionalities and the complexity level.

We offer a free consultation if you want a detailed cost estimate for your app. Talk to our dating app specialist. Depending on your requirements, they could provide a specific expenditure estimate.

They said costs can be contingent on the features that you include. To give you a rough idea, here’s a simple way to calculate the price:

  • Hourly Rate: Imagine if a freelancer’s rate was thirty-five dollars per hour.
  • Development Hours: For argument’s sake, let’s assume it will take 600 hours.

Calculation:

$35 (per hour) × 600 (hours) = $21,000
So, the estimated cost to develop a dating app could be around $20,000 to $25,000, depending on the features and complexity.

Much of the time will also be spent creating chat features and integrating AI and ML into the platform, which can take up to 300+ hours. Such elements are critical to the overall UX, specifically the cognitive and instrumental center.

Knowing these time requirements would prepare a person to allocate resources effectively and create an app that is unique yet suitable for its users.

How Do Dating Apps Make Money?

Freemium Model: Most dating apps offer free basic features but charge for premium ones. Users can pay for enhanced features like unlimited swipes, advanced filters, and seeing who liked their profile.

  • Attracts a large user base by offering free access, increasing overall engagement.
  • Encourages user retention, as users can explore the app before upgrading.
  • Generates steady revenue by converting free users to paid subscribers over time.

Subscription Plans: Dating apps often offer monthly or yearly subscriptions, such as Tinder’s “Tinder Plus” or Bumble’s “Bumble Boost.” These plans provide perks like profile boosts, no ads, and more match opportunities.

  • Provides a reliable, recurring revenue stream with monthly or yearly payments.
  • It gives users added value through premium features, enhancing their overall experience.
  • Builds long-term user loyalty by offering ongoing benefits exclusive to subscribers.

How do dating apps make money

In-App Purchases: Users can buy virtual goods or services, such as extra swipes, gifts, or profile boosts, to increase visibility and match chances.

  • It allows flexibility, as users can make small, one-time payments for specific perks.
  • Increases user engagement by offering instant rewards like profile boosts or extra swipes.
  • Creates more monetization opportunities without locking users into a subscription model.

Advertisements: Many free users see ads within the app. Dating apps partner with brands and serve targeted ads based on user preferences and demographics.

  • Generating revenue without charging users makes the app accessible to a larger audience.
  • Allows targeted ads based on user preferences, increasing ad relevance and effectiveness.
  • Provides an additional income stream that supplements other monetization methods.

Affiliate Marketing: Some apps partner with other services or businesses and earn a commission when users engage with those offers, such as signing up for events or using partnered services.

  • Partnerships with relevant services or products offer an easy way to earn commissions.
  • Enhances user experience by promoting complementary services, such as event signups or products related to dating.
  • Increases app revenue without impacting the core user experience, as affiliate marketing is integrated seamlessly.

How Much Time Does It Take to Make a First Impression?

Deciding whether to swipe right or left on a dating app takes about two and a half minutes. Here’s how people generally spend their time:

  • 31 to 60 seconds: 25% of people take this time to check out a profile.
  • 1 to 2 minutes: 21% of users need this long.
  • More than 5 minutes: 20% of people take their time.
  • Less than 30 seconds: Only 12% make their decision that quickly.

Women tend to Share Screenshots of Matches’ Profiles with Friends

Another noticeable finding is that women share screenshots of their matches’ profiles with their friends.

In detail, the poll reveals that significantly, more than half the respondents (51%) admit to having shared screenshots of their matches with friends, while 49% of the respondents have not. Women are slightly more likely to share screenshots than men; 55 % of women share them, whereas only 44% of men do. Regarding the age distribution, 62% of Gen Z share profile screenshots, whereas this is the case with 32% of baby boomers.

Final Thoughts

Designing an online dating app like Tinder that focuses on the iOS and Android platforms is highly promising in the modern era. Credible app features, an easy user interface, and proper consideration of the monetization model will help the app gain millions of users and generate high revenue. A definite means of operation, be it app subscription, purchase, or use of ads, would assure longevity.

By embracing technology and knowing users’ needs, you can design a unique platform that connects people while making necessary revenue. Want to begin your venture in the dating app market? The potential is limitless!

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Author
SPEC INDIA

SPEC INDIA, as your single stop IT partner has been successfully implementing a bouquet of diverse solutions and services all over the globe, proving its mettle as an ISO 9001:2015 certified IT solutions organization. With efficient project management practices, international standards to comply, flexible engagement models and superior infrastructure, SPEC INDIA is a customer’s delight. Our skilled technical resources are apt at putting thoughts in a perspective by offering value-added reads for all.

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