Dating apps have come a long way from swiping left and right. Today’s generation wants more from a dating app. They don’t merely want to connect with yet another stranger. With the social media boom, it’s far easier to connect with any stranger one wants. What the new generation wants from a dating app is to find the one with whom they can feel a connection. And, there lies the challenge before the dating app development company!
Dating Apps in 2024-25
The market is filled with dating apps offering nearly every possible option. Some apps make it easy to find partners with varied dating goals—short-term, long-term, or go-with-the-flow. Then some match people based on their choices and preferences. Some apps are more women-centric, while others are specially made for different gender communities.
So, if you are also planning on stepping into the world of dating apps, understand the latest trends first. Before you start discussing your app with any dating app development agency, form a clear idea about what you wish to offer. The question to ask yourself will be – why should users choose you?
If you wish to create a different dating experience with some advanced features, connect with Shiv Technolabs. The experts will help you find the right features to integrate keeping in line with your vision.
Dating App Development Trends To Know Before Taking The Plunge
Let’s first discuss the trends that are currently driving the dating app development market. These will also give you some idea about what to do and what not to do.
1. AI Integration
That’s the top trend in almost any business and software industry. No matter what we choose, we are being “driven by AI”. Well, with the dating apps industry, that’s not just a gimmick. The dating apps are getting smarter. They are making it easier for people to find the perfect match. And, they are even making the introverts shine here!
Starting with the use of AI to match people based on preferences and choices, to helping them with ice-breakers, AI is revolutionizing online dating! The AI bots are even suggesting topics to discuss to keep the conversation flowing! Now, these are some things that you ought to integrate! Even the readymade dating app development services providers include these in their packages.
2. Video Integrations
Dating is no longer just about texting. Video messaging, video stories, and real-time chats with video have gained huge popularity in the dating scenario. Almost every dating app now comes with video integration facilities. That’s another feature you will need to discuss about keeping when hiring any dating app development company.
Videos are also seen as a means to prevent catfishing. However, you will need to prevent the use of deepfakes and other AI-supported modifications. That’s a task you will need to leave to the developers.
3. Verified Users
With security becoming a major issue and catfishing becoming a problem, the dating apps industry soon launched its verification model. The verified user status has been used for quite some time now. It allows other users to know that the person is exactly who he/she is telling to be.
The verification process is done by uploading a government-issued ID and through a recording of the different face profiles of the user. Having this integrated will be critical. Since this is an advanced feature, readymade dating app development services can come in handy.
4. Social Media Integration
It’s a lot easier for people to communicate when social media is also integrated. This has become quite the norm in the dating app industry now. There are options to authenticate and link various social media profiles of the user within the app.
Having social media links of a person is another level of confirmation about the authenticity. It also helps in taking the connection to the next level.
5. Privacy and Security
Privacy and security features are essential in an app that’s meant for dating. It is critical to conform to international privacy and security laws. This will include conforming to GDPR if you want your app to be available on the global platform.
Moreover, the security feature needs to include an option to register complaints and have a proper complaints redressal mechanism in place. There should also be an option to report inappropriate behavior by any user.
6. Subscription Models
The dating apps have long come up with subscription-based additional features. Premium features like being able to connect with members of different regions are an added advantage. Also, having the profile highlighted gives the users an added advantage of getting a match.
These features are often included as paid subscription-based features. These, and more benefits can be availed by being a premium member.
7. Diversity and Inclusion
Dating apps need to be inclusive. It should also allow diversity of the users to be expressed properly. This is essential with the world of dating becoming more acceptable towards people with different preferences. Dating apps are now aware of the various gender differences beyond the generic ones. It includes the non-binary gender profiles as well.
When you are having your app developed by any dating app development agency, clearly communicate that you intend to keep the app available for all types of users. This will ensure greater reach and acceptance.
8. Use of Classic Love Symbols
We have long associated rose and heart with love. There are similarly many other symbols that we associate love with. The dating apps are keeping it simple and conforming to the classic symbols to ensure familiarity. You will find that every dating app has some of these symbols. So, having a heart to depict that you love someone, or allowing users to send digital roses, can be great ideas.
9. Mental Health and Companionship
The current generation is becoming increasingly detached from the real world. There is much less social interaction. This is already resulting in many mental health issues. When they come on a dating platform, they are increasingly looking for companionship.
There is also a need to focus on their mental health. It is something that many dating apps are already trying to achieve.
You can easily have your app around the idea of providing companionship. Special features that will allow the users to communicate freely about their mental health will be a great option to include. This can further be achieved through mental health profile integration within the app.
10. Community Feature
Not everyone comes on a dating app to find just a soulmate or partner. Some like to communicate with other people through this platform. Many dating platforms have recognized this need. It has resulted in the formation of communities. These communities act as virtual meeting places of like-minded individuals. It helps them communicate with each other and improve interaction.
This feature is something to consider integrating besides the regular date-matching feature. It allows the users to stay more connected with the app as well.
11. Simplified UI/UX
No one wants to keep searching for the features of a dating app. Users are not there to spend time exploring the app. They want to match with a person of their choice and start dating. So, a simple UI and UX is critical. This is followed by every major app in this industry.
When you are discussing your development goals, make sure to mention this. You need to have a simplified UI that will be easy for users to understand. The icons should not be too complicated either. They should depict the purpose.
12. Simulation and Gamification
Users are getting into advanced features being offered by dating apps. These often go beyond conventional dating. The gamification model allows users to enjoy a gamified experience. It can be in the form of a virtual date night or rush matching. These special features increase the platform’s interaction and even bring in more users.
Yet another trend is the use of AI for simulation. Some apps are even offering virtual modeling via AI. You can explore these advanced features for your app as well.
To have an advanced dating app developed, you will require a highly competent dating app development agency. Connect with Shiv Technolabs to have your dating app developed by competent developers who will deliver an advanced app as per the current trends.
Dating Apps Can Still Evolve
There is much to integrate within the dating apps. While they have been there for quite a long time now, there are still areas to explore. Thanks to the advanced VR features being available nowadays, it is not long before the dating apps industry taps into these capabilities. VR can revolutionize the dating experience altogether if used correctly. There are numerous areas to explore.
To be ahead in the industry, you need to differentiate yourself. It is no different in the dating app development industry as well. You need to think about what more you will be able to offer. Once you have the vision, then only you will be able to get it to materialize.
If you are looking for competent developers to develop your dating app, connect with Shiv Technolabs. We can help you create a clear path towards achieving your vision and goals.
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