No one of us can deny that dating philosophy is changing these days drastically. People have no reason to be ashamed of telling friends that they have met their soulmate on an advanced app solution, Tinder. Numerous reasons explain why you must develop apps like Tinder; explore the article to find the mobility solution’s development cost, time, and features.
Statista report shows that 46% of Americans use a dating app. There are more than 44.2 million users of dating services in the U.S. in 2020. The Statista Digital Market Outlook predicts the number of users in the segment is estimated to increase by 53.3 million in 2025. At the same time, it’s found that around 20% of relationships in the USA have started from online interaction.

However, there are more than 6.6 million paid Tinder subscribers globally. It is owned by the online dating company Match Group; it was set to separate from the current parent company IAC in mid-2020.
Are You Planning To Develop A Dating App Like Tinder? Learn More About Our Readymade Dating App Script.

As a result, the dating app market is increasing, and there is a continuous demand for innovative dating apps globally. If you are looking to know how to create a dating app and make a profit. Also, check what features to include. How much does it cost? and time required.
What is Tinder?
American geosocial and dating app Tinder enables users to anonymously swipe to like and dislike other users’ posted profiles; this includes their images, a list of personal interests, and a short bio. Once users find their match, they can start exchanging their messages to get to know each other. Launched in 2012, Tinder was started within incubator Hatch Labs. Later in 2014, the dating app registered over one billion “swipes” per day, which increased to 1.6 billion swipes in 2021.

Recently the company is moving forward to launch a lightweight version of its dating app known as Tinder lite. Tinder requires access to a Facebook account to use the app; later, it allows users to register themselves with their mobile number in 2019. Users are allowed to access Tinder on the mobile app as well as a web browser; this dating operates successfully on the freemium business model.
Why Create a Tinder Clone?
Dating apps are the best way to make money. Online partner search has become the trend, and people have accepted this concept for a while now. The perk to create Tinder clone is plenty; it enables people with the same character to be in beautiful relation; the benefits include:
- Provide effortless networking and seamless interaction;
- Opportunity for market research;
- Business marketing and branding;
- Making people confident.
The report shows that people spend over 90 minutes a day on an app like Tinder. This means if you develop and launch a dating app, you can grab numerous opportunities and rank high.
How to Create a Dating App?
Does it make sense to create an app like Tinder? Yes, of course. The online market is oversaturated with dominant players such as Badoo, Tinder, Grindr, and Bumble. Revenue from online dating was around 602 million U.S. dollars in the U.S. in 2020.
The Statista Digital Market Outlook estimates that revenue will grow to 755 million dollars by 2024, which means developing a dating app like Tinder is the best option to consider.
However, due to pandemics, the dating app is more socially accepted than ever before. And if you’re looking to develop an advanced feature-rich app and succeed in the match-making business, check the step-by-step guide here.
Find Niche
Searching for a niche is the initial stage of starting a dating app. While numerous dating apps are present, finding your niche can help you grab numerous opportunities to stand out in the competitive market.
Choose Business Model
There are numerous business models that Tinder or other dating apps use for earning money. These models include:
- Freemium model;
- Subscription model;
- Crowdsourcing model;
- One-for-one model;
- Franchise model;
- Distribution model;
- Advertising model;
- Retailer model.
Many apps consider different business models while developing a dating app.
Choose Tech Stack
You can select technologies that will power your app; however, the primary purpose requires scaling. Why does it matter the most? The Tinder app uses MongoDB and NoSQL databases to match the people. But as the app becomes widespread, it becomes difficult for a team to manage MongoDB database performance. But if you’re looking to develop a tinder clone, then you can consider the following technology:
- Programming Languages:
- Java
- Kotlin
- Swift
- Database:
- MongoDB
- MySQL
- Cloud Storage:
- Amazon S3
- Frameworks:
- Node.js
- Express.js
- React Routers
- Payment Gateways
- Stripe
- PayPal
Choose Development Team or Company
Numerous options are available in the mobile app development market; you have to consider different parameters to search for a dedicated app development team or company. These parameters are:
- Hire developers based on an hourly rate;
- Checking Development Company or Developers Portfolio;
- Checking Details of Previous Clients;
- Know Development Capabilities.
Choose Features
Undoubtedly feature-rich apps require significant UI/UX development to be adored by the targeted audience. At the same time, developing a Tinder clone requires advanced features. These features include:
Social Sign Up
Social sign-up features make it easier for users to quickly register themself with an app like Tinder. They can use manual login or social accounts to register themself with the platform.
Easy Login
Users can follow the easy login process to find perfect partners. They can use their social account or manual process to access the platform smoothly and speedily.
Profile Management
Users can easily manage their profile along with details like name, image, and others as well. They have the right to edit, update, or delete their profile.
Swipe Like or Dislike
Tinder clone facilitates users to swipe like or dislike about other users before moving ahead. They can even like or dislike others’ profiles as per their experience.
There are many more features that users can leverage while choosing to enjoy the use of the Tinder clone. If you’re aiming to create an app like Tinder, contact our team to know which features we include in the app solution.
Develop and Launch MVP
After seeking the support of a development company, you can start with a discovery phase. This stage includes clarification of project requirements, your project prototyping, and business goals.
How Much App Similar to Tinder Development Cost? What Time is Required?
One in five relationships starts online, hence having a presence online with a feature-rich dating app is not a luxurious but a convenient option. Past was a time when families, friends, and neighbors played a crucial role in bringing couples together for a lifetime. But in today’s competitive market, many brands have stepped into the dating business as well. Entrepreneurs develop an app for the dating sector to bring a new experience.
Multiple rounds clock and right in the one’s hand palm. People are busy at their work; asking a colleague for coffee seems like a space mission. On other days, “Netflix and Spotify” keeps them engaged with their screens. Now, people don’t have time to meet people; hence dating apps are the perfect option these days. Besides these, they operate on the best model, helping people to find an ideal match.
Now you might be wondering about how much it costs to develop an app like Tinder. The answer is simple; it ultimately depends upon the features, technology, and functionality you choose for your mobility solution. If you want to know how much it costs to develop a feature-rich app like Tinder and what time it will require, contact our sales team at [email protected].
How to Generate Revenue with Apps Like Tinder?
The online dating industry is estimated to reach around $2-billion. Hence developing a dating app is a beneficial option. Are you wondering how to generate money with apps like Tinder? The answer is straightforward; you can capture a chunk of revenue with the dating app model.

A dating app is the best source to help people fall in love. As a service provider, you can monetize the opportunity, ensuring heavy profits. Dating apps like Tinder and many more have multiple options to make money. These includes:
- Subscriptions;
- Advertisements;
- In-app purchases;
- Paid plans.
Subscription
It provides the user with advanced benefits that aren’t available to freeloaders. In the dating apps, those using the free version can enjoy the benefits for a specific period.
Hence it’s essential to offer free access to ask for a fixed cost. Also, a subscription has a recurring time, meaning that once the free plan expires, the users have to pay the amount. Providing free access for a limited time will ensure that the users taste what they’re missing if they aren’t subscribing to the service.
Advertisements
Running ads is one of the best tinder revenue models on the platform. Around 40 million Americans use dating apps or websites regularly.

Hence you can expect that you will get enough members for your app. And you can place the ads between the profiles and generate revenue from the same.
In-App Purchases
Just like other apps, dating apps can have in-app purchases for users. Tinder provides options to purchase extra features that help users to find a perfect match. You can use a coin system to provide access to users.
Paid Plans
This is an effective method to know how dating apps make money? Tinder offers two plans:
- Tinder gold;
- Tinder plus.
You can also plan similar to Tinder. These plans are pretty similar to subscriptions; once users pay for the plan, they can use the app for a longer time.
Ending Note
Choosing to create a dating app like Tinder is a beneficial option, helping you boost your business to the next level. However, mobile app development is a complicated process that requires financial resources and significant experience from the development company and team. If you want development support, then White Label Fox is always ready to help you out. Our development team can help you turn your idea into reality at a pocket-friendly price.
Frequently Ask Questions
A dating app like Tinder is a mobile application that enables users
to connect with potential romantic partners. Users create profiles,
swipe right to like or left to pass on other users, and if both
users swipe right, they can start chatting. Such apps usually offer
location-based matchmaking and focus on simplicity and user
experience.
Dating apps generate revenue through several models:
- Freemium Model: Offering basic services for free, but
charging for premium features like unlimited swipes, Super
Likes, or Boost.
- Subscription Plans: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly
subscriptions for users to access advanced features.
- In-App Purchases: Paying for additional features like
profile boosts or highlighting profiles.
- Ads: Monetizing by displaying ads in the free version
of the app.
- Matchmaking Fees: Charging for personalized
matchmaking services or events.
- Freemium Model: Offering basic services for free, but charging for premium features like unlimited swipes, Super Likes, or Boost.
- Subscription Plans: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscriptions for users to access advanced features.
- In-App Purchases: Paying for additional features like profile boosts or highlighting profiles.
- Ads: Monetizing by displaying ads in the free version of the app.
- Matchmaking Fees: Charging for personalized matchmaking services or events.
The cost of developing a dating app like Tinder can vary based on:
- Platform: iOS, Android, or both.
- Design Complexity: A simple UI vs. a more advanced
and unique design.
- Features: Basic features like swiping and messaging
vs. additional features like video chats, games, or
location-based matching.
- Development Team: Location and experience of the
development team (local developers or offshore developers).
- Maintenance: Ongoing updates and bug fixes.
For a basic app, the cost can range from $15,000 to $50,000, while
more feature-rich apps can cost upwards of $100,000 to $200,000.
- Platform: iOS, Android, or both.
- Design Complexity: A simple UI vs. a more advanced and unique design.
- Features: Basic features like swiping and messaging vs. additional features like video chats, games, or location-based matching.
- Development Team: Location and experience of the development team (local developers or offshore developers).
- Maintenance: Ongoing updates and bug fixes.
The development time for a dating app depends on several factors:
- Scope of Features: Simple features will take less
time, while advanced features like video profiles, AI
matchmaking, etc., will take longer.
- Team Size and Expertise: A larger, more experienced
team can develop the app faster.
- Design and Testing: Quality design and thorough
testing can add time to the development process.
Typically, it takes around 3 to 6 months for basic dating app
development, but more complex apps can take 6 to 12 months or more.
- Scope of Features: Simple features will take less time, while advanced features like video profiles, AI matchmaking, etc., will take longer.
- Team Size and Expertise: A larger, more experienced team can develop the app faster.
- Design and Testing: Quality design and thorough testing can add time to the development process.
To build a dating app like Tinder, you need a robust technology
stack:
- Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform
development, or Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android.
- Backend: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or Ruby on
Rails for managing app functionality.
- Database: MongoDB, MySQL, or Firebase for storing
user data and messages.
- Geolocation: Google Maps API or Mapbox for
location-based features.
- Real-Time Communication: WebSockets for instant
messaging, Twilio for SMS.
- Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging or
OneSignal.
- Payment Integration: Stripe or PayPal for
subscription payments.
- Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development, or Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android.
- Backend: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or Ruby on Rails for managing app functionality.
- Database: MongoDB, MySQL, or Firebase for storing user data and messages.
- Geolocation: Google Maps API or Mapbox for location-based features.
- Real-Time Communication: WebSockets for instant messaging, Twilio for SMS.
- Push Notifications: Firebase Cloud Messaging or OneSignal.
- Payment Integration: Stripe or PayPal for subscription payments.
To ensure safety and privacy:
- Profile Verification: Implement AI-based or manual
verification processes to authenticate user profiles.
- Secure Messaging: End-to-end encryption for chat
messages to ensure privacy.
- Block/Report Features: Allow users to block or report
suspicious profiles.
- Data Protection: Comply with GDPR and other data
protection regulations, encrypting sensitive data.
- Secure Payment Gateways: Ensure in-app transactions
are securely processed.
- Profile Verification: Implement AI-based or manual verification processes to authenticate user profiles.
- Secure Messaging: End-to-end encryption for chat messages to ensure privacy.
- Block/Report Features: Allow users to block or report suspicious profiles.
- Data Protection: Comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations, encrypting sensitive data.
- Secure Payment Gateways: Ensure in-app transactions are securely processed.
Effective marketing strategies for dating apps include:
- Social Media Marketing: Create engaging content on
platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers
who can promote your app to their followers.
- App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimize your app's
listing in the App Store and Google Play Store to improve
visibility.
- Referral Programs: Incentivize users to refer friends
by offering rewards or premium features.
- Paid Ads: Invest in targeted ads on platforms like
Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Content Marketing: Blog posts, podcasts, and videos
about dating tips, app features, and success stories.
- Social Media Marketing: Create engaging content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers who can promote your app to their followers.
- App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimize your app's listing in the App Store and Google Play Store to improve visibility.
- Referral Programs: Incentivize users to refer friends by offering rewards or premium features.
- Paid Ads: Invest in targeted ads on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Content Marketing: Blog posts, podcasts, and videos about dating tips, app features, and success stories.
Challenges include:
- User Acquisition and Retention: Building a user base
and keeping them engaged is critical for success.
- Safety and Security: Ensuring that users feel safe
while interacting on the platform, handling harassment, fake
profiles, and inappropriate behavior.
- Monetization Strategy: Finding a profitable and
sustainable business model that appeals to users.
- Scalability: As your app grows, ensuring that it can
handle increased traffic, data, and user interactions.
- Competition: The dating app market is highly
competitive, so offering unique features or niches can help
differentiate your app.
- User Acquisition and Retention: Building a user base and keeping them engaged is critical for success.
- Safety and Security: Ensuring that users feel safe while interacting on the platform, handling harassment, fake profiles, and inappropriate behavior.
- Monetization Strategy: Finding a profitable and sustainable business model that appeals to users.
- Scalability: As your app grows, ensuring that it can handle increased traffic, data, and user interactions.
- Competition: The dating app market is highly competitive, so offering unique features or niches can help differentiate your app.
To stand out in the competitive dating app market:
- Focus on a Niche: Cater to specific demographics
(e.g., pet lovers, professionals, LGBTQ+ community).
- Unique Features: Add features like video dating,
personality tests, or unique matchmaking algorithms.
- User Experience: Provide an intuitive and
user-friendly interface that enhances the overall
experience.
- Events & Activities: Organize virtual or physical
events to increase user engagement.
- Storytelling & Branding: Build a strong brand
identity and share success stories to create emotional
connections with users.
- Focus on a Niche: Cater to specific demographics (e.g., pet lovers, professionals, LGBTQ+ community).
- Unique Features: Add features like video dating, personality tests, or unique matchmaking algorithms.
- User Experience: Provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface that enhances the overall experience.
- Events & Activities: Organize virtual or physical events to increase user engagement.
- Storytelling & Branding: Build a strong brand identity and share success stories to create emotional connections with users.