The online dating market is changing faster than ever.

With the market being worth billions and having an ever-growing user base, it has become a lucrative opportunity for businesses. Consequently, there are a lot of people wanting to develop a dating app.

However, if you want to be a successful platform and beat endless numbers of other platforms, it’s important to consider dating app development trends.

In this blog, we shall be discussing everything you need to know about it.

So with this being said, let’s get started with statistics before we dive into dating app trends.

Dating App Market Statistics

To better understand dating app development trends, let’s first look at insights via dating app statistics 2024.

These are, as mentioned below:

  • Online dating is immensely popular, with almost 30% of U.S. adults utilizing dating apps and over 40% finding it convenient. Statistics by gender reveal that 68% of males and 55% of females express a positive view of dating. Dating apps (45%) top the list as the preferred method to find dates, followed by friend connections (33%) and events (32%).
  • When it comes to priorities before a first date, looks and personality holds equal importance for over half of respondents, although older individuals tend to emphasize looks more. For expressing love, about 30% believe four to six months is ideal, while Gen Z prefers one to three months, according to age demographics.
  • Emotional cheating concerns more people than physical, with intentional fantasizing being a top worry. Tinder leads as the most popular dating app, especially among adults under 30, and 10% of partnered adults meet their significant other through dating sites.
  • Approximately 35% of online daters have paid for platform use, driven by motives such as seeking a long-term partner (44%) or casual dating at (40%). While 42% of U.S. adults believe online dating facilitates finding a long-term partner, skepticism remains regarding the predictive power of dating algorithms.

And with this out of the way, it’s time to dive into dating app market trends.

Dating App Development Trends

Dating App Development Trends

With mobile app statistics out of the way, it’s time to look at top dating app development trends.

Here, we shall be covering all recent trends based on socio-cultural changes to tech driven revolutions.

Moving on, let’s get right into it:

1. Diversification: LGBTQ & Niche Dating

The first trend that startups and dating app companies need to be mindful of is, diversification.

It goes without saying that over the last few years, the social and “gender” landscape has changed drastically.

  • LGBTQ

Let’s get started with well-known LGBTQ community and dating scene.

While the whole LGBTQ scene was frowned upon for the better half of the century, it’s finally time that the whole community is being accepted. And this has huge impact on the online dating industry.

This has led to a lot of people wanting to build dating app for transgender people.

So, is it a good idea? Well, it certainly is.

Whether you look at it from a social, financial, or business perspective, creating LGBTQ inclusive apps is beneficial for all parties involved.

And truth be told, dedicated LGBTQ dating apps are something long overdue.

  • Niche Dating

In addition to LGBTQ, niche dating is yet another dating app trend that is growing very famous.

And it’s something that popular dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo are taking full advantage of, generating billions in revenue.

Niche dating is focused on helping people of specific group, sect, or of the same belief access dating app facilities.

Niche Dating

Here are a few examples of niche dating apps:

  • Muzz — built for single Muslims.
  • Whispers4U – a safe environment for “differently abled” people to find love.
  • Grindr – dating for LGBTQ community

Amazing, right?

Speaking of which, diversification and inclusion are the latest and biggest dating app development trends.

So, if you are someone considering building a dating app, these are trends to consider. Let’s move to the next.

2. Dating App Monetization: Subscription changes

The second dating app trend is a revolution in app monetization.

It goes without saying that one of the main reasons to start an online dating platform is to generate revenue. And that’s where this trend comes in.

Did you know? Our of 300 million dating users globally, more than 20 million pay for premium features. Let’s see two examples below:

Dating App Monetization: Subscription changes

  • Hinge

Hinge dating app made headlines with a new subscription plan that can cost up to $720 per year.

This gives users more profile exposure and enhances recommendations within the dating app and this feature will be more focused on finding serious relationships.

  • Bumble

In addition to this, the popular dating app Bumble offers a freemium plan as well as a 2 tiers — Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium.

These multilevel subscription models fit the needs of different people with different needs. This monetization has been quite successful.

Following this, the dating platform recorded an annual revenue of $900 million in 2022, an 18% increase. In addition to this, market capital reached $3.65 billion.

All in all, subscription changes in dating apps are often made with the goal of increasing revenue and improving user experience, and retaining users.

By offering a range of subscription plans with different pricing and features, dating apps can cater to the diverse needs and preferences of their user base.

To generate revenue via subscription-based apps, you need to focus on a lot of things and invest a lot of time in research, understanding the user base, and so on.

3. Gamification: A Fun Element

Gamification has been one of the top trends in mobile app development for some time now.

It was only about before it was adopted as one of the dating app trends. and the inherent nature of this technology to make apps more interesting and engaging.

Plus, this isn’t a new trend either.

Some of the top dating apps in the market are already using gamification in their mobile apps, taking the app design and whole user experience to next level.

Gamification: A Fun Element

Let’s look at some of top example of the same.

  • Tinder

Tinder’s swipe-based matching system has become a popular feature of the app.

Users swipe left or right to indicate whether they are interested in a potential match, and matches are made when two users swipe right at each other.

  • Bumble

Bumble uses a “Queen Bee” game, which rewards users with virtual coins for good behavior on the app.

Users can use these coins to purchase premium features or donate to charity.

  • OkCupid

OkCupid has a “DoubleTake” feature that presents users with a deck of cards, each containing a potential match.

Users swipe left or right on each card, and matches are made when both users swipe right on each other.

  • Hinge

Hinge uses a “likes you” feature that shows users who have liked their profile.

Users can then choose to match these users, giving them a sense of control over the matching process.

Gamification in dating apps can make the dating experience more enjoyable for users, and can also encourage user engagement and retention.

Using game-like features and mechanics, dating apps can create a more dynamic and interactive experience that keeps users coming back for more.

4. Dating App Security: Safer & More Secure

Online dating can be scary.

Since online dating comes inherently with a range of risks from fake people on platforms to more serious crimes, this drives away a lot of people from the platform.

This is clearly seen in the 2022 Netflix documentary, “The Tinder Swindler.”

It took a deep dive into how scammers run the online dating scene, targeting women to lend them money but never pay them back.

While this isn’t something one of the dating app development mistakes that you avoid, since it involved unsocial elements, fraud and cheating, ramping up security can really reduce the risk, let us tell you how.

To improve dating app security, you can introduce features like:

  • Government-issued ID verification
  • Biometric authentication
  • Social media verification
  • Phone number verification
  • Proactive image moderation
  • Suspicious activity detection
  • Report and block system

One of the popular example of Bumble’s photo verification feature.

As the name suggests, this feature will ensure users are who they really say they are, not someone pretending. This doesn’t only greatly reduce “catfishing” and scams, it also inspires trust among the user base.

This is what makes it one of the top future trends in dating app development.

With this out of the way, let’s move to the next.

5. Better Match: Personalized Filtering System

Whether you are talking about on-demand apps or any other form of mobile application, they strive to deliver a “personalized” experience to the end user.

This is one of the biggest future trends of dating apps.

Here’s an example to help you understand.

Hinge, a popular dating app across the globe, uses prompts and interests to create deeper profiles, leading to more compatible matches. With this filter, the platform crosses the demographic borders and connects users with people who share your values and lifestyle.

It goes without saying that matching-making algorithm is the core and most essential part of this platform.

If you want to create a dating app that leads the market, this is one dating app trend you need to nail.

With this trend, you can be the next best dating app in market.

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6. Improved Interaction: Straightforward Messaging

Communication is key to a healthy relationship.

And being a type of social media app development, dating solutions should do well, right?

Well, not exactly. Even the most popular and widely used dating apps are known to have poor communication features.

That’s why, in recent year, “straightforward messaging” has become a trend in dating app development. In fact, some of the most popular online dating platforms are already on their way to adopt it.

For instance,OkCupid’s “Questions” feature encourages icebreakers and conversation starters. This takes the pressure off initiating conversations and leads to more meaningful interactions.

to attract more customers to and keep them engaged. It’s a good idea to take inspiration from top chatting apps in the market.

7. Design Simplification: Icons & Experience

Mobile app design is important, period.

When we are talking about dating app development trends, UI/UX Design takes a front-seat.

Reason being, dating solutions reply much more to visual communication and aesthetical appeal than many of the other platforms in the market.

In fact, the simplification of app’s icon can greatly help improve user attraction, so just imagine what a complete app redesign can do? You don’t have to wonder for long as even Android and iOS app design guidelines have moved towards a more minimalistic design.

This can be seen with the popular dating app Tinder. Its minimalist interface is easy to navigate and use. A clean and intuitive design makes the dating app experience more enjoyable and efficient.

And that’s what make design simplification such a dating app trend, it is today.

8. Video Preview: A Deeper Dive into First Impressions

Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine dating and video streaming app development?

Well, one of the most realistic examples would be a video preview.

As the name suggests, this new dating app trend introduces video to the dating app interfacing, making it that much more interesting.

It goes without saying, people interact better with a video preview of a person in front of them, since it engages much more senses. This is what has led to a much wider inclusion in matchmaking mobile applications.

One of the best examples of this dating app development future trend is:

Friendly It uses short video introductions to showcase personality and interests before matching. This gives you a better sense of someone beyond their photos and bio, leading to more informed decisions.

With this, let’s move to the next dating app development trend.

9. AI Integration: Automation & Smart “Feature” in Dating Apps

One of the biggest mobile app revolutions is led by AI.

Artificial Intelligence and its application in different parts of the tech world has been in talks for more than decades now.

So it is no wonder it is one of the dating app development trends of 2024.

Starting with an example Clover uses AI to suggest conversation topics and break the ice. AI can personalize your experience, automate tasks, and provide helpful suggestions to improve your dating success.

With the help of AI Solution Development and it’s integration in Dating, you can open doors to many more features. Not just feature, but “smart” features.

Here are a few of them for reference:

  • Behavioral Analysis
  • Image Recognition
  • Language Processing
  • User Verification
  • Personalized Recommendations
  • Feedback and Improvement
  • Safety Features
  • Time Optimization
  • Predictive Analysis

And much, much more.

There are a lot of possibilities with AI in dating app and that’s exactly what makes it one of the latest dating app development trends to keep an eye out for.

10. Virtual Dating: VR and Metaverse

Lastly, we have metaverse for dating apps.

Metaverse, when it was introduced to us, took the world and market by storm. It’s not just another top dating app development trend, but a trend setter.

Via various Metaverse use cases, you can enable virtual dating where people from across the world can meet each other virtually. It goes without saying, this also encompasses other various dating trends like online dating.

AR and VR app development, this can greatly benefit virtual dating.

One example of the same is that VR Dating apps like “Planet Theta” allow you to go on virtual dates in immersive environments. This adds a new dimension to dating and can be a fun and interactive way to connect with people.

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Develop a Future Ready Dating App: Collaborate with Expert Dating App Developers

Do you want to take full advantage of dating app development trends and enter the market with a disrupting solution?

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We are a dating app development company with a proven track record. Our team of mobile app developers have what it takes to bring your idea to reality, in the form of a working dating application.

Whether you want to create a good old dating app like Tinder or have a unique idea, our teams of expert app developers are here to help you.

Contact us today and we will assign a team to your project within 24 hours.

Conclusion

The landscape of dating apps is evolving rapidly, driven by changing socio-cultural dynamics and technological advancements.

To build a successful dating app in 2024 and beyond, you must stay attuned to these latest dating app development trends. Diversification, personalized filtering systems, and improved security measures are paramount for user engagement and satisfaction. Subscription changes, gamification, and AI integration offer avenues for innovative monetization and enhanced user experiences.

As the industry embraces video previews and explores virtual dating in the metaverse, developers have exciting opportunities to redefine how people connect and forge relationships in the digital age. Building a future-ready dating app requires a thoughtful blend of inclusivity, innovation, and user-centric design.

FAQs

Dating app development trends evolve, but as of now, some key trends include:

  • Virtual Dating
  • AI Integration
  • Video Preview
  • Design Simplification
  • Improved Interaction
  • Personalized Filtering System
  • Dating App Security
  • Gamification
  • Dating App Monetization
  • Diversification

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing dating apps by improving matchmaking algorithms, personalizing user experiences, and enhancing safety features. AI also helps in analyzing user behavior, providing better matches, and reducing the likelihood of fake profiles.

Yes, video features are increasingly popular in dating apps. Live video chats, video profiles, and virtual dating events are becoming common, allowing users to connect in a more dynamic and authentic way.

Security is paramount in dating app development. Developers implement robust encryption, secure authentication processes, and regularly update security protocols. Additionally, educating users about safe online dating practices is essential.

Machine learning helps dating apps understand user preferences and behavior, enabling more accurate matchmaking. It also assists in personalizing app features, such as suggesting potential matches, date ideas, and improving overall user engagement.

Developers can promote inclusivity by implementing features that allow users to specify their preferences and identity. Avoiding biased algorithms, offering diverse gender and orientation options, and providing inclusive language contribute to creating a more welcoming environment.

The future of dating app development may involve more advanced AI features, augmented reality (AR) elements for virtual dating experiences, and innovative ways to enhance user safety. Integration with emerging technologies could further revolutionize the online dating landscape.

Diversify by considering LGBTQ and niche markets, focus on effective monetization strategies, incorporate gamification, prioritize security, enhance matching algorithms, improve interaction features, simplify design, include video previews, integrate AI, and explore virtual dating possibilities.

Video previews, as seen in Friender, offer a deeper dive into a person’s personality and interests before matching.