Top 5 Revenue Models to Successfully Monetize Your Dating App

Dating App Business and Revenue Model

Take a look at the dating business model and understand how it works;

Top 5 Dating App Monetization Strategies 

Let’s dive deeper into different dating app monetization strategies that you can implement in your app. Let’s understand: 

1. Freemium Model

According to Statista data, the freemium model has become the second most popular monetization strategy.

If you’re looking for a win-win approach, the freemium model can be your perfect choice. In this model, businesses offer basic features free of charge while monetizing premium features. This strategic approach allows users to test features without any initial financial commitment. 

Now, why offer features to free users? – Here’s what you need to understand the value of your free users. It works in two ways – some eventually convert to subscribers, while others attract new members who become subscribers.

According to an HBS working paper and ongoing research, a free user typically holds 15% to 25% of the value of a premium subscriber. A significant portion of this value arises from the referrals they generate.

The freemium model also aims to lower customer acquisition costs. It lets users explore the product without commitment, making it easier to decide whether to upgrade. If done right, it can cut down marketing costs and boost sales. 

But here’s the catch—you will find that some users are hesitant to pay for the free features that feel good enough. Here’s the key—show them the real value of going premium so they’re ready to upgrade to premium features. 

Basic Vs. Premium Features in Dating App

2. Subscription Model

"According to Subscription Service Statistics and Costs research, the average consumer spends $133 monthly on subscriptions, which is about $1,600 a year."

The subscription-based model is simple: users pay a recurring fee, usually weekly, monthly, or yearly, to access premium features or exclusive content. 

By 2025, when the subscription economy is predicted to be worth $1.5 trillion, 75% of B2C businesses will employ this model. It is a key revenue generator for many platforms. 

Businesses offer different subscription tiers, and apps cater to diverse user needs and budgets. Paid versions offer exclusive features like unlimited swipes, advanced match filters, seeing who likes you, and more. It’s like paying for a membership to unlock the best the app offers!

However, it's important to consider the cost of developing a dating app when planning these features, as some can be expensive to implement. However, the investment is often worth it. 

The subscription model, in particular, fosters loyalty and long-term engagement by encouraging users to invest in meaningful connections. It creates an ideal balance between the app's profitability and the user's value. This strategy shows how effective monetization can align with providing a high-quality, user-focused experience.

Subscription Tiers With Features

Let’s check the reference for subscription tiers with features in dating apps:

3. In-App Purchases

In this revenue model, users can directly buy features or virtual goods within the dating application. This can include premium features such as boosting profile visibility, sending virtual gifts to matches, unlocking advanced search features, etc. It is a perfect strategy to make money from dating app and generate consistent revenue for long-term success. 

Let’s talk numbers – 

In June 2024, dating application Tinder generated the largest in-app purchase revenue in the past month, more than 82 million U.S. dollars. Bumble ranked second with nearly 43.4 million U.S. dollars, followed by Hinge with roughly 26.22 million U.S. dollars in the last examined month.

In-App Purchases Features in Dating App with Examples

4. Advertising

Advertising in dating apps can be another dating model that could help you to make money from dating app.  It is a successful tactic to boost user engagement and generate revenue from dating apps. Dating apps can leverage user data, including preferences and behavior patterns, to deliver personalized ads that align with users' interests. Advertising appears more relevant and less intrusive as a result.

Tinder’s “Swipe Right to Pizza” campaign with Domino’s Pizza strategically used native advertising. Users could swipe on a special Domino’s profile to win free pizza. The campaign tapped into Tinder’s casual vibe and users’ love for pizza, driving engagement and creating a fun, memorable brand experience.

These advertising strategies not only generate a substantial amount of revenue but also allow apps to maintain free or low-cost subscription levels, which attracts additional users. Partnerships with reputable businesses also boost the app's credibility and user trust.

Dating app advertising benefits platform owners and marketers by matching user interests and leveraging their unique interactive capabilities. 

Different Types of Advertising Model

Let’s understand the advertising model in dating applications:

5. Affiliate Marketing Model

Affiliate marketing is a perfect way to drive sales and generate revenue and a strategic way to make money from dating app. Interestingly, Affiliate marketing contributes between 5% and 25% of major brands’ total internet sales. Let’s understand how affiliate marketing works. It includes three parties:

• Seller & Product Creators
• Affiliate or Advertiser
• Consumer

Example of Affiliate Marketing: 

Let’s understand it with an example – 

Suppose you have a dating app that specializes in helping users find meaningful relationships. Your dating app is the seller and product creator. To reach a wider audience, the app launches an affiliate program. 

Now, collaborate with a lifestyle blogger and social media influencer who shares dating tips and relationship advice. Now, a blogger becomes an affiliate or advertiser for your dating app. The app provides influencers a unique affiliate link to share with their audience.

Now writes a blog post titled “Top 5 Dating Apps for Professionals in 2024,” highlighting your dating app as her top recommendation. She explains its features, like advanced matching algorithms and professional community filters, and includes her affiliate link in the post.

One of the influencer’s readers is looking for a serious relationship and finds her post convincing. He clicks on the affiliate link, downloads your dating app, and signs up for a premium subscription.

As a result, your dating app gains a new user and earns subscription revenue, while the influencer receives a commission for referring users. 

Partner With Apptunix to Build Your Dating App Integrated With Profitable Revenue Model

Join Apptunix, a leading dating app development to build a robust dating application. Our team of experts specializes in creating innovative, user-friendly platforms tailored to your unique vision. 

With advanced matchmaking algorithms, sleek designs, and a focus on scalability, we ensure your app stands out in a competitive market. Whether you're targeting casual daters, niche groups, or serious relationships, we craft solutions that resonate with your audience. We assist with right revenue model strategies to make money from dating app and build a profitable dating app business. 

At Apptunix, we don’t just build apps; we create opportunities. Our expertise in integrating profitable revenue models like subscription plans, in-app purchases, and targeted ads ensures your dating app becomes a sustainable business. 

From concept to launch and beyond, our comprehensive support and innovative approach make us the go-to partner for developing an engaging and profitable dating app.