Finding love on digital platforms is quite easy since countless dating apps promise a perfect match. However, most of them focus on quantity over quality and leave individuals browsing through endless profiles with little success. Thus, some seek a more exclusive space where laymen and top entrepreneurs, celebrities, and professionals can connect privately. Therefore, this guide will provide you with a popular Raya dating app designed for serious and high-profile connections.
What is Raya?
Raya is a private membership-based dating application that was launched in 2015. However, it has later become an all-purpose platform for meeting people, and dating. Raya app is well-known among celebrities, which allows them to make an account and connect with people based on shared interests. With its strict admission procedure, users have to send requests to get approved by an anonymous panel of judges.
The app’s appeal lies in its exclusivity, with only 8% of applicants getting accepted, which makes it hard to get in. Moreover, the committee will evaluate their profile on various factors such as their social media presence and professional achievements. Members who do not act according to the community guidelines can have their accounts terminated. Besides, Raya gives members full control over their visibility by ensuring personal information is secure.
Which Celebrities Use Raya?
Raya is known as the go-to dating for the rich and famous, often dubbed “The Soho House of dating apps.” This celebrity dating app’s secrecy and exclusivity have attracted a start-studded user with celebrities like Channing Tatum and Cara Delevingne. Moreover, other famous artists such as Harry Styles, Sharon Stone, Alexander Wang, and Ruby Rose are rumored to be members.
Even singer Lily Alen, who originally met her husband David, an actor in Netflix’s hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, in 2019 on Raya. Moreover, on Monday, 23rd December, reports surfaced that Lily Alen has recently rejoined Raya, which highlights the application’s continued appeal. One anonymous artist was so desperate to become part of Raya that they offered $10,000 in cash for an account.
How Does Raya Work?
If you want to be part of the Raya application, you need to learn its detailed procedure. Let’s explore the application process and how you can make a profile and get accepted on this platform:
1. Exclusive Membership & Application Process
Unlike other dating apps, joining it requires an application that goes through a strict vetting process. Users must download the app from the app store (currently available only for iOS) and sign up using their Instagram login. Moreover, the platform assesses applications based on social media presence, professional background, and influence.
2. Profile Setup & Approval
Before gaining full access, users can set up their profile by adding photos and writing a bio. It allows applicants to refine their profile before approval and encourages them to create an engaging presence. Additionally, the review process can take days or even weeks, and users receive a notification once they are accepted.
3. Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals
Once approved, you can explore it in different ways, as besides dating, it can be used for networking and friendships. While learning “How to get on Raya?” you can browse other profiles and send messages to people you find interesting. The app’s algorithm suggests potential matches based on shared interests, careers, and social circles, which ensure high-quality connections.
4. Privacy & Security Features
While connecting with others, know that this app places a strong emphasis on privacy, such as screenshot-taking is strictly prohibited. Moreover, if you try to capture the screen, it results in a warning or even removal from the platform. The app also includes a secure messaging system and Instagram integration, which allow users to interact seamlessly without exposing personal information.
5. Subscription & Membership Fees
After your profile gets accepted, although it’s a free app you can also enjoy various perks by getting in-app purchases. Notably, its premium features involve one direct request for \$4.99 to the full membership plan for \$113.99. While the cost is minimal compared to its elite nature, the true value lies in the quality of connection it offers.
How Much Does Raya Cost?
Know that Raya has various in-app purchases specifically providing various features. However, it might confuse people who are unfamiliar with its exclusive membership model and pricing. Therefore, while understanding “What is a Raya dating app?” here is a detailed overview of its subscription plan:
Raya
- $24.99 for a month
- $113.99 per month for 6 months (\$18.99 monthly)
- $155.99 for an entire year (\$12.99 monthly)
Raya+
- $49.99 for a month
- $239.99 to cover six months (\$39.99 monthly)
- $349.99 for an entire year (\$29.16 monthly)
Top 5 Apps Like Raya
Although Raya is a popular dating app, it is exclusively available on iOS, which may limit access for other users. Therefore, we will provide the top 5 alternatives to this dating app to help you find a similar experience.
1. Tinder (iOS | Android)
Choose your perfect partner, set up a date, and start chatting with just a swipe through Tinder. You can express your personality by answering a prompt, sharing a little about yourself, and even adding your profile picture. Moreover, if you like a person, you can swipe right, but if you don’t, then swipe left to move to someone else that perfectly matches your style.
Besides, as an app for dating celebrities, Tinder is for everyone, whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual, or anything in between. Furthermore, it detects inappropriate language, prompts users to reconsider before sending disrespectful messages, and promotes a respectful environment. You can even report and block profiles that are displaying suspicious activity, such as you can ensure your ex doesn’t appear in your matches.
You may also like: How to Create a Dating App like Tinder
2. OkCupid Dating: Date Singles (iOS | Android)
By adding your profile picture with information like name, age, and city, you can find perfect matches on the OkCupid dating app. After inserting a person’s details, you can see the updates that they share via stories, just like on other social media apps like Instagram. Besides, it allows you to add your dating expectations and its smart algorithm finds you the best matches according to your needs.
Unlike Raya, which is a dating app for famous people, this platform is open to everyone, providing people from over 60 different gender identities. Moreover, you can connect with potential matches through an intuitive and engaging messaging experience. With its location-based feature, you can add zones and discover people in your area.
3. Boo — Dating. Friends. Chat. (iOS | Android)
Get in-depth flirting tips and personality analysis using this app’s cutting-edge personality psychology and improve your conversation. By using this app, you can add your description, like age, city, and even zodiac signs, to let others know your personality. Other than that, you can discover someone’s pet preferences and what they like and get to know them better.
Moreover, it provides you with date ideas and understands your partner’s love languages for a successful relationship. Just like the Raya dating app, you can text and even call your partner to understand them better. With the verification feature, it allows you to authenticate your profile and lets you connect with verified users to avoid catfish and bots.
4. TanTan – Asian Dating App (iOS | Android)
With the live chat feature, you can match with people and instantly reply from the one you like. Users can stand out with unique badges and highlighted usernames to get attention from more people. Moreover, you can swipe the profile if you want to connect with someone. However, if you accidentally swipe any profile, you can rewind it with its rewind feature from its premium feature.
Besides being a celebrity dating app, it allows anyone to explore and connect with singles worldwide without any location restrictions. Plus, its premium plan lets you get unlimited swipes and likes profiles, which can increase the chances of finding the perfect match.
5. Badoo Dating: Meet New People (iOS | Android)
Find genuine connections with Deception Detector, blocking fake, scam, and spam account features for a safer dating experience on the Badoo Dating app. It allows you to narrow down your search list with precise filters to find the perfect match. Moreover, with profile questions, you can showcase your personality effortlessly by answering fun and engaging queries.
Unlike the Raya app, which only provides messaging, you can use voice chat and video calls and connect face-to-face with your partner. Furthermore, with location detectors, this app will provide you with dates that are near you so you can meet in person as well. Using AI, its Private Detector feature can detect explicit photos and will let you decide if you want to view or block the image.
How to Build a Celebrity Dating App Like Raya
To make a successful dating platform just like the Raya application, it is essential to follow some factors. Here is a breakdown of the technical aspects that you can keep in mind while creating a dating app:
1. Research and Plan
Before you begin the process of making a dating platform, it is essential to study the current market trends and your customer’s expectations. Various studies have been conducted daily to give you an understanding of what users of an online dating app need. Moreover, once you know the true characteristics, motivations, behaviors, patterns, and objectives, nothing can stop you from achieving your goal.
2. Tech Stack Selection
Once the research is done, you can start the development of your Raya App substitute by choosing the right tech stack, which ensures smooth performance and scalability. You can use React Native for cross-platform apps, while Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android will offer a native experience. Besides, you can consider Node.js and Django to handle backend operations with PostgreSQL or MongoDB for data storage.
3. AI-Powered Matchmaking & Secure Authentication
AI-driven matchmaking enhances users’ experience by analyzing preferences and interactions between them. You can also use machine learning models to refine matches among users using TensorFlow or Scikit-Learn. Besides, multi-factor authentication with OAuth 2.0 (Google, Apple ID, LinkedIn) ensures secure logins, which prevents fake provides, and encryption keeps conversations private.
4. Real-Time Messaging, Privacy Controls & Monetization
With WebSockets (Socket.io) and Firebase, users can send messages instantly and receive real-time notifications. Besides getting video call and voice call features, you can use WebRTC or ZEGOCLOUD APIs for better interaction. AI tools help detect and block inappropriate content, keeping the platform a safe and secure place for users. Plus, the app can make money through premium subscriptions, which can be securely handled by Stripe and PayPal.
5. Testing and Maintenance
After you have created the app, it is necessary to evaluate it against different case scenarios and possibilities. While development is challenging, testing requires close attention to catch any issues that you can resolve by seeking expert help. Additionally, after launch, regular updates and security patches are essential to run the app efficiently. Staying in touch with users can also help you understand their needs and improve the app over time.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Celebrity App Like Raya
If you want to create your own dating app for famous people, just like Raya, there is an overall cost you should consider. The table below provides an estimated breakdown of expenses, helping you plan your budget effectively:
| Feature/Component | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| App Design (UI/UX) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| User Authentication & Verification | $7,000 – $20,000 |
| AI-Powered Matchmaking | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Privacy & Security Features | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Messaging & Video Chat | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Geolocation & Nearby Match | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Subscription & In-App Purchases | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Social Media Integration | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| App Deployment (iOS & Android) | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Marketing & Maintenance | $5,000 – $20,000 (ongoing) |
How ZEGOCLOUD Can Help Building a Celebrity Dating App Like Raya
As a developer, if you want to create a dating platform like the Raya application, ZEGOCLOUD is the perfect solution. It allows you to embed in-app chat, video, and voice call APIs in your dating app for smooth interaction. Additionally, with its in-app chat SDK, you can offer a one-on-one conversation feature to enhance engagement and interaction. Plus, with the offline message feature, users access messages without the internet.
Besides chatting, its video call API offers call monitoring, screen sharing, and a virtual background facility for engaging conversion. Since some users don’t prefer sharing numbers, having a call innovation feature will enable them to invite others to calls. Plus, users can utilize face beautification features to insert appealing effects during calls. Offering 300ms ultra-low latency and 4K HD quality, ZEGOCLOUD ensures that users enjoy lag-free communication with like-minded people.
In addition to video calling, integrating its voice call API will allow you to offer intelligent voice processing features. It will automatically detect active speakers and adjust the volume for smooth interaction. Moreover, this SDK will offer an AI noise reduction feature where you can play fun and engaging audio during calls. With ZEGOCLOUD, you can provide your application on 15,000+ end-user device models for global access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dating apps have become very famous nowadays, such as the Raya dating app, which is popular among people, especially celebrities. This guide has covered the overview of 5 platforms to help you understand key aspects of building a successful dating app. Besides, as a developer using ZEGOCLOUD, you should create a successful platform using its in-app chat, video, and voice call APIs that provide seamless interaction between couples.
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FAQ
Q1. Can a normal person get on Raya?
Yes, a normal person can get on Raya, but it’s an exclusive platform, so not everyone gets in. The app is known for its selective membership process, but if you meet their criteria, it’s possible for regular people to join.
Q2. Is Raya for celebrities only?
No, Raya is not exclusively for celebrities, but it does attract high-profile individuals like actors, musicians, and influencers. However, the app also includes entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals from various industries.
Q3. How do people get on Raya?
To join Raya, you must apply through their app or website. Your application includes submitting a profile, which is then reviewed by a team. The approval process is selective, and you may need to be invited by someone already on the platform to increase your chances of being accepted.
Q4. What qualifies you for Raya?
Raya looks for individuals who are creative, influential, or successful in their respective fields. While there’s no official list of qualifications, being in a creative or high-status profession and having a strong network can improve your chances. They also consider your social media presence and how you stand out in your field.
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