Dating App Costs
Online dating industry is growing fast year after year and, naturally, such a tendency is expected to flourish further (from $1,225m in 2016 to $1,610m in 2022). Annual growth of the industry is about 5% and it’s not going to decay (Source: IBISWorld). So yes, all those telling that dating app is a lucrative idea, are right. But the question is, how much does it cost to build a really good app (like Tinder). And we do have an answer, as far Celadon has up-to-date expertise in building such apps for iOS and Android.
Cost Of Online Dating Sites
Celadon Dating App case study
Now we’ve decided to share this experience with you so you can create a good and reliable product.
No matter what path you choose – to develop a Tinder clone or some completely new app, let’s begin with a detailed look at the products which have already conquered the market.
- Most entrepreneurs planning to enter the online dating niche wonder how much does it cost to make a dating app and how soon can their investment return profits? Get the complete overview of existing dating app types, the most demanding features, monetization strategies, and best practices from the online dating industry leaders.
- Six months of Member-level membership are just $67 per month Prepaying three months of Owner-level membership is $300 less than the monthly Owner plan Free members are waitlisted for access Member, Owner, and Investor-level subscribers receive priority profile review and advancement.
- Dating is hard work, so we did some of the legwork for you by taking a deep dive into 10 of the most popular apps. We weren’t popular enough to get into The League, the dating app for celebrities.
Many factors run behind it and make the entire cost cycle, and depending on the number of features, functionalities, technologies, OSs, development company. This cost can vary anything from $40,00 to any number. If you want to grab an accurate numerical number for your dating app, then you must share your app concept with us. Clover Dating App Cost. While Clover Premium has some nice perks, like not having to wait for a mutual match to message someone who interests you, it’s still a functional dating app for free users. Clover Premium costs around $18 a month when you sign up for 3 months, or around $9 a month when you commit to a year.
Types of dating apps
Though there are lots of dating apps, all of them can be divided into four groups:
- Geolocation matching dating apps. Geographical proximity is the key here. The apps match people using their geolocation data. Bumble and Tinder are both in this group.
- Matching algorithm-based dating apps. Surveys and algorithms rule. The apps in this group first ask you questions and then offer ‘matches’, who responded more or less the same. The most famous example – eHarmony matching system.
- Traditional dating apps. They are just those old good dating websites, but in mobile version. Famous OK Cupid, for example, now tries to conquer the market with its own app.
- Niche dating apps. They target only specific groups. The League is one of such apps. And it allows only selected people to register, mostly career-oriented young professionals. They use the concept of social circles, being sure that people are eager to communicate with those of their own social circle. The Grade is another example of a niche app, proclaiming to be ‘women-friendly’. So their female users are shielded from harassment and only they can make the first move or even get rid of weird matches who do not seem reliable. Bristlr is a good example of the whole big ‘family’ of dating apps, connecting specific groups of people.
The conclusion here is that – in the market of dating apps one can find whatever he likes and are looking for.
Having analyzed the data about the dating apps market, we have created a SWOT infographics, describing the most common issues and challenges you will face while creating your own dating app.
SWOT analysis of Tinder
Also, after another analysis, focused on Android and iOS users’ opinions, we have collected the lest of the features, being desirable, and the ones, making the users mad.
Desirable and undesirable features in dating apps
Main features of Tinder-like apps
The set of features and the type of the app defines the price. Considering the apps like Tinder, one should keep in mind that it is a location-based app. Other ones in the market use more or less the same approach, matching the users according to their personal information. So let’s have a closer look at the features Tinder possesses.
- Logging in
The first of must-have features. The simpler – the better. For example, Tinder allows logging in with FB or with the phone number. Form-filling is skipped as far the app grabs the data, mentioned in the FB profile.
- Profiles
One can add personal info manually, but as a rule it is imported from FB page. It is possible to add pictures or some additional data as well. The fields include age, location, mutual friends, interests and a brief self-description.
- Location
An essential feature for Tinder. It was at the beginning of an app – to connect people who are located more or less close by. Tinder fetches the data about users’ location, as fat this feature in particular is essential.
- Discovery settings
Discovery settings can be adjusted as well. For example, it’s possible to set sex, age and radius. Non-vip users can set the radius no more than 10 miles.
- Swipe
Swipe is the feature, making Tinder unique. It was implemented to enhance the dating process and make it more interactive. In two words, swipe to the right means you like the match and vice versa.
- Matchmaking
The couple can start chatting only if they give mutual likes. It protects users from accidental matching and time wasting.
- Real-time chat
Private chat opens only when the match is made. On Tinder the chat has all the features – emojis, GIFs and so on.
- Social media integration
Social media are not just a part of our life, for many they are life. So in Tinder users can integrate their social media profiles with the app itself.
- Push notifications
For dating apps engagement and returns are crucial. So push notifications ensure that the users will not forget to visit the app to check the matches and see the updates.
There are some essential KPIs, which are common for all the dating apps. So we looked into the features that can help you to improve engagement, revenue metrics and other metrics. They should be considered while you decide to develop a dating app, especially from scratch.
How much Tinder costs
Considering the information above, we can provide an estimated cost of creating a dating mobile app, having the main Tinder features. As it was mentioned at the beginning, the cost depends on the feature set, app complexity, development service rates. However, it is also important if the app is developed from scratch or is a clone in this or that way. So our calculations of the Tinder-like app is based on the feature set, described in the article.
In short, the development of a similar dating app from scratch requires about 2000 - 2500 hours for Backend, iOS and Android platform + extra QA, PM, UI.
- Project management - 200h
- Business analysis - 24h
- UX/UI design- 160h
- Frontend development (Android+iOS) - 960h
- Backend development - 960h
Dating App Crossword
Another important point is the hourly rates, which vary in different countries and companies.
For example, to develop a Tinder-like app in Central Europe will be something around $200,000, while in Eastern Europe $60,000 - $100,000.
Surely, the development cost depends on different conditions, but the figures, mentioned above, will be relevant in case the app will be created from scratch.
If you want to go further, we would recommend you to check out one of our case studies - dating app development.
Dating App Costs
The above cost calculation is only an approximate numbers. If you have an idea in mind and would like to have more detailed information, feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to provide you with a work breakdown structure and detailed estimate.