Time has changed. The Shakespeare way of romancing has long gone. Now, a casual hookup depends on the right swipe on a mobile app. That’s how technology has changed us and our lives.
We also used Facebook and Instagram to connect and hookup. However, that’s old now. Tinder, a dating app launched in 2012, shifted us towards the left/right swipe style and currently witnesses around 1.6 million swipes per day. That sounds like a huge customer base! Truth be told, you must go for a dating app like Tinder. Because, it aims to bring lots of engagement and high returns. In short, a win-win situation.
Want to strike a deal with the cupid for your Tinder clone app? Let’s go!
Tinder: A Cupid Stunt?
Should I look for a partner on Tinder, or should I not? At first, we are often confused, but we can’t stop ourselves from the cupid arrows once we jump in. That ease of finding a date and moving on with a simple unmatch button. Sometimes, a lifelong social friend, and other times, a little more.
All this is a technology mishap or a cupid stunt? Here’s what the stats reveal about casual dating making a way into our lives digitally.
The next question is, “What would I gain from building an app like Tinder?”
Brand value, high monetization opportunities, customer retention rate, user database, increased revenue, and more.
There’s no limit to the reasons that state why you should build a dating app like Tinder. But how? What unique can you offer to your users?
Matching/Non-Matching Game
While all the other dating apps are confused about the love potion to make customers fall in love with their apps, Tinder has already waved a magic wand and made people match through their app by understanding customer expectations.
Customers’ Expectations = USPs
Dating apps or a food serving delivery app, customers’ are hell-bent on their level of expectations. And if you fail even at a single stage, they’ll take no time to hit the unmatch button and abandon your app. Let’s see what expectations your customers have from your Tinder clone app.
- Intuitive Design and UI
A simple yet elegant interface with most animated features like swipe to accept and reject the match—reactions like super like to express your feelings and, most important, smooth and easy to access.
- Proximity
Customers are fed up with long-distance relationships like the one in Seattle and another somewhere in India. They want an app that would show them about the casual dating prospects in their vicinity or nearby. For this, a location-based Tinder clone app would be a perfect solution.
- Privacy and Support
It is one of the most critical expectations of users from dating apps. Users want their data to be secure and safe. You can make it your Tinder clone script’s USP. Ensure that you won’t access their data. Like WhatsApp, you can choose not to store the server’s data; instead, opt to keep it on the users’ local device. Making the data private and secure would earn you brownie points.
- Personal Preferences
Creating a profile on a dating app looks like making biodata. That is the opposite of what customers want. They want an app that allows them to create profiles based on their preferences – detailed information or minimalist information. Also, they want the app to show matches based on their personal preferences. For example, an LGBTQ community or location/age-specific. To add it, you can provide a community-specific dating app. As Grindr and Her, dating apps for LGBTQ, our Asian D8 dating app, specifically for British Asians, etc.
Recommendation: Make one or more of these customer expectations your USP. It would be a significant profit point.
Different apps have different uniqueness that sets them apart.
After deciding on your USP, hop in to learn about the technicalities of the Tinder clone app.
Jump in the Chat Box
They say, “The more you interact with people, the more you get to know them.” The rule applies to business too. Knowing about your business helps you with better plans.
Back to Tinder!
Tinder, which means fuzz or candlewick, is a geo-location-based dating app that helps people find their partner in their nearby area. Around 4.1 of 57 million Tinder users have premium or gold subscription.
What makes it exciting and demanding? It’s algorithm, architecture, design, and features. Let’s explore the behind-the-scenes of the Tinder app.
Tinder App Workflow
How is the scoring done? How do they systematically order the recommended matches? Previously, this entire buzz centered on the Elo score. Yet, that’s the old news now. It was a part of Tinder’s algorithm that calculates our Tinder score based on our profile ratings. Now, Tinder’s algorithm shows us the potential matches based on our recent activity, our preferences, and our location. Also, the number of times our profile is Liked or Noped. So that both the parties can meet at an intersection.
Tinder Design that Hooks Us up
Let’s see the simple architecture of Tinder that gets us onboard, creates swipe habits, drives us in a never-ending dating loop, and keeps us hooked with the app.
Step 1: Sign Up
Source: Miro
Tinder starts by giving us choices to login and simultaneously, limiting the options we hold. For example, it makes it simple to sign up with Facebook or a mobile number. For users, who have an account, it also allows email login. Though, that’s hidden behind the “trouble logging in” option.
Smart!
It makes it convenient to sign up by automatically fetching our phone number and offering it to use it.
Nothing smart-ish, but if it reduces the efforts, who wouldn’t like to give it a shot.
Step 2: Registration Flow
Source: Miro
Next are the registration steps. Instead of popping out a profile detail form, Tinder offers us one task at a stage with autofocus on the input field.
The ‘My’ factor gives a feeling of control, and the progress bar motivates us to keep going.
And within a few seconds, we are done with our registration process – adding details, photos, enabling location without a sigh feeling.
Step 3: Swipe Left or Right
And we come across the main screen of Tinder. Here we see one match and soon are curious to know about next and then next and then next and it goes on. Sometimes it’s a yes, seldom a clear no, or a super like.
That’s how we stay hooked to Tinder.
This swipe game is an addiction, a secret weapon that makes it interesting.
Step 4: Meet the Potential Partner
‘You’ve got a new message,’ a notification chimes, and the heartbeats rise. Once both the parties like one another, they can start the Hi/Hello talks. If suitable, know them better, go on a date, if not – unmatch and move onto the next.
Source: ipinimg
Step 5: Keep Going
Repeat the process, swipe and swipe, hit some likes, get a match, jump in the chatbox, and make a decision. And repeat again!
If this is how it goes, no one dares say a NO to such an outstanding online dating app.
Tip: Ensure that your Tinder clone script follows a similar simple yet sophisticated architecture. Work on the UI/UX of the app, design factors, and other front-end elements.
And then head towards the features of the Tinder clone script.
Likes and Dislikes
The craze behind the Tinder clone app is not only due to its architecture and front-end design. There are a lot of features that make it unique. Let’s see the checklist.
Tinder App Features
Here’s the list of features you should include in your Tinder clone script:
- Authorization and User Login
- Profile
- Geo Location
- Push Notifications
- Profile Matching
- Private Chat
- Video Call
- Discovery Settings
- Social Media Integration
- Calendar
- Payment Methods
- Security
- Customer Support
- Feedback and App Ratings
Note that these are the standard features and can be seen in every dating app.
How can you make it better?
Besides having features of the Tinder app, focus on what additional can you provide. The simple idea would be to have a look at all the successful alternatives to the Tinder app. That would include: Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, Coffee Meets Bagel, MeetMe, Plenty of Fish, and the never-ending list.
Relax! We’ve sorted it for you.
Here are the must-include features in your Tinder clone script.
- Appealing Interface: “The first impression is the last impression.” Ensure that your user interface has an attractive design with simple navigation, just like Hinge offers.
- Prompts: Hinge prompts, as they’re generally known. It’s one of the unique ways to introduce yourself. A simple question and answers series can be full of fun, seriousness, sentimental, humor, and every emotion you can think of.
- Mode Options: Though your app caters around dating, options such as dating, friendship, social meet-ups will give control to the users, allowing them to make a choice. It’s always an excellent option to have options.
Source: Ecomsay
- Advanced Chat Options: Provide a more refined and simplified chat process just like WhatsApp. Easy sharing of GIFs, messages, images, videos.
- Spam Detector: Detect spammers so that users can be free of frauds, free-loaders, and time killers. A spam detector will notify users when a similar message is sent to multiple users at one time.
- Verification: For spam detection, ID verification will play a significant role. Though it would seem a bit-stressful, confirmation of the account will help in advanced security and safety. It will provide your customers with credibility.
- Advanced AI algorithms: Integrate artificial intelligence that will automatically match two potential users by learning their preferences, behaviors, and other similar factors.
Always remember, everything is designed; only a few things are designed well!
Pro-tip: The best way to learn about the trending features for your Tinder clone script, use the apps, yours, and your competitors.
A Perfect Match!
Did you find a perfect monetization model for your Tinder clone app?
Generally, most dating apps use one of the four main types of business models. They are:
- Paid subscription
- Freemium
- In-app ads
- Third-party services
1. Paid Subscription
This model is popular among businesses that provide luxurious services or features such as serious dates, marriage prospects, long-term relationships, or extra privacy and exclusive partnerships.
Some apps provide a weekly subscription. You can offer to provide monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription. Also, remember that long term subscriptions are cheaper.
Chemistry, Luxy, Netflix are examples of subscription-based models.
2. Freemium
The model that most of the popular dating apps use, including Tinder. It allows users to use the key features of the app for free. However, to use extra features such as unlimited swipes, profile boosting, direct texting, viewing the likes and prospective match, rewinding the profile, etc., the user needs to pay.
You can also offer the app’s key features for free, whereas premium features on a premium membership. The Freemium model also gets revenue from ad-based collaboration.
OkCupid, Hinge, Coffee meets Bagel relies on the Freemium model.
3. In-App Ads
A vast customer base is a delightful opportunity for brands to target an audience and turn them into their members. Based on what a specific user likes to eat and where, shops, travel, and more, multiple ads by different brands such as Netflix, Dominos, Starbucks, Amnesty International can be shown to the users while accessing the Tinder clone script.
You can partner with brands or other eCommerce stores to advertise their business on your app and, in return, earn some profits.
4. In-App Purchases and Third Party Services
In-app purchases allow users to enjoy free services while purchasing a few of the premium features. Youtube, for example, offers a wide range of free videos and movies. However, sometimes, you have to pay to watch an XYZ movie. That’s kind of in-app purchases.
In your Tinder clone script, you can offer users free services and allow them to buy a few of the premium features like viewing the complete list of top picks, additional filters, and more.
Recommendation: Instead of choosing one of these four models, go for a hybrid approach. Build a tinder-like app that has freemium and subscriptions. For free users, in-app ads. For example, offer a limited number of free swipes and subscription plans to make all the premium features like chats, video calls, unlimited swipe, etc. You can also offer in-app purchases like – Unlimited swipes only, etc. For users availing of free services, you can collaborate with the brands and show ads while swiping.
What to do next?
You’re hooked with your Tinder clone app idea. Now what?
Look for Technology Stack
You will require a lot of technological tools to develop a dating app like Tinder. Usually, it would differ for iOS and Android development. However, here are the standard tech requirements and product guides to build an app like Tinder.
- Programming Languages: JavaScript, PHP
- Frameworks: React Native, ASP.Net, Laravel, Flutter, Ionic
- Database: MS SQL
- Cloud Services: Amazon, or others
- Payment Gateways: PayPal, MasterCard, Stripe, eWallets, and more
- Third-Party API: GPS, voice-over call, video call, search engine, data sync, and the list goes on
It is just a rough idea of the tools of your Tinder clone app.
Ask about the Dating App Development Cost
How much does the app development cost? This is the most crucial question. And the one that can’t be precisely answered in a one-go. There are a lot of factors that together sum up the cost of the Tinder clone app development. The list includes:
- Tinder clone script functionalities
- Technology stack and other integrations
- Rate of the developers
- Location of the app development company
- The time required to make a Tinder-like app
- Minor changes in the tinder clone script development
And only after the consideration of these factors, you’ll know how to spend. However, a technological expert will be the right person to guide you through the development cost and the Tinder clone app development.
Partner with a Development Company
Choose the right mobile app development company with expertise in technologies you’ll need to make a dating app like Tinder. Also, if the development cost meets your budget.
Suggestion: Before you partner with a development company, check their portfolio, reviews, client testimonials, technological expertise. Talk to the development team, know about their development process, discuss your business plan, and see if they can help you and how.
Get your Tinder clone app developed!
Get Ready for a Date!
I mean, market your online dating app. There are different ways to attract customers. Here’re some standard methods that you can implement:
- Media Outreach: Tell the world about your Tinder clone dating app. Reach out through social media, create hype in the market.
- Paid Promotions: Go for paid channels and target the audience through PPC, Facebook ads, Google ads, and more.
- App Optimization: As App Store and Play store have different algorithms, keep up with the ASO and other SEO elements by understanding the right keywords, quality videos and images, and proper descriptions.
- SEO Optimization: Google also helps with app ranking so optimize it for better outreach.
- Influencer Marketing: Partner with different influencers, bloggers for the brand shootout. They have a vast customer base, and you may end up getting a quality of members.
Follow these simple ideas, and you would be entirely ready for your showtime!
It’s Showtime…
Finding a business match, learning about its implementation, and getting it done is easy. The middle processes may seem overwhelming, but developing a Tinder-like app is not rocket science. With proper researching, market analysis, and intricate coding, you can be the new hit.
For all of these, you need the right guidance!
We, the Biztech team, can help you from planning to execution and beyond in developing your Tinder-like app. Simply reach us at sales@biztechcs.com.
