How To Create A Video Dating App?

The dating app industry has become one of the largest in the world, generating billions and helping even more connect to their better half.

But times are changing. And the next big trend in the world of dating is “video dating apps”.

Do you want to create a video dating app or just curious about the concept? Well, in either case, this guide is for you.

Here we shall be learning all about the unique idea of a “video dating app” and how it’s not something unheard of, but rather an in-demand concept.

So with this being said, let’s get right into it, starting with market statistics.

Growing Dating App Market Trends & Statistics

Dating market statistics show amazing growth in the market and much of it is targeted at video-based dating.

They are:

• The global online dating market is expected to reach $14.42 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.6%.
• Video dating is a key driver of this growth, with apps like Tinder Video, Snacks, and Clover gaining traction.
• 70% of millennials prefer video dating for a more authentic connection before meeting in person.
• Gen Z values video even more, with 81% finding it important for assessing compatibility.
• 300 million people worldwide use dating apps, with 20 million paying for premium features.
• Tinder Video saw a 40% increase in usage after its launch, highlighting user demand for video integration.

Now with this out of the way, let’s graze over the basic concept of video dating apps.

Understanding Video Dating Apps

Want to develop a dating app?

Well, before you do that, you must grasp the concept correctly. See what video dating apps are below:

The term “video dating app” refers to a form of mobile app that relies on short-form videos and video-based interaction to help users connect and communicate.

While the exact functions of a video-based dating app differ from platform to platform, that’s the general idea behind it.

Speaking of which, this is a good example of dating app trends giving birth to new forms of solutions in the industry. It’s something received well by the audience too, as in a recent year, video-based content and communication are preferred above text-based ones.

That’s one of the reasons why people want to build video dating apps

Top Video Dating Apps

To better understand the concept, let’s look at some top dating apps that utilize the video dating concept:

• Tinder Video
• Snacks
• CloverFilteroff
• Azar
• Luvr

As you can see, not all of them are dedicated apps. Rather, there are many who are trying to include this as a feature, for instance, tinder video.

Let’s discuss more on that, in the section below.

Video Dating as an App vs Video Dating as a Feature

There are loads of dating app trends.

Hundreds are formed and even more are dissolved every moment.

If you want to be a successful dating platform, what you need to do is take advantage of these. Now, there are two ways to do it:

• Include trends in your existing dating app as a feature. Example: Tinder Video.
• Develop a dedicated mobile app for niche audiences based on trends. Example: Hulah.

It goes without saying; that all of this can be pretty confusing.

So, to better help you choose between the two, here’s a detailed comparison.

Considerations

There are various things that need to be put into consideration here. This includes:

• Are you a startup or an established company? While established dating app companies go for feature options, startups often prefer going for dedicated apps that target niche audiences.
• Target Audience: the type of audience your app is catering to, highly affects the feature set you shall move forward with.
• Existing features: if you want to include a new feature, you have to first consider the existing list of features and make sure the new one will complement them.
• Cost: it goes without app development cost vs cost to integrate a feature day and night. Budgets can highly affect the decision.
• Business Goal: your business goal can also affect your choices. For instance, a company that wants to grow its existing services would like to integrate the feature. Whereas, if you want to capture a new market, you can create a video dating app.

Now that we are done with this, it’s time to see whether or not you should invest in video dating app development.

Why Building a Video Dating App is a Good Idea

Though it’s clear that you want to create a video dating app, it’s time to ask why. In fact, it is one of the most frequently asked questions “Why invest in app development?”

Well, there are a lot of reasons.

Take a look at a few of them below and discuss all of them in detail.

1. Growing Demand

With the increasing popularity of online dating and video communication, there’s a growing demand for platforms that combine these two elements.

It goes without saying that the video adds a more personal touch to the dating experience, allowing users to better gauge chemistry and compatibility before meeting in person.

2. Enhanced User Experience

The video adds a layer of authenticity to the dating process, as users can see and hear each other in real time.

This can lead to more meaningful connections and reduce the likelihood of catfishing or misrepresentation.

One of the big reasons to invest in video dating application development.

3. Engagement and Retention

Video dating apps can increase user engagement and retention rates.

Video calls and live-streaming events can keep users active on the platform for longer periods, leading to higher retention rates and increased monetization opportunities.

4. Differentiation

In a crowded market of dating apps, offering video dating platforms can help your business stand out from the competition.

It provides a unique selling point that appeals to users looking for a more immersive and interactive dating experience.

5. Monetization Opportunities

Video dating apps offer various monetization opportunities, such as premium subscriptions, in-app purchases for virtual gifts or premium features, advertising, and sponsored content.

These revenue streams can help generate income and sustain the growth of the app.

6. Safety and Security

Video dating apps can incorporate features to enhance user safety, such as video verification, content moderation, and reporting mechanisms.

This can help create a safer environment for users to interact and build connections.

7. Global Reach

One of the big reasons why so many people want to make a video dating app is the global reach it enables.

By leveraging video communication technology, your app can connect users from different parts of the world, expanding the dating pool and offering users a diverse range of potential matches.

8. Adaptability to Current Trends

As society becomes more digital and mobile-focused, apps that offer convenient ways to connect with others virtually are increasingly sought after.

A video dating app aligns with this trend by providing a modern and convenient way to meet new people.

Now that we are out of this, it’s time to look at the essential features.

Essential Features To Include in Video Dating App

To create a video dating app that’s successful among people, you need to focus on the feature.

So, let’s look at some essential features above the basic features of a dating app, that you should consider including your video dating application.

These are, as mentioned below:

Feature 1: AI-powered Matching based on Video Content

It goes without saying that one of the most important features of not just video dating solutions by any dating app is its match-matching algorithm.

However, it’s a little different in the case of video dating apps since we are mainly dealing with video content. Here’s the AI algorithm that will analyze facial expressions, voice tone, and keywords to suggest deeper compatibility matches.

Feature 2: Interactive Video Features

Much like video calling or chatting apps, a video dating app will have a video-based interactive feature.

For instance, break the ice with live games, virtual dates, or collaborative activities within video calls.

Feature 3: Advanced Video Quality & Filters

As most of us are already familiar, whenever dealing with video content we need to consider its quality and filters.

This feature of the video dating app offers high-definition video, background customization, and tasteful filters to enhance the experience.

Feature 4: Robust Privacy & Security Measures

App security is paramount when we are dealing with the dating landscape.

To ensure robust security and privacy for the user, we must provide granular control over video sharing, implement multi-factor authentication, and offer reporting tools for safety concerns.

Feature 5: Niche Targeting & Community Building

One of the best app market strategies is to cater to specific markets, something we see with LGBTQ dating apps.

Now to cater to specific interests and demographics with curated matches, group events, and shared online spaces, we may include relevant features and community functionality.

Feature 6: Video Prompts & Challenges

Since we are talking about making a video dating app, video-based prompts, and challenges become an interesting feature to consider.

It will encourage self-expression and conversation starters with fun video prompts and engaging challenges.

Feature 7: Virtual Gift-Giving

While this feature isn’t exclusive to video dating apps, virtual gifts can be a great addition.

It goes without saying, it will add a playful touch with the ability to send virtual gifts or tokens of appreciation within the app.

Feature 8: Integrated Icebreaker Games

To make great communication between the users and take away the awkwardness, you may integrate icebreaker games.

This will facilitate conversation naturally with built-in mini-games or quizzes directly within video calls.

Feature 9: Live Streaming Events & Workshops

Taking inspiration from live video streaming app development, we will include this feature.

It allows the platform to host live events on diverse topics, fostering connections and shared experiences within the community.

Feature 10: AI-powered Video Coaching & Tips

Lastly, we have editing tools that offer personalized feedback and coaching on video presentation and communication skills to boost user confidence.

So, these are the top video dating app features that you should consider including. Now, let’s move next section, where we shall be discussing the APIs and integration options.

Important Integration & API for Video Dating Apps

For a video dating app, integrating certain APIs and functionalities can greatly enhance the user experience and overall functionality.

Here are some important integrations and APIs you might consider:

With this out of the way, it’s finally time to see how to develop a video streaming application in the section below.

Video Dating App Development Process

Let’s dive into the app development process of a video dating app and see how you can create a digital product that will disrupt the market.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to video dating app development:

Step 1: Start With An Idea

Let’s start with a mobile app idea.

Now, this can be anything you want it to be. But dreams don’t sell, until and unless they are backed by numbers.

That’s why in the next section, we look for exactly that.

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

It’s time to validate and back up the idea with data.

To acquire this data, we conduct in-depth market research. Here we shall go through competitor analysis, finding the user base, finding their issues and demands, as well as analyzing the market at large.

The information gained via app market research is invaluable.

In any case, once we are done with this, we move to the next step, where we shall….

Step 3: Hire Mobile App Developers

It’s time to find an app developer.

You see, video dating mobile app development is impossible without developers. Now, there are a few ways you can acquire a partner, these are, as mentioned below:

• Outsource it to a mobile app development company
• Assemble in-house team
• Or go for staff augmentation to strengthen the existing team

Now, each of these methods is amazing with its own benefits and downsides. But two of the most popular choices include in-house and outsourcing.

While the former is way more expensive, it also gives advantages. The same goes for outsourcing, which has become a trend at this point.

Step 4: Select Technologies

From the development platform to the app tech stack, there are various choices to be made before finally developing an app.

So, here are some technological choices you may consider when developing a video dating app.

Step 5: UI/UX Designing

With all said and done, we can finally go down with the UI/UX Design process.

Here we have to create a design that people can understand and navigate without doing brain gymnastics.

Keep it simple, keep it trendy, and make the design speak for your business.

Once this is done, we will finally move to the most awaited part i.e. video dating app development process and video functionality development.

Step 6: Video Functionality Development + App Development

Since we are talking about create a video dating app, video functionality development is the focus of the app development process.

All in all, it’s in this step that dating app developers will be combining different components and making them into a working application.

It’s easier said than done, as the process is the most time and resourcing of the entire process.

Step 7: Testing & Iteration

Once all is said and done, it’s time to take the app through testing.

This will help the QA team find minor as well as major errors in video dating applications which are then fixed via iteration.

Step 8: Deployment

With the final video dating solution at hand, it’s time to deploy it.

While the process to deploy apps on iOS and Android are different from each other, once the app is submitted it takes up to 2 weeks for approval.

Needless to say, apps are often rejected too.

Step 9: Maintenance

If you want to create a video dating app that’s a market success, work doesn’t end with deployment.

Rather, it’s time to start a longer and more important process of app maintenance and app marketing to capture people’s eyes while maintaining stability.

This is how to create a video-based dating app. Now, let’s see how much this venture will cost you.

Cost To Create A Video Dating App

So, how much does it cost to create a video dating app?

On average, video dating app development cost ranges from $40,000 to $150,000 based on the various factors.

Here’s a detailed dating app development cost breakdown in the table below.

If you want to learn more about the cost or want an accurate estimation, it’s highly recommended that you consult a mobile app development company.

They will be able to give you an accurate quotation based on project specifications, preferences, and requirements.

How long does it take? Video Dating App Development Timeline

Wondering how long does it take to create a video dating app?

Well, app development time much like cost depends on the specific platform and various factors. In any case, here’s a detailed breakdown of the same.

Monetizing Video Dating Apps: Revenue Strategies

Finally, let’s see how you can make money with the dating app you have developed.

When we are speaking of video dating apps, monetization strategies aren’t much different from the usual dating application.

In any case, we shall be going through them roughly. These are, as mentioned below:

1. Subscription Plans

Let’s start with the most popular monetization strategy for dating apps, subscription plans.

With your subscription-based app, you can offer users different subscription tiers with varying features and benefits.

For example, basic plans may offer limited access to matches and messaging, while premium plans unlock additional features such as advanced search filters, unlimited messaging, or access to exclusive events.

2. In-App Purchases

Well, it is no secret that when people are on dating apps, they are willing to spend some money.

You can allow users to purchase virtual goods or premium features within the app and make money off of it.

This could include virtual gifts to send to matches, profile boosts to increase visibility or ad-free experiences.

3. Advertisement

Display targeted advertisements within the video dating app. You can partner with advertisers to display banner ads, video ads, or sponsored content.

However, while doing this, you must ensure that ads are non-intrusive and relevant to your users to maximize engagement.

4. Freemium Model

It’s time to look at Freemium model.

Here, you offer a basic version of the app for free with limited features, and encourage users to upgrade to a premium version for access to advanced features and functionality.

This allows users to experience the app before committing to a paid subscription.

5. Premium Features

Premium features, being another top video dating app monetization models, offer standalone premium features or add-ons that users can purchase individually.

This could include advanced search filters, video editing tools for profile videos, or personalized matchmaking services.

This is how you can make money with a video dating application.

Nimble AppGenie Can Help You – A Leading Dating App Development Company

Do you want to have an idea for video dating app development?

Hire mobile app developers with Nimble AppGenie and turn your ideas into reality. We have a team of expert developers who have the right know-how, tools, and experience required to build the next best solution.

Nimble AppGenie is a market-leading dating app development company and is here to help you.

All you need to do is reach out to us to avail our services. Are you ready?

Conclusion

The surge in demand for video-based dating apps is evident from the substantial growth projected in the global online dating market, reaching $14.42 billion by 2030. With millennials and Gen Z increasingly valuing video for authentic connections, integrating video functionalities into dating apps emerges as a crucial trend. Whether as a standalone platform or a feature within existing apps like Tinder Video, the appeal of video dating is reshaping the landscape of digital matchmaking. In this blog, we learned all you need to know about video dating app development. Now all that’s left to do is go and develop your own.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma is the CTO of Nimble AppGenie, a prominent website and mobile app development company in the USA that is delivering excellence with a commitment to boosting business growth & maximizing customer satisfaction. He is a highly motivated individual who helps SMEs and startups grow in this dynamic market with the latest technology and innovation.