Top 15 Must-Have Features for a Dating App: A List You Don’t Want to Miss!

Latest Dating App Market Statistics

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15 Features to Include in Your Dating App: Best Practices & Examples

Here we’ve discussed the best dating app features to include in your application. Let’s learn in detail:

1. Profile Verification

Of course, connecting with new users on a dating app is surely exciting. However, users with bad experiences such as harassment, stalking, or other issues, raise grave concerns and cause fear. Thus, it's imperative to integrate a profile verification feature when developing a dating app.

If we talk of numbers, Americans are split on whether online dating is a safe medium to find love—the majority support (49%) requiring background checks before creating a profile. This obviously will make your online dating app a safe & trustworthy place where users can connect with others without any worries. 

To make that happen, the dating app may request a selfie from users, using picture identification APIs to verify the user's identity and provide further information. These APIs are also used to find and flag any explicit photos that could harm the app's reputation.

What You Need to Consider:

It is important to implement top dating app features such as profile verification to ensure the safety of your users. It includes multi-step verification processes including photo verification, linking to active social media accounts, and sometimes manual review by moderators. 

Example	Description
Tinder	Tinder uses picture verification, which requires users to take a selfie in real time to match their profile photos, significantly minimizing the number of fake accounts.

 

2. Matchmaking Algorithms

In today’s digital era, dating apps have evolved beyond basic profile matching. With the latest advancements in technology, how we connect with people online has been completely revolutionized. Advanced matchmaking algorithms is one of the best features of a dating app. It utilizes data-driven approaches from collecting user data, analyzing data, implementing matching techniques, and employing feedback or other changes.

With this advanced matchmaking feature, users can find compatible matches based on user behavior, preferences, and interactions. This effective algorithm enhances the chances of meaningful connections by analyzing complex data to find matches that align with users' interests and compatibility. 

What You Need to Consider:

Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning (ML) helps in matching algorithms. It assists in continuously improving match suggestions, incorporating various data points (interests, past behavior, and activity), and considering user feedback. 

Example	Description
OkCupid	OkCupid uses an advanced algorithm to create highly relevant match recommendations by fusing behavioral data with user-provided answers to questions.

 

3. Geolocation & Proximity-Based Matching

With the geolocation feature, users can easily find and connect with potential matches who are geographically close to each other. The geolocation feature enhances user engagement and satisfaction in dating apps.  Proximity-based matching enables users to find connections in their immediate vicinity, making it easier to date and meet in person. 

What You Need to Consider:

Make sure to integrate accurate and real-time location tracking, providing users with control over their location visibility and allowing them to adjust distance settings. 

Example	Description
Happn	Happn shows users potential matches who have crossed paths with them, leveraging real-time geolocation data.

 

4. Gamification

Incorporating gamification into your dating app, with game-like elements of fun and competition boosts user activity and retention. This interesting dating app feature motivates users to interact and engage with the platform more frequently, enhancing the overall user experience. 

Integrating gamification features, however, requires an innovative & creative user-design-centric strategy. This will help to align fun elements with the app’s core objective of connecting people – rather than distract from, the primary purpose of the platform.

When done right, gamification elements keep users invested and entertained, leading to longer app usage, higher interaction rates, and a more dynamic, engaging experience.

What You Need to Consider:

Incorporate features such as points, badges, challenges, and rewards for activities like messaging, swiping, or completing profiles.

Example	Description
Bumble	Bumble's "Question Game" gamification function allows users to add an interactive, game-like element by asking humorous, ice-breaking questions to potential matches. It allows users to engage in fun Q&A sessions rather than just swiping and waiting for a match.

5. Events & Meet-Ups

With the events & meet-ups dating app feature, users can arrange social gatherings or activities to meet up in person with their connections. This feature encourages users to engage actively by allowing them to connect in safe and public spaces.  

Participating in events & meet-ups facilitates stronger connections and bonds among users. It significantly enhances user engagement and customer loyalty. Ultimately, it will help your dating app to stay ahead in this competitive market. 

What You Need to Consider:

Creating a diverse range of meetups and events allows for the participation of people with a variety of interests, ensures proper screening and security measures, and facilitates registration and communication. 

Example	Description
Bumble	Bumble organizes networking events called "Bumble Bizz" and "Bumble BFF" get-togethers to help users connect in ways beyond dating.

 

6. Smart Push Notifications

A report suggests that push notifications in dating apps improve retention and increase sales. 

Incorporating a smart push notifications feature into your dating app allows users to get notified about potential matches, messages, or activities. It enables users to stay engaged and active on dating apps. Additionally, push notifications alert users about special events or promotions, significantly increasing user activity. 

What You Need to Consider:

Utilize user behavior and preference data to personalize alerts, provide options for the frequency of notifications, and ensure timely and appropriate notifications.

Example	Description
Tinder	Tinder sends notifications about potential matches, profile views, and activity updates, tailored to user engagement patterns.

 

7. Preference Filters

Implementing preference filters enables users to customize their searches for matches based on specific preferences. It includes age, location, lifestyle, and interests. It helps users to filter and find people who can be their potential partners. 

Additionally, users will interact and remain more active on the app after they locate matching mates. Users will find it easier to modify their preferences, which will increase user retention and revenue growth in the long run.

What You Need to Consider:

Provide a wide range of filter options, allow users to save and modify their preferences, and ensure that filter settings are easy to use and understand.

Example	Description
Plenty of Fish	Plenty of Fish offers extensive filtering options, including preferences for age, location, and interests, enabling users to fine-tune their search.

 

8. Profile Performance Checker

Incorporating the ‘Performance Checker’ feature is another way to connect with potential matches. It offers insights into how well a user’s profile is performing in terms of – views, likes, and interactions. This enables user algorithms to connect and interact with people based on their performance ratings. 

Moreover, the profile performance checker nudges users to work on areas that could be improved. It includes factors such as profile bio, photo quality, message response rates, and so on. Ultimately, it helps users understand how they are perceived and make adjustments to improve their profile’s attractiveness and engagement.

What You Need to Consider:

Provides detailed analytics such as profile views, match rates, and message response rates, and provides actionable tips for improvement.

Example	Description
Hinge	Hinge provides feedback on profile activity and engagement, helping users refine their profiles based on interaction data.

 

9. AI-Based Chat & Video Calls

AI-based chat and video calls are highly essential for a dating application. It helps to enhance communications through automated responses, filters, emojis, images, videos, voice notes, and GIFs. 

With AI-based chat and video calls, users can easily connect with other users, allowing for smoother & personalized interactions. You can build a dating app integrated with messaging APIs and other advanced features with our dating app developers. 

What You Need to Consider:

Implement AI tools for automated conversation starters, language moderation, and video call enhancements like filters and effects.

Example	Description
Bumble	Bumble uses AI to help with conversation starters and offers video call features with real-time enhancements for a more engaging interaction.

 

10. Profile Avatars

Digital profile avatars work as a game-changing feature for dating apps. Users have an option to generate their personalized avatars or digital twins just like WhatsApp and Snapchat. 

These profile avatars can be in the form of cartoons, animation, and historical characters that help users stand out and make their profile unique, boosting engagement and interaction. 

By offering an immersive approach, users can feel more comfortable and engaged, and interact with more people. However, it is important to consider that avatars must be designed that adhere to and are affiliated with your dating app standards. 

What You Need to Consider:

Integrating avatars is one of the best dating app feature ideas that allow users to choose from various avatar options, including animated or themed designs, and ensure that avatars easily stand out and look visually appealing.

Example	Description
Tinder	Tinder offers users the option to upload various types of profile pictures, including themed or special-event photos, to enhance their profile’s visual appeal.

11. Social Media Integration

Almost every app, including dating apps integrates social media features. It is highly recommended to grow and expand your dating app business. Here users can easily sign up via social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and so on. 

This enables users to find and connect with people who they just matched on a dating app. It adds a layer of authenticity to user profiles and simplifies the sign-up process by pulling in information and photos from social media.

You can also consider integrating online music streaming apps such as Spotify where users can add their favorite songs or albums to their profile. 

What You Need to Consider:

Ensure that integration options are secure, provide users with control over what information is shared, and maintain privacy standards.

Example	Description
Hinge	Hinge lets users link their Instagram and Spotify accounts, enriching their profiles with additional personal content and interests.

12. Feedback & Reporting

Integrating feedback and reporting features is highly essential for continuous improvement and user experience. Here users can easily report any inappropriate behavior and provide feedback This leads to developing a safe and restful environment on the dating application. 

What You Need to Consider:

Implement an easy-to-use reporting system with clear guidelines, provide timely responses to reports, and use feedback to continuously improve the app.

Example	Description
Bumble	Bumble has a user-friendly reporting system that allows users to report harassment or inappropriate behavior and provides support for handling these issues.

13. AI-Powered Conversation Starters

Starting a conversation with new people can be challenging for many users. So, integrating AI-powered conversation starters is one of the top dating app feature ideas that can help users to start a conversation. 

These are automated prompts or suggestions designed to assist users in initiating engaging conversations with their matches. This feature minimizes anxiety and fear and helps to encourage users to initiate a conversation. 

What You Need to Consider:

Use AI to generate personalized and contextually relevant conversation starters based on user profiles and interests.

Example	Description
Hinge	Hinge uses AI to suggest personalized conversation starters based on users’ profile details and recent activity.

 

14. In-App Purchases and Subscription Models

“Over 300 million individuals worldwide use dating apps, with approximately 20 million purchasing premium features.”

Monetize your dating app by incorporating membership and in-app payments. To encourage customers to upgrade, provide premium benefits like ad-free experiences, unlimited texting, better search filters, and profile upgrades. 

These value-added choices provide users more freedom and control over their experience, which improves everything and creates new, reliable revenue sources for your app. 

You can maintain the platform's profitability and engagement while fostering a balanced atmosphere that encourages users to spend money on their experiences by wisely assigning these premium features.

What You Need to Consider:

Offer clear value in premium features, provide flexible subscription options, and ensure that in-app purchases are well-integrated and user-friendly.

Example	Description
Tinder	Tinder offers a subscription model with features like “Tinder Gold” and “Tinder Plus,” providing perks such as unlimited swipes and access to additional profile insights.

 

15. Data Privacy & Security

Research states that one in four (26%) people report having been targeted by a dating scam, with more than half (56%) falling victim to the scams. 

Data privacy and security features are significantly crucial to integrate into dating apps. Nowadays users' data is vulnerable to serious cyber-attacks and online blackmail. Get in touch with top dating app developers to build a robust dating app integrated with powerful data privacy & security features. 

So, integrating data privacy & security is a must, saving users' data from unauthorized access and misuse. Ensuring robust data privacy and security is crucial for maintaining user trust and complying with legal regulations.

Leveraging blockchain technology in dating apps helps to protect and secure user data from any potential cyber-attacks. Ensure to get in touch with experts to build a custom dating mobile app integrated with the best security dating app features to safeguard online dating users.  

What You Need to Consider:

Implement strong encryption, provide clear privacy policies, and regularly update security protocols to address emerging threats.

Example	Description
Match.com	Match.com prioritizes data security with strong encryption practices and comprehensive privacy policies to safeguard user information.

Apptunix, a leading dating app development company specializes in developing cutting-edge and advanced dating app features that set your platform apart from the competition. 

With a team of experienced developers, Apptunix delivers custom dating app development solutions tailored to your business goals. We assist & integrate the best dating app features such as AI-driven matchmaking, real-time messaging, and enhanced security protocols. Their expertise ensures a seamless user experience, helping you attract and retain more users. The estimated cost to build a dating app ranges from $30,000 to $120,000 or more. 

Beyond core functionality, Apptunix enhances your app with innovative features. It includes gamification, premium subscription models, and personalized user experiences, driving engagement and boosting monetization. 

From concept to launch, Apptunix provides end-to-end support, ensuring your dating app is not only feature-rich but also scalable and successful in the long run.