How To Create A Dating App From Scratch

Ever want to know how to create a dating app like Hinge, POF, or Happn?

Statista says that revenue will grow at a rate of 1.67 percent per year, which will generate a market size of 1.51 billion US dollars by 2029. 

So, if you have a plan for a mobile app, now is the time to make one for online dating.

This guide on how to create a dating app from scratch was developed with the help of our experienced mobile app development services team.

Let’s begin with the step by step process to develop dating apps.  

Dating App Future Predictions 

• As it stands in June 2024, according to Statista, more than 6.1 million users are registered on Tinder every month. This makes it the most used dating app globally.

• You know how in 2023, over 381 million users log on to online dating sites around the world? Now, in 2028, this will increase to 452 million people looking for love online.

• The number of users accessing dating apps on their phones will be 25.7 million users in the US.

• Online dating is likely to generate $3.15bn by 2024.

• It is likely to reach a value of $3.56bn by 2029. The sales grow at an average rate of 2.48 percent per year. 

• By the year 2029, the future of dating apps will be 470 million users. 

Why Are Dating Apps So Popular? 

Many people like the best dating apps since they make it easy to meet new people without having to chance upon them. Let us get a better understanding of the dating app popularity by looking at the things below given by a dating app development services provider. 

• User Base Specific Apps   

If users want a serious relationship or a one-night stand, they can find a dating app. This makes it more likely that users meet people who share their hobbies.    

• Changing Dating Scenario    

Recently, dating has changed a great deal. Individuals are busy, so parties and blind dates aren't as popular as they used to be. Dating apps make it easy to meet new people quickly and easily. It is without the stress of meeting them in person.         

• Security at Greater Level  

Many people worry about their safety when they date online. But dating apps are much better than they used to be. A lot of the time, they have tools like background checks, sharing your position, and reporting behavior that you think is not right to create a dating app. This makes the area safer for people who use it.     

• Added Value To Users

Users can do more than just swipe left or right on dating apps. Because they've changed over time, they now have more options that make the user experience better. Some apps let users share things, like to do, and even their favorite songs. This helps them meet people who are a good match for them.     

• Less Effort in Making Connections

It can be hard to meet new people, but relationship tools make it easier. Users choose when to send texts and look through accounts. However, they can also choose who they want to talk to. They'll feel like the user has a personal matchmaker working for all the time.  

• Good for Busy People 

Online dating apps are great for busy people. They can browse the web or send messages on their way to work, during the lunch break. They don't have to worry about when to make plans because the calendar is already full.   

• 24/7 Availability

Users are never alone when they use dating apps. They can talk to people anywhere and at any time. Also they can find someone to talk to or make plans with at any time.   

• No Unwanted Interactions 

It can be hard to make a good first impression, but when you create a dating app it can help make things less weird. You can learn a bit about someone before meeting them in person. This can help you feel more at ease and sure of yourself. 

• Possibility to Search by Location 

A lot of dating apps let you narrow down your search by area. This is great for people who want to meet someone nearby or while they're moving. It's an easy way to meet more people to date without having to travel too far.   

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Types of Dating Apps

If you look at how they match people, there are main types of apps out there right now. Most current dating apps for phones are a mix of different dating app types. 

• Traditional Dating Apps

Online dating services that have a web version and an app that shows the same list of people as the web version fall into this group. The design and functions of these apps are often the same as their web forms. You can hire dating app developers to build such a robust app like OkCupid.  

For example: OkCupid 

• Niche-Based Dating Apps 

The goal of these apps is to bring together people who share a passion or pleasure by catering to their specific interests or living choices. These apps have a lot of choices for specific groups, like vegans, runners, dog fans, and people who dislike the same things.   

For Example: Veggly  

• Location-Based Dating Apps

The matching system on these platforms is based on how close two people are geographically. They link people who are close to each other physically.  

For Example: Tinder  

• Questionnaire-based Dating Apps

Users are asked to answer a number of questions about their hobbies and goals in a relationship. The app then uses these answers to pair people whose values and life goals are similar. Since their similarity score is above a certain level, they are matched.    

For example: eHarmony   

• Casual Dating Apps 

Casual dating apps are made for users who want to meet new people for fun. They help make friends with benefits, relationships, or make other kinds of loose dating plans. When you work with the top mobile app development company, they can help you create a dating app like Tinder.

For example: Tinder 

• Serious Dating Apps

Serious dating apps help users find long-term relationships. Many a time, they use deep profiles, compatibility formulas that help users connect more deeply.  

For example: Hinge 

• Friendship Based Apps 

Friendship-based dating apps are online platforms that help users meet new people and make new friends. The dating app working is somehow different. But they're more about friendships. Users make profiles, find others to match with based on shared hobbies, and can start talks with other users.   

For example: Meetup  

• Matchmaking Apps

Matchmaking dating apps help users find possible matches based on their likes and dislikes. These apps use algorithms to look at user data and offer matches that are a good fit.  

For example: Bumble 

How Do Dating Apps Work?  

One basic idea behind dating apps is that they bring people together based on their shared hobbies, tastes, and possible compatibility. So, before you create a dating app, check out the working process of dating app explained by a dating app development company:   

• Download & Register

You start the journey by getting the dating app you want from the app shop. Users usually make an account by giving simple information like their name, age, gender, email address, and phone number after installing the app.   

• Create A Profile 

Users can make their profiles unique by adding pictures, writing bios, and setting choices like area, age range, and hobbies. This data helps the app's system figure out what the user wants and offer matches that are a good fit.     

• Matchmaking Algorithm 

An app's matching mechanism is what makes it work. This complicated method looks at user accounts, likes, and actions to find possible matches. The app improves match ideas based on how users engage with it, such as through messages, likes, and dislikes.   

• Swipe/Match

People swipe right to show interest in a page and left to skip it. When two users both swipe right, they are matched and can start talking.     

• In-App Chatting 

Once two users are matched, they can start talking. They can get to know each other better, and find things they have in common. They may even set up a meeting.        

• Premium Version 

There are paid subscriptions with extra features and perks that most dating apps give to earn money with dating apps. People who pay for the app may be able to see who liked their posts, get more likes, and use more advanced search options.  

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How to create a dating app - Step By Step Process

If you want to know how to develop dating apps like Tinder or get a better dating app, you need to be proficient. We can help you put your ideas into action. Here is the step by step process to create dating apps from scratch.    

Step 1: Know Your Target Audience 

The target group, or people the app is being made for and who will use it, must be known. When people use matchmaking apps, they can come from different backgrounds and have different relationship tastes. 

Because of this, the app should be useful for all of the people it's meant for. Also, you should validate your idea with the best mobile app development company to create a dating app. 

Step 2: Analyze Market Competition 

With so many dating apps available, it's vital to make your app unique. Due to this, it's crucial to do research on your competitors. 

You can find out why your competitors are successful or unsuccessful by carefully studying them. With this information, you could create a dating app for your business that is popular like Tinder.

Aside from a few small differences, they are all pretty much the same. And these tiny differences are what set them apart. 

By looking at how they are different, you can be sure that none of their unique qualities are repeated incorrectly on your site.      

Step 3: Choose the Right Development Team 

Before you start to create a dating app, the right setup for the app development team is chosen and given. 

This means that each person on the team working on the dating app has a specific job to do. Once you've teamed up with the top mobile app development companies in the USA, you can share with the development team about your dating app idea. 

The dating app development team will help you build the solutions based on what you want, what you need. 

Step 4: Select a Set of Features 

We just told you that our mobile application development services team will help you make your app useful and easy to use. 

At this point, one of the most important steps is picking which features and functions to include. This is because they affect the user experience, the solution's general appeal, and the value it provides to users. 

We'll talk about important traits that you can think about putting into action later. Although, that doesn't mean you have to accept all of them. 

You should think of something different, and keep in mind the type of app you're making. Also consider its goals, the people you want to reach, and your budget before you create a dating app.

Step 5: Define Your Dating App Tech Stack  

The professional dating app developers who work for us can help you choose the right technologies for your online dating site or dating mobile app. You can also choose to create a dating app to help people find each other. 

This will help you get people to use your app. You can count on your team for better programming languages for mobile app development. But make sure they have enough experience.  

Step 6: Focus on an Intuitive UI/UX

An interface for a dating app is made by world-class designers at a company that creates a dating app. This includes making user maps, flow and journey maps, wireframes, and then the finished UI/UX design.

This is not only true for our design team; they also know about the newest dating app trends for app design. Along with that, there is a lot of discussion about the end colors before the final color theory is chosen. 

Step 7: Launch and Collect Feedback 

The app's deployment is not the end goal. Putting the mobile app into use and checking out how it works and how it flows is what helps you understand the app.

The game is put on the Play Store or the game Store. It also needs to be maintained and updated regularly so that bugs and slow performance can be found. Mobile app maintenance services from an iOS or Android app development company that you can trust are the only way to keep your app up to date.  

Key Features To Create a Dating App

While we're looking into how to build dating apps, let's talk about the most important features it needs. Besides the basic dating app features that every dating app should have, you should think about adding these extras:  

Why Develop a Dating App?

The market for dating apps is expanding swiftly and an investment in them can be very profitable. Because of these reasons, companies need to build a mobile app from scratch.    

• Demand for Online Dating Solutions

As you know many people are using the internet to find love or friends. You can see that a lot of people are looking for relationship apps. It's like going to a market where everyone is hungry. Users can see ads based on what they like and what interests them. This makes your ads more effective.          

• Opportunity to Earn Millions

Dating apps can give you huge revenue. You can make money in a lot of different ways like asking for extra services, subscriptions, or ads. That's a lot of money that could be made if you hire android app developers who create a dating app with minimal features. If your dating app does well, it can bring in a steady flow of money for your business.  

• High Return on Investment 

The best part? You don't need a huge budget to start. It is vital to know that making a dating app might not be costlier than others. You can make huge amounts of money if it works. It's like putting in a little money and getting a big return.  

Top Dating Apps

Before you create a dating app, you need to know about your competitors. Always look at what makes them different and how you can stand out. For better reference, take a look at the top dating apps below.      

1. Tinder

Tinder is an online dating app. It helps users meet each other. If they want to hook up or start a long-term relationship. 

• Tinder has 80 million users and 9 million of them are active users.

• In the U.S. alone, more than 25 million people use Tinder. 
   

2. Bumble

Users sometimes call Bumble a "Tinder for women" because it works pretty much like it. 

• You know 50 million people use Bumble. 2.3 million choose to pay for premium features.

• It has over 25 million users in the USA.  
   

3. Hinge

Hinge is yet another app like Tinder. It's a free option that focuses on quality over quantity when matching one with users. 

• There are 23 million users of Hinge, and more than 10 millionaires in the USA. 

• Hinge has over 35 million copies that have been grabbed.
   

4. Badoo

Badoo is one of the prominent apps like Tinder. The only difference is that it started out as a website and then turned into an app. 

• An iphone app development services provider did research and says that 460 million users, 100 million of whom are subscribers.

• It has over 100 million people from Latin America who use the app.
   

5. Happn

It is very similar to Tinder. It lets users see the number of times they've met someone. It's now much easier to connect with each other.   

• Happn has more than 100 million active users.  

• 3 million individuals pay to use it.
   

6. Grindr

Grindr is the biggest app for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. It helps to connect with each other.   

• It has over 13.5 million users who use Grindr every day. 

• In 2023, Grindr had 13.5 million daily users which makes it the fourth most popular dating app in the world. 
   

7. Tantan

Tantan was one of the competitors of Tinder. It promotes casual dating and has become a trend. Dating app developers for hire can create a dating app but you should know its market cap. 

• There were about 14 million regular Tantan users every month.

• 95,000 Thai people have downloaded it.  
   

8. Plenty of Fish 

It can be hard to meet someone you want to date because of bots and scams. Even so, PoF has a lot to offer as an Android app creation service that does more than just the basics. 

• This app has 170 million users right now. 

• POF has been installed over 200 million times. 
   

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Dating App? 

It doesn't have a set cost to make a dating app. The general cost, on the other hand, changes based on the traits we show off.

At last, the dating app development cost depends on intricacy and development time. Generally, it will cost you between $8,000-$30,000 to create a dating app. We now look at the table to get a clear image: 

How Much Time Does It Take To Build A Dating App?

The time to create a dating app flatutes with different factors. For example, the operating system you choose, the features choice, and the dating app development time needed to make each one.   

Besides, you need a tester and a UX/UI designer or mobile app developers for hire for smooth project development. So, we can say, it will take at least 2-3 months to make a simple dating app. But if you add more complex design and functions, the timeline to develop a dating app will be longer than 8 months.     

How To Make Money With Dating Apps?

It's not against the law to help people find love and make money at the same time. But a question comes to mind “how much do dating apps really make”? If you know how to make money from mobile apps, you can make millions of dollars with your app. So, let’s look at the dating app monetization methods: 

• Advertisement

A marketing plan is when you show ads from other apps in your dating app. It's possible for ads to look like banners, interstitials, or native ads to fit right into the app's user experience.  

You know what based on things like views or clicks advertisers pay you. If your app has a lot of users, the monetization of dating apps will be more. .   

• Freemium Model 

Users of these models have to pay to access paid features or content, but the basic app version is free.

By offering a free product, you can earn money from mobile apps. You can sell paid services to people who want more advanced features.

Using freemium models, which can balance making money with getting new users, can help the software make the most money.  

• Account Boost

Getting an account boost is like putting up a big red sign in front of your store. Other users will be able to see your page more easily, which increases your chances of being matched.

If you pay for an account boost, for instance, your profile might appear higher in search results or be featured in a certain part of the app. You have to pay for a great spot on the street. 

• Partnerships/Sponsorships

When you work with other brands or companies to promote their products or services in your dating app, that's called a relationship or promotion.

One easy way to do this could be to add paid material to the app's interface, hold sponsored contests or events, or show off sponsored profiles.

Working with an iphone app development company can not only bring in more money, but it can also make the user experience better all around.  

• Big Data 

Some people use "big data" to mean "a lot of information." Dating apps keep track of data about you and other users. This could include your age, where you live, what you like, and how you use the app.

This information helps the app learn more about its users. They might find out what traits people like, what kinds of profiles people like, and when people are most busy, among other things. 

Big data helps dating apps make the app fit your wants and tastes. They then make money by showing you relevant ads or charging for extra features. 

Conclusion

Dating apps are here to stay, even if we don't like the idea of falling in love online. This has opened up huge business opportunities for both new startups and experienced ventures. 

Now you know the step by step process to build dating apps, it is high time to invest in. Thus, if you want to create a dating app for our business, you should hire a dating app development company like IMG Global Infotech. We offer advice and full custom development services for projects of any size or complexity.