How often have you heard that a couple has met on the Internet? Modern lifestyles, with the lack of time, digital-first communication, and the rise of social media, have changed how relationships begin. In an attempt to find a soulmate, people no longer have to go to noisy parties or awkward gatherings with unfamiliar company. Online dating apps offer an opportunity to quickly get to know a person, find out their interests, and understand whether it is worth spending time on them. Unlike open-ended social networks, these platforms offer clear intentions—users know why they’re there. That is why more and more people are actively practicing dating through apps. For a business owner, this is a great opportunity to monetize people's desire to discover compatible partners.
In this blog post, we'll break down everything you need to know about developing a dating app if you are also thinking about tapping into this market. We will discuss how much it costs, from essential features to the hidden expenses, factors that influence pricing, and the key approaches that can help your app succeed in a market already full of different options.
Why Invest in Developing a Dating App in 2025?
Dating apps not only perform a socially significant role, but they can also bring their owners a good profit, of course, provided that they are properly organized and monetized. Here are some proven success stories:
Tinder
The most popular dating app with about 75+ million monthly active users and 9.6 million paid subscribers (2024). It generated about $1.94 billion in revenue in 2024. The app provides a wide selection of partners and offers numerous useful features for its users. However, there are a number of drawbacks: it is not necessary to pass verification, and therefore, the photos may not be real. There are also no filters. However, the paid features are well implemented here, and Tinder serves as a great example on how to monetize an international app and keep it popular and in demand.
Bumble
One more popular dating application that has about 58 million and 3.8 million paying users. In Q2 2025, it earned $248.2 million in revenue. The app stands out for its women-first approach. This approach means that after mutual sympathy, she writes first. It limits spam from men, and the girl's loyalty increases. Profiles are verified, described in detail, and filters work well.
Badoo
Transitioned from a Facebook app to a global platform that serves 460 million total users, though active user counts are lower. It generates roughly $100 million annually, with monetization less aggressive than Tinder or Bumble. Profiles are described in detail, there are many filters, and each profile is verified. Therefore, people come here for real acquaintances. New users have increased chances because they are immediately displayed in the search results, increasing activity.
Despite competition from these giants, the dating apps market's potential is booming. According to Statista, the number of users in the online dating industry is expected to reach 462.5 million by 2029. When it comes to global revenue, it is projected to hit US$3.17bn in 2025 and show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 2.14%, resulting in a market volume of US$3.45bn by 2029. Growing user penetration, rising from 5% in 2024 to 5.7% by 2029, also serves as clear evidence of sustained demand, especially in North America and Europe.
Estimated number of dating app users according to Statista
With Tinder and Bumble dominating the market, you can still find your niche and create an app that will serve a particular audience type, whether based on shared interests, cultural identities, or local communities.
Key considerations for new entrants
Unique Features: taking a proven concept and giving it a fresh twist that makes your app appealing to users in ways mainstream apps may not offer, such as AI-driven compatibility algorithms or immersive video profiles. These features are getting increasingly popular and will help you stand out as in 2025 users demand more personalized experiences.
Niche Opportunities: niche apps like Grindr (for sexual minorities) and Hinge (focused on meaningful connections) prove there’s room for specialized platforms. Targeting underserved communities, whether based on interests, cultures, or relationship goals, can attract dedicated audiences with less competition.
Innovative Monetization: Dating apps offer diverse revenue streams, from subscriptions (e.g., premium features like unlimited swipes) to in-app purchases (e.g., ad-free experience, virtual gifts, increased number of likes or profile boosts). Creative ideas, like partnering with restaurants for date-night discounts or offering ad-free experiences for a fee, can further boost profitability.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Developing a Dating App?
Platform (Web, iOS, Android)
The first thing to decide is whether your app will be on the web, mobile, iOS, or Android, or all of these. Building for just one platform is usually cheaper, while launching all versions will raise costs. A dating website is usually easier and cheaper to create, and anyone can access it from a browser, as no installation is needed, which is great for devices with limited storage. The trade-off is that sites often see lower user engagement, can’t use device features like push notifications or geolocation as easily, and the mobile experience may not be as smooth as a mobile app. In contrast, the biggest advantage of mobile dating apps is their convenience - they are always ready to use. Push notifications keep users engaged, and geolocation makes it easy to find matches nearby. Some apps even let you use basic features offline.
The location of the development team and the method of development
Another significant factor that will influence the app development cost is the development approach and who will do it. If your budget is limited, you can opt for no-code app builders or hiring freelancers. No-code tools offer a fast and cost-effective solution for startups or small businesses, but they also come with significant limitations in customization, scalability, and advanced features (e.g., AR/VR, robust AI), making them best for testing an MVP or niche app before investing in custom development.
Hiring professional developers will enable you to build a robust and feature-rich app. You can either build an in-house team or outsource development to a dedicated team. Hiring in-house offers better communication and control but will lead to higher costs due to hiring and administrative expenses. Outsourcing development means you delegate the work to be done by the external team. You don't have to deal with hiring, interviewing, or last-minute changes. Costs can significantly vary based on where the talent is located. Developers in North America or Western Europe typically charge higher rates than developers in Eastern Europe, India, or other regions with lower labor costs. While, outsourcing can lower costs, but it's essential to consider communication and cultural differences. For more details, check our blog post on why outsourcing is an excellent option and the blog post about the best countries to hire from.
Here are the rough hourly charges to compare software development costs across different regions in 2025:
North America (USA, Canada): $75-$125 per hour
Western Europe (Poland): $45-$100 per hour
Eastern Europe (Ukraine): $25-$55 per hour
Asia (India, China): $20-$60 per hour
Latin America (Argentina, Brazil): $20-$60 per hour.
Functionality and Complexity
Simple solutions with basic functionality will cost less than creating a large-scale product with advanced AI and complex logic. Dating app development usually comes with a set of basic features, but adding advanced ones can quickly raise costs. The more features, such as video calling, advanced search filters, and in-app purchases, the higher will be the development costs.
Common features applicable to any dating app include:
User registration & login: Registration is a necessary step to enter a dating app. Many users do not like to go through this stage, but convenient login methods via Facebook, Twitter, or Google can help reduce user friction. It is fast for the user and convenient for the owner, because quick registration makes user retention higher. If a person does not have profiles on social networks, you can offer registration via mail or mobile phone.
Profile creation & editing: In the early days of online dating, dating apps offered lengthy questionnaires that users had to complete. But these days, people read less, and the web has become more visual. So, you can create a dating application that focuses on visual perception with the main functionalities of the profile being adding photos, stating age, and location. Of course, there should be small sections where users can insert basic information about themselves, their hobbies, preferences, and dating goals.
Filters and search criteria: Search filtering is a key feature that allows users to search for partners by age, location, and preferences. Advanced search filters may include a search for online users, new visitors, interests, and other parameters. Advanced search functionality enables users to reduce the time spent searching and exclude people they cannot physically meet.
Geolocation search: A dating app’s success depends on satisfied users, and that usually means real-life results, like going on a date. Meeting someone 500 km away isn’t practical, which is why geolocation is essential. It lets users set a search radius and find matches nearby. Technically, dating apps work like other location-based apps, but they must also meet strict security and privacy standards. When used well, geolocation can power extra features, like showing who’s using the app within a certain distance, making it even easier for users to connect.
Matchmaking mechanisms: This functionality is in the heart of any dating app - it decides who users see and potentially connect with. In the simplest form, the app just shows users who meet the chosen filters, sometimes in random order. More advanced apps add AI-driven matching, which learns from swipes, messages, geolocation, past user behavior, and other parameters to suggest more compatible matches over time.
Swipe, like/dislike function: Intuitive control for quick decisions about interest in the user is another core functionality of any dating app. Just like people decide whether someone is attractive in a matter of seconds, the swipe function is a quick, gesture-based way for users to show interest (or lack of interest) in a potential match - users swipe left if they don’t like the person’s photo, and swipe right if they are interested. Once people have swiped right on each other’s photos, they can start chatting. This approach eliminates the confusion of being texted by someone you’re completely uninterested in and provides greater security and privacy.
Chat and messaging: Integrating tools for secure communication within the solution is a necessary part of a dating app. Users should be able to communicate. Chatting is one step towards a personal meeting, but it is in the chat that the decision to meet is made. The chat in the dating app must have a convenient functionality, allow adding content, and a blocking system. For example, the chat opens only after mutual likes. In this case, a number of problems with unwanted communication are solved. Implementing such a chat is not easy, it's like making your own messenger, but with several additional challenges.
Push notifications: Days when we had to wait for hours or days for a response, constantly refreshing the site pages, are over. Today, quick response is important, and push notifications are an excellent solution to this problem. All popular dating apps have notifications, and now this is an integral feature, even if the user is not online. You can make the message duplicated to your users’ emails or mobile phones. Notifications help users communicate faster and instantly respond to any events in their profiles.
Basic Privacy Settings: Even the simplest dating apps should allow users to flag inappropriate behavior, fake profiles, spam, or suspicious activity. The app should also allow users to block unwanted people from contacting them, including sending messages, viewing their profile, or interacting in any way. It is advisable to enable users to temporarily remove their profile from public view. It is useful for people who want to take a break, browse anonymously, or control who sees them. These measures are essential for keeping users safe, comfortable, and in control of their experience.
In addition to essential features, additional advanced features can help your app stand out, improve engagement, and provide a safer, more personalized experience—but they also increase development costs.
Some of the Advanced Features You Should Consider:
Video/Audio messages & calls: Allows users to communicate through live video or audio within the app. Enhances trust and engagement, helping users connect more naturally before meeting in person.
In-app gifts & stickers (virtual gifting for engagement): Enables users to send virtual gifts, stickers, or badges. Increases interaction and provides additional monetization opportunities.
Integration with social networks: Connects the app to social accounts to enrich profiles, display mutual interests, verify identity, or showcase lifestyle and hobbies.
Stories or short videos (like Instagram Stories): Let users share temporary updates or short video clips on their profile. Encourages engagement and adds a dynamic, interactive element.
Safety features (panic button, location sharing with a trusted contact): Provide extra protection for users during dates. A panic button can alert authorities or friends, and temporary location sharing helps the user feel safer and more relaxed.
AR/VR interactions (virtual date environments): Uses augmented or virtual reality to create immersive experiences for virtual dates, enhancing interaction for long-distance or cautious users.
Multi-language support (for global reach): Allows users to access the app in different languages, widening the app’s audience and making it appealing in multiple countries.
Premium access option: Monetization of the application through subscriptions, including viewing people who liked, increasing the visibility of the profile in search, the ability to undo the last swipe if you accidentally swiped left on someone you actually like, change your location if you want to meet someone from another city or country, etc.
Events and activities: Sections with information about upcoming events organized for romantic communication (for example, speed dating or online events).
UX/UI design
A dating app needs a visually appealing, easy-to-use interface. The goal is to create a smooth experience for swiping, matching, chatting, and connecting. A clean, attractive design keeps users engaged, while a clunky layout can push them away.
A basic template-based layout might cost $3,000–$5,000 with minimal customization, while a unique and interactive design requires more time to design and implement. A modern design with custom themes, animations, and smooth transitions can run $10,000–$20,000+. Investing in high-quality UI/UX pays off through better user satisfaction, higher retention, and stronger profits.
Hidden Costs (Third-Party Integration, App Maintenance, and Marketing)
Connecting external services, like analytics tools, payment gateways, maps, or location tracking, adds extra development work and increases costs. While these integrations enhance functionality and provide better user experience, they require careful implementation and ongoing maintenance, which can significantly impact your budget.
Payment Gateways ($3,000–$7,000): Tools like Stripe or PayPal enable in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Analytics ($2,000–$5,000): Platforms like Firebase or Mixpanel track user behavior and app performance.
Geolocation APIs ($3,000–$6,000): Services like Google Maps power location-based features.
Communication APIs ($5,000–$10,000): Tools like Twilio enable video/audio calls or messaging.
Besides, just like with any other app, developing a dating app is just the beginning of a long journey. When your app has been developed, it needs regular updates, bug fixes, and improvements. Annual maintenance costs are typically 15-20% of the initial development cost. You shouldn't forget about marketing expenses either.
So, how Much Does It Cost to Develop a Dating App?
Now that you’ve learned more about the core features, let’s take a look at how much it costs to develop a dating app:
Cost breakdown based on complexity:
Basic Dating App (MVP): $25,000–$45,000 for a single-platform (iOS or Android) or simple cross-platform app developed using frameworks like React Native or Flutter, with the app including basic features like user registration, profile creation, basic swiping, basic matching algorithm, and text messaging. This version would be functional but may lack any features that can help you stand out.
Mid-Tier App: $45,000–$80,000 for a single-platform (iOS or Android) or cross-platform app that adds features like basic AI-based matchmaking, geolocation, push notifications, and payment gateways.
Advanced App: $80,000 to $200,000+ for a single-platform (iOS or Android) or cross-platform app, incorporating AI-driven behavioral matchmaking, video/voice calling, social media integration, and gamification (e.g., badges, leaderboards). Costs can exceed $200,000 for native dual-platform apps with cutting-edge features like AR/VR.
Cost breakdown based on the implementation of separate functionality and features:
Cost-Saving Strategies
Building a dating app doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are practical ways to optimize your budget:
Start with an MVP: Launch a basic app with core features (e.g., profiles, swiping, messaging) to test the market and gather feedback. Add advanced features later based on user demand.
Choose Cross-Platform Development: Frameworks like React Native or Flutter reduce development time and costs by using a single codebase.
Outsource to Cost-Effective Regions: Partner with experienced teams in Eastern Europe or Latin America for high-quality development at lower rates.
Use Third-Party APIs: Leverage existing tools for features like chat, payments, or geolocation to save on custom development.
Prioritize Essential Features: Focus on must-have features like user profiles and matching algorithms, deferring complex additions like video calls to future updates.
Final Thoughts
Dating apps have transformed how people find love or companionship. The cost of building a dating app depends on your goals and features you choose. In 2025, the cost starts from $25,000 for a basic MVP to over $100,000+ for a feature-rich platform. While apps like Tinder or Bumble can be expensive to develop, focusing on essential features, partnering with the right team, and planning a clear monetization strategy can make it a smart investment. By starting with an MVP, choosing cross-platform development, and outsourcing strategically, you can create a competitive app on a budget.
FAQ
How much is the minimum cost for a dating app?
A basic dating app (MVP) costs $25,000–$45,000 for a single-platform (iOS or Android) or cross-platform app, including user registration, profiles, swiping, simple matching, and messaging.
What factors affect the cost of developing a dating app?
Main factors that affect the cost of developing a dating app are the choice of the platform, selected features and their complexity, design, development team location, and third-party integrations.
Should I build a web or mobile app?
Mobile apps ($30,000–$200,000+) offer better engagement with features like geolocation. Web apps ($10,000–$20,000) are cheaper and accessible but less engaging. Tinder’s web version shows that web apps can complement mobile.
How can I lower development costs?
Start with an MVP, use cross-platform tools, outsource smartly, and focus on must-have features first.
What extra features make the app stand out?
Video/audio calls, social media integration, stories, virtual dating (AR/VR), in-app gifts, and premium subscriptions.
How much for updates and maintenance?
Plan for about 15–20% of the initial cost per year.
Why build a dating app in 2025?
The market will hit 462.5 million users and $3.45 billion by 2029 (Statista). Niche apps and features like AI or AR/VR are in demand, offering opportunities despite competition from Tinder and Bumble.
