• 18 Dec 2020
• 0

What functionalities must be included in a dating app? App development guide

Dating apps can be a profitable business idea if they have all the right features in them. What are the points one should consider while getting this app? Find out in this blog.

In 2020, dating apps have taken the world by storm. According to statistics, these apps have seen the maximum user retention rate and generated maximum revenues for companies. Also, these apps have acquired several users, which is the reason they have generated several revenue streams. So, it is evident that getting a dating app can be beneficial for businesses if the right features are used. 

So, what features should be added in a dating app? Let’s have a look at the ones available for users.

1. Creation of user profile

Without this feature, this app would not have existed in the first place. Here, users will be asked to create a profile for themselves by providing their details, likes and dislikes, image, etc. Also, they have to declare their dating preferences in the same section. Using the data provided by the users, these people will be matched with their respective parameters.

An engaging profile is likely to get more hits or likes, and the app can provide suggestions on how to create one. However, a balance should be maintained while asking for personal information. Too much, and these people would turn away, being afraid of a privacy breach. Too little, and the app would not be deemed as an excellent quality mobile application. So, some of this information can be declared as optional for the user’s sake. The process of verification should be available too, as verified accounts generally mean fewer problems.       

2. Geolocation

This feature allows users to choose a location and its radius (how large or small it would be). Some people want to be paired up with people residing near their locality; others may want to expand the search. Users must be given the option of manual search too. Research shows that this feature can be a game-changer and make an app successful.    

3. Match

Now, let’s talk about the interesting feature of the app, matching. Several approaches can be applied to pairing people. This can be based on their location preferences, or by using AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms. People with the same likes or dislikes can be matched, or some other criteria can be applied. The application must be flexible and convenient to use, and it should be secure against online hacks.    

4. Chat

This is another option that is essential in a dating app, as people would be unable to figure out the right person for themselves. Suppose, a person has liked a profile and may want to know the person in a better way. Chatting will help people open up to each other, and truly decide if the person is the right choice or not.     

5.Notifications

Notifications are also an important part of this app, and people love personalized notifications. Experts believe adding the feature of customized notification, allowing people to decide the nature of these messages. When they receive real-time alerts, people would know if anyone has liked their profile or not. The same concept goes for matching alerts as well.       

6. Social media

It is seen that people love to engage with a dating app via their social media profiles. So, adding social media platforms can be beneficial and instrumental in securing the app’s success. But, there is one point that developers of a mobile app development company in Kolkata should keep in mind. What is it? They should ensure the security of these profiles must be maintained at all times.     

7. Settings 

This section will allow users to change the app’s settings to ensure they have a personalized experience. For example, people can decide if they want to make the profile visible to everyone, or not. Also, they can filter out profiles, according to details such as age, gender, hobbies, and location, etc. They can also choose if they want to date people from a specific niche, or a community (LGBTQ).    

These are some of the features that must be available within a dating app. However, these can be altered according to the niche of the app. What do we mean by that? In the market, there are tons of dating apps, each with different functionalities. Now, we will have a look at these applications.

1. Apps that match people based on their geolocation     

Matches people with partners located in close vicinity of a user. 

For example, Tinder, Bumble, and similar ones. 

2. Apps that work on an algorithm (AI or otherwise) 

These apps can offer both online and offline matching services. The algorithm will go through the data filled by users during the account registration procedure.

For example- eHarmony, etc.  

3. Traditional

These apps normally have the same features and work the same way as their respective websites.

For example- OK Cupid, etc.  

There is a fourth type of dating app (niche-based) that is designed to target specific groups of people. Here, people can pinpoint the search category, thus narrowing the field to a significant level.

For example- The League, The Grade, etc. 

These are some examples to draw inspiration from, and people don’t have to be limited to these option onlys. They can apply their creativity and ask for specific features to be incorporated.

How will the developers of an app and website development company handle this requirement? The first step will involve planning and lots of market research. A company should figure out its ideal audience and then create an app according to their necessities (this information can be collected using various ways).

The next stage would comprise designing the app’s UI (user interface) and UX (user experience). People should not have any issues while navigating through the app’s interface, and focus must be given on this feature. Then developers will focus on the backend and frontend development and ensure that the app meets the client’s expectations. After these stages, the app will be sent for testing, where it will go through performance analysis, minor bug fixes, etc. Then the app will be launched on the relevant app stores (Apple and Android). If the app starts dysfunctioning, these experts will provide after-sales support.