How To Build A Dating App: A Step-by-step Guide [2025]
The easiest guide to building a custom dating app with pre-built SDK
8000+ dating apps already exist – what will make users choose yours?
That’s the first raw question you need to ask yourself, if you’re starting out on building your own platform.
- You need features that stand out,
- UI that grabs attention and,
- Security that’s seriously uptight.
You need to wrap them all into one fine package & launch before another business does it.
This time pressure can sometimes compromise on the quality & performance of your app.
But how to balance it all?
There’s one straightforward answer: Use a pre-built solution.
If you too think it’s a good idea, stick with us for we’ll share the best possible strategies and steps to get it done, before you finish a cup of coffee.
In the next 10 mins, you’re about to learn:
- Reasons why dating apps are so popular
- Types of modern dating apps
- Features – common + suggestions for your build
- Monetization models of dating apps
- Steps to build a custom dating app
- Cost estimate
- Your top competitors
- Bonus: Solution that helps launch in 48 hrs
Without any further delay, let’s begin with the basics.
Table of Contents
Why Are Dating Apps So Popular?
People are busy. There’s no time to talk or chill amidst their hectic schedules and responsibilities. But dating apps solve this common problem of making time for connection. They are carefully built with features that help people socialize and communicate with each other, basically giving them a feeling of content and happiness.
There are also other reasons why people love to use these apps:
Easy to use anytime, anywhere
People do not require any sophisticated setup or costly dinner table bookings to find or meet a potential match, like in the old days. They can simply grab their phone, swipe right and find someone to hangout with.
On the other hand, they can also use the app to get to know someone a bit before meeting, using chat or even video calls, which saves time and makes that first date less awkward.
More People to choose from
In the olden days, people found a date only from places they visited in-person. They can make connections and communicate only up to a certain geographical and cultural limit.
But now, with the world within their palms, they can connect with people they meet through friends or at work.
Less Pressure, Less Stress
Talking to strangers is not an easy task for most people. A few can be introverts and it might stress them out to meet dates in person right away.
Dating apps provide chatting features, which are easier to get started with a conversation, before they start to talk over a call or meet in person.
This eases down the pressure, plus is a good way to get to know each other without getting on nerves.
Smarter Matching with Custom Filters
When using a dating app, people will not find just another person to chill with. Rather, they are matched through algorithms based on interests, hobbies and values. This way, people would not end up with completely different people from their expectations.
In fact, dating apps come with search features that can filter potential matches based on user preferences. This saves time, emotions and relationships evidently!
Safety Features to Build Trust
Dating apps have stricter account registration processes with identity verification. This means, people will not face dates in disguise, or threatful traps.
Their chat systems come with security and privacy features, making sure only the authorized users can view or access their messages, while not third-party can.
On top of all that, dating apps are big business. There’s a lot of money you can make, which can keep you building new features all the time.
Types Of Dating Apps
Dating is not meeting someone by chance at a restaurant or a mall anyone and spending time with them anymore. Mobile apps have changed the dynamics of how people form relationships.
To emphasize, these apps have made dates more convenient before meetings between mismatching individuals happen. It has evolved with ample features and purposes.
Let’s take a quick look at what kind of dating apps are currently available:
1. Traditional Dating Apps
These dating apps work literally like online directories. You can scroll through profiles and reach out to people who you feel are interested.
- Example: OkCupid
2. Location-Based & Real-Time Matchmaking
These apps use GPS to show potential matches nearby. You can set in which proximity you’d like to find a person for a match. Some apps even show people you’ve walked by recently.
- Examples: Happn & Tinder
3. Swipe-Based Apps
This is by far a successful dating app type where you swipe right if you’re interested in a profile and swipe left if you’re not. If both people swipe right, it’s a match and you can start chatting. This format is quick, easy, and focused mostly on looks and first impressions.
- Example: Tinder
4. Video-Based Dating Apps
Some people do prefer to chat face-to-face. And these apps connect them via meetings right from the phone. It’s a good way to build a connection before meeting in person, especially if the matches live far apart.
- Example: VDating
5. Algorithm-Based Matchmaking Apps
These apps work on algorithms or rules using AI and machine learning to suggest matches based on your profile info like age, interests, values, and goals.
Over time, the system learns what kind of people you click with and starts making better suggestions accordingly.
- Examples: Hinge
6. Friendship & Social Connection Apps
Not just for dating, some apps help you find friends too. Whether you’ve moved to a new city or just want to meet new people, these features can be helpful.
7. Astrology & Numerology Dating Apps
These apps match people based on their birth charts, zodiac signs, or numerology. If you target users that believe in cosmic chemistry, you can consider incorporating these features into your app.
- Examples: NUiT, Stars Align, Karma
8. Event-Based Dating Apps
These connect people who want to go on real-life dates at events, restaurants, or bars. Some even organize paid social events to help people meet offline.
9. Niche Dating Apps
These apps are made for specific groups of people—whether it’s based on lifestyle, identity, or interests. They help you meet someone who really gets you. Bonus: less competition for app developers.
- Examples: Christian Mingle, Aisle, Grindr (LGBTQ+), Veggly (for vegans), Bumble BFF (for friendships).
10. Gamified Dating Apps
These apps make dating more fun by turning it into a game. Features like swiping, earning badges, completing challenges, or playing in-app games help users relax and enjoy the experience.
- Example features: Points for starting chats or filling out your profile.
11. AI-Powered Dating Apps
These apps use artificial intelligence to give you better matches. They study your behavior—what kind of people you like or ignore and get smarter over time. Some even offer cool extras like auto-translated chats or AI-generated conversation starters.
- Example: Dine Dating App
12. Elite Dating Apps
These are made for high-profile, successful people. They often require users to meet certain standards like income, education, or profession and offer privacy features and exclusive events.
- Examples: EliteSingles, The League, Lucy, Raya
Key Dating App Features
People look for interesting features in pretty much every app they use these days and dating apps are no exception. Here is a quick breakdown of the key features that are most commonly available in these platforms. Note them down so you won’t miss any one of them when building your own platform.
Video and Voice Calling
These features let users talk face-to-face or just with voice, all within the app. It’s a great way to build a stronger connection before meeting in real life, especially helpful for long-distance matches.
Some apps include these as premium (paid) features because they’re in high demand.
AI-Powered Chat
Artificial Intelligence is literally changing the world. You can build AI-powered messaging into your apps that can suggest icebreakers, analyze the flow of a conversation, and even translate messages in real time.
This breaks down language barriers and helps keep chats going smoothly.
End-to-End Encryption & Security
When you build a dating app, your app will start collecting sensitive personal info from users during processes like user registration. These info are confidential and you need to make sure that they are safe from hackers.
You can implement security measures like password protection, two-factor authentication, and even using blockchain to keep data secure and private.
AI-Powered Chat
Artificial Intelligence is literally changing the world.
You can build AI-powered messaging into your apps that can suggest icebreakers, analyze the flow of a conversation, and even translate messages in real time. This breaks down language barriers and helps keep chats going smoothly.
Profile Verification
Nobody likes fake profiles. Apps can reduce catfishing and scams by verifying users identities.
This might involve linking to social media accounts like Facebook or Instagram to prove someone is real. It helps create trust and makes the app safer for everyone.
Meet-Up Scheduler & Date Planning
While not always a dedicated calendar, some apps offer tools to help users plan actual dates.
They might suggest places to meet, recommend first date ideas, or even help book restaurants or taxis through partners. These features help turn a match into a real-life meet-up.
As we mentioned, these are common features available with almost all the apps. But to stand out unique you’ll need advanced features.
Fortunately, MirrorFly offers advanced features that perfectly align to meet the needs of modern dating app users. Here is a quick checklist of features you can consider when building your dating platform.
Dating App Features Powered by MirrorFly
| Core Messaging | Media & Content Sharing |
|---|---|
| ☑ 1-to-1 Messaging | ☑ Image, Video, Document Sharing |
| ☑ Group Chat | ☑ Voice Messages |
| ☑ Broadcast Messaging | ☑ GIF & Emoji Support |
| ☑ Real-time Messaging | ☑ File Preview |
| ☑ Offline Messaging Support | ☑ Secure Media Sharing (Tokenized URLs) |
| ☑ Message Reactions | ☑ Call Recording |
| ☑ Reply, Forward, Delete Messages | ☑ Voice-to-Text Transcription |
| User Engagement | Security & Privacy |
|---|---|
| ☑ Typing Indicators | ☑ End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) |
| ☑ Read & Delivery Receipts | ☑ Private & Public Chat Modes |
| ☑ Push Notifications | ☑ User Blocking & Reporting |
| ☑ Presence Indicator (Online/Offline) | ☑ Data Masking |
| ☑ Last Seen Status | ☑ Message Expiry / Disappearing Messages |
| ☑ Smart Reply Suggestions | ☑ Access Controls (Roles & Permissions) |
| ☑ Language Translation | ☑ Call Masking (Anonymized Numbers) |
| AI & Automation | Control & Customization |
|---|---|
| ☑ AI-Based Chatbot Integration | ☑ White-label Solution |
| ☑ Auto-Reply Bots | ☑ On-Premise & Cloud Deployment |
| ☑ AI Moderation (Spam, Toxicity Filter) | ☑ Custom Security |
| ☑ Sentiment Analysis | ☑ Chat Backup & Restore |
| ☑ Smart Event Triggers | ☑ Conversation History & Sync |
| ☑ Smart Escalation | ☑ Multi-Device Login Support |
| ☑ AI Voice Assistant | ☑ Call Analytics & QoS Logs |
You can use this checklist to identify the unique features that aligns with your strategy and implement them before they are launched by your competitor.
How To Make Money Out Of Your Dating App?
Dating apps cost a lot to build and maintain. You are actually going to make a huge investment. On the business side, this means you need a solid plan to yield what you’ve invested. You’ll not only have to make money, but root for profit.
There are many ways to earn out of a dating app – some directly from users and others through partnerships or ads.
Let’s explore the ways you can make money from your yet-to-be-launched dating platform:
Freemium Model (Free App with Optional Paid Features)
Most dating apps start free to use. But if you want extra features like more swipes, profile boosts, or better match filters you’ll need to pay.
Subscription Plans (Recurring Payments)
Users can pay weekly, monthly, or yearly to unlock all features like video calls, unlimited likes, or seeing who liked you. Subscriptions create a steady flow of income and can also discourage fake accounts or scammers by putting a price tag on full access.
Membership Fee (Pay to Join)
Some apps charge users right from the start to sign up. This can help keep out fake accounts and make the community feel more serious or exclusive. But it only works if users see the value and are willing to pay upfront.
In-App Advertising
Apps show ads like banners or popups while users scroll or swipe. The more users, the more ad revenue. To avoid annoying users, apps often offer a paid version without ads.
Affiliate Marketing (Earn from Referrals)
Dating apps can earn money by suggesting products or services like flowers, dinner reservations, or even ride-sharing. If a user clicks and makes a purchase, the app gets a cut.
In-App Purchases (Pay-As-You-Go Extras)
Instead of a full subscription, some users prefer buying small add-ons when they need them. These could include virtual gifts (like sending someone a flower or a heart), profile boosts to get seen more, or premium stickers or themes. It’s quick to set up and great for extra income.
You can mix and match these monetization models depending on your app’s target audience, features, and goals. Some apps earn through subscriptions and extras, while others rely more on ads or partnerships to bring in revenue.
How To Build A Dating App In 5 Easy Steps
Building a dating app used to be a challenging task. But not after a few providers came up with pre-built solutions that changed how the entire development workflow is done.
Practically, it usually takes almost 3 months to fully build a dating app and take it live to users. But what if I told you that your users can start connecting with potential matches on your platform within the next 48 hrs?
You’ll have a fully operational app in the next 30 minutes, and the next batch of feature addition and deployment will take only 2 days, provided you take a good coffee break.
If this sounds like a good idea, here are the steps you need to follow to get a fully built dating app:
No, I’m not going to include ‘Research’ as the first step. This is a mandatory homework you do – to collect data on understanding your audience, studying what your competitors are doing and finding the USPs that help you stand out from the crowd.
So, where to start exactly?
Step 1: Choose an SDK Provider
Whether you already have an app or not, choosing an SDK is a good starting point. If you have an app, you’ll just add the SDK.
If not, you can get a pre-built MVP from the provider and start your development process right away, without having to write the codes yourself.
So, which SDK to choose?
Here are 4 important factors your SDK must tick off, without compromise.
1. Customization: You are building a dating app and it can’t be rigid. If the SDK does not allow you to personalize features as you prefer, the entire platform might not end up as you’ve planned.
You need a provider that offers full customization or at least partially.
2. Data Control: Dating apps revolve around sensitive data. People share their user information, subscription details, and conversations based on personal interests. Any leak of their data would put users at risk.
This is a good enough reason to choose an SDK that gives you full control over data, in a way not even the SDK can have a single piece of information about the users.
3. Custom Security: This aligns with the above factor. A few SDKs come only with basic encryptions and might not be compatible with the privacy policies across your location.
Choosing an SDK that allows you to add any layers of security features and supports region-specific compliances can be a game-changer, especially for dating apps.
4. On-premise/ On-cloud Hosting: You might be with a hosting provider already or prefer your own servers. An SDK provider must not restrict you from deploying your app with their solution on other servers. This might cost you a lot and cause inconvenience in migrating all your data.
Rather, the SDK provider must let you host your app as you prefer – on-premise or on-cloud.
Step 2: Integrate The SDK Into Your App
Just as we discussed earlier, if you have an app already, all you need to do is use the documentation, add the SDK to your source code, configure with your license key and boom, your dating app will go live with all the features you need.
If you do not have an app already, check if the provider already has a sample app, and get started with it. Otherwise, you’ll need to write codes for a basic app and then integrate the SDK.
The former is much easier, as the provider has it all ready-made, where the app will be flexible enough to carry out customization as per your requirements.
Step 3: Customize The App
Since you are using a third-party SDK, the app will not have every part as you have it in mind. If your SDK is white-label, it is well and good that even the logo, colors and UI elements can be matched to your brand, without mentioning them anywhere.
Make sure to check if the features and workflow are all aligned with your business strategy. If not, spend some time on customizing them to give your users an on-brand experience, although you build your app with a third-party SDK.
Step 4: Connect The App To The Server
Now is the time for reality. Once you’ve customized your app and test run it to resolve bugs, it’s time to take the app live.
Connect your app to the server using the code provided by the SDK provider. The SDK will connect to the provider’s server or yours using the application ID and license key. Once authenticated, the server will start the bidirectional communication between the clients.
This way, 2 or more persons using your app will be able to communicate with each other in real-time.
Step 5: Add Advanced Features
Once you know your app is working fine, go ahead and add all the best features you’ve dreamt of for your app using the SDK. Add one by one, get feedback from the users, understand their preferences from analytical insights and keep improving as you go.
This way you will not fall into the trap of releasing it all at once and overwhelming the users. This is an ongoing process. Pause and find what’s working and what’s not every now and then to make sure your app stays on the top of the customer’s choice.
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Dating App?
Below given is an approximate estimation of how much you’ll spend in building a dating app:
| Category | Type | Estimated Cost / Time |
|---|---|---|
| App Complexity & Type | Basic | $20000 – $50000 |
| Native app | ~$70000 | |
| Moderate | $50000 – $150000 | |
| Advanced | $125000 – $300000+ |
This overall is a summation of the individual factors contributing to the complete app development. Check out this table with the breakdown of each part and its development cost.
| Category | Type | Estimated Cost / Time |
|---|---|---|
| Design & UI/UXs | Basic | $5000 – $15000 |
| Custom | $20000 – $50000+ | |
| Time | 90 – 120 hours | |
| Tech Stack | Varies by setup | |
| Development Team & Location | India/Eastern Europe | $20000 – $100000 |
| US/Western Europe | $50000 – $300000 | |
| Testing & QA | Basic | ~$4500 |
| Advanced | $20000 – $50000 | |
| Time | 120 – 150 hours | |
| Platforms | Single platform | $20000 – $100000 |
| Cross-platform | $50000 – $200000 | |
| Backend & Server | Basic | $10000 – $30000 |
| Complex | $30000 – $100000 |
To build a dating app, you need to have a minimum realistic budget of at least $20000, and for a high-end, feature-rich app, you might require $300000+ depending on how big your app is, and where you carry out the development.
But when you use an SDK like MirrorFly, you could bring that down by up to 60–70%. That’s because core features like chat, voice, video, and even user presence are already built and ready to integrate. So instead of starting from zero, you just plug those features in and spend your time on how the app looks and feels. That means faster results and lower costs.
Top 5 Dating Apps In The World
1. Tinder
‘Swipe’ is a feature that sticks to our mind when we think about dating apps. Honestly, all thanks to Tinder, a free, location-based dating app that has revolutionized the way dating apps look and work.
Unique Features of Tinder:
- Swiping left (dislike) and right (like) to express interest
- Matches users based on their location, with options to expand beyond their region
- Connects with Facebook to help build genuine profiles and reduce fake accounts
How does Tinder make money?
- Freemium model with limits (e.g., 25 free swipes per day)
- Paid features include Tinder Plus, Boosts, and Super Likes
What makes Tinder a successful app?
- Easy-to-use interface with minimal setup
- Massive global reach with 400 million downloads and 75 million monthly active users
2. Bumble
Forget men approaching women. Bumble is popular for its “women-first” approach, which encourages women to initiate conversations for matches. This way, women feel safer and conversations get easier to begin with.
Unique Features of Bumble:
- Women must send the first message in male-female matches
- Includes modes for friendships (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz)
How does Bumble make money?
- Paid subscriptions
What makes Bumble a successful dating app?
- Promotes a safer, more respectful environment
- Appeals to users looking for modern, empowering social experiences
3. Badoo
If you imagine an app that combines the modern aspects of Tinder + traditional dating directories, that’s Badoo. It’s all over the internet, across countries with its multi-channel communication and interaction features.
Unique Features of Badoo:
- Offers two types of browsing: people nearby and swipe-based profiles
How does Badoo make money?
- In-app purchases
- VIP status
- Ads
- Membership Fee
- Partnerships
What makes Badoo a successful dating app?
- Known for a large, active user base
- Flexible design that supports both casual and nearby dating
4. Hinge
Hinge markets itself as the app that’s “designed to be deleted,” targeting users who are interested in serious relationships rather than casual encounters.
Unique Features of Hinge:
- Uses in-app behavior and feedback to improve compatibility matches
- Includes a feature where friends can introduce matches
How does Hinge make money?
- Subscription-based model for unlocking premium features
What makes Hinge a successful dating app?
- Trusted by people seeking meaningful, long-term connections
- Strong reputation for safety and thoughtful design
5. Grindr
Grindr is the leading dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a unique, proximity-based way to find others nearby. It specifically caters to gay, bi, trans, queer, and other non-binary users.
Unique Features of Grindr:
- Displays a grid of nearby users rather than one-by-one swiping
- Sorts matches by distance for real-time discovery
- Detailed profile options including preferences, identity, and role
How does Grindr make money?
- Freemium model with premium upgrades for extra features
What makes Grindr a successful dating app?
- Community-focused with inclusive features
- Highly localized matching and easy interface
Why Choose MirrorFly To Build Your Dating App?
You already know it! If you are ever planning to build a dating app with an SDK, MirrorFly is an unavoidable option with all the features and functionalities you need.
Yes, it is primarily a communication solution. And dating apps thrive with dynamic communication features – MirrorFly provides them extensively!
- Topic-based Chat
- Activity Feeds
- AI Chatbot
- Voice Assistant
- Customization
- Custom Security
- Full Data Control
- Or a dedicated team to build a complete dating app as you demand.
Plus everything you need as a package to build a dating app within the next 30 minutes! If you prefer to explore the solution before you arrive at a decision, feel free to get in touch with MirrorFly experts.
A technical content writer specializing in Real-time Communication Solutions, adept at making complex concepts easy to understand.