Online dating industry is growing with remarkable speed and next year, it is expected to reach $1610 million. So there’s no wonder why companies all across the globe consider this area worthy of investment. Still, as it is with any other type of solutions, dating apps are not created equal. And considering the presence of such successful applications as Tinder on the market, the competition is really severe, so the development of a solution for dating can take a lot.
In this article, we are going to dive into the topic of Tinder-like app development to create a picture of what it takes to build a worthy dating app and how much does it cost.
The info below is provided by software development company Emerline who has a wealth of experience in the delivery of dating solutions to companies worldwide.
Types of Dating Apps: Which One to Choose?
Whether the talk is about the development of a geolocation matching dating app, matching algorithm-based solution, traditional dating app or niche dating app, the market of dating apps offers different ways to succeed. Nevertheless, there are some common issues associated with the development of these solutions.
The first thing to mention here is that despite strong demand for dating apps, a wide target audience and a variety of ways to generate revenue from owning a dating solution, there are certain difficulties with entering this competitive market, especially when taking in account privacy concerns.
To ensure the success, companies investing in dating apps need to make sure that they are capable of addressing all the users’ wants and needs in the best and fastest way possible. So it really does not matter what type of a dating app is under development — if it fits the image of a wanted solution, it will find its audience.
The Most Wanted Features of Dating Apps
Because dating can be quite stressful, especially when you agree to date the person you never seen before, users of dating apps prefer to choose solutions that offer the following:
Integration of a dating app with social media profiles
So it becomes possible to learn more about the person you are going to date.
Geolocation
To avoid situations when a matching algorithm suggests people leaving on another continent when your plan is to date someone tomorrow.
Users anonymity
If a user does not want their friends, relatives, co-workers, or other people to know that they use a dating app (and it’s a common case), the opportunity for anonymity is a must.
Premium plans
They can offer various sorts of things, from the possibility to hide your age to the ability to see who liked your profile.
Smart matching algorithms
In addition to the current location, age of a person, gender and sexual orientation, they can also take into account such things as hobbies, preferences, job position, etc.
Main Features of Tinder-Like Apps
It’s no secret that the set of features you include in a dating app affects its price. So, before we answer the question on how much does it cost to develop a Tinder-like app, let’s see what are the main features of this world-loved solution.
They are:
- Simple logging in — including the option to log in with a phone number.
- Fast creation of profiles — including the import of info from FB and Instagram.
- Smart location — that allows to find people located more or less close by.
- Discovery settings — so users can customize their search options.
- Swipe — allows making the process of selection more interactive and simple.
- Matchmaking — ensures users that their interest in each other is mutual.
- Real-time chat — it becomes available only after the match and allows various methods of interaction, including emojis, GIFS, etc.
- Social media integration — allows users to discover more about the person of their interest and create a clearer picture of who they are.
- Push notifications — inform users about matches, new messages, and other updates.
So How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App like Tinder?
According to various sources, Tinder app development (the backend and frontend parts) requires about 2000 hours. Still, it’s important to understand that there are extra hours (about 400 more hours) needed for QA, PM, and UI. So, as a result we have about 2400 hours for development.
Because the cost of working hours vary from one company to another, this 2400 hours can be very different when calculated in, for example, USD. For example, the average hourly rate in North American companies is about $150, while in the Eastern Europe it ranges from $25 to $50. So while Tinder-like app development will cost you about $360,000 in North America, the same services will cost you about $60,000 – $100,000 in Easter Europe.
The above cost calculation is only an approximate number. And if you want to know more about what forms the price and receive a more detailed estimate of your dating app development, feel free to directly contact the provider you are interested in.