Recently, one of AppMagic’s key tools for sending alerts about important changes in key markets, AppTracker, reported the rapid growth of a newcomer to the dating app market: Raya. The app has reached $100 million in user spending. Given that significant changes in this niche are relatively rare, we decided to do some research to find out why this app has grown so much and what makes it so special.
To calculate user costs, we recalculated the revenue figure displayed on the app page by adding store fees and taxes that stores in some countries must pay before transferring money to the publisher.
The dating app market has been relatively stable over the past few years. In 2023, Tinder held the largest market share at 27%, followed by Bumble with 14%, and Hinge with 8%. Last year, Raya’s market share was only 0.9%, ranking it 32nd among the best dating apps by revenue over its entire existence.
However, in 2023, there was a notable redistribution of market shares. More apps with unique features, such as Hinge with customizable personal descriptions, Grindr focusing on its community, and Bumble expanding its audience with BFF mode for finding friends and Bizz mode for creating career networks, are becoming more prominent among today’s audiences.
Raya’s Unique Appeal
Raya’s offering is perfectly in tune with modern trends, focusing on exclusive, high-value members and emphasizing privacy and quality interactions—exactly what the modern user is looking for.
Exclusivity is a key feature of Raya. To create a profile, users need a recommendation from an existing authoritative Raya member, must connect their Instagram profile for review by an anonymous commission, fill out a questionnaire about their occupation and hobbies, and wait for approval from the “council.” Raya does not have a freemium option, with subscription costs ranging from $9/month for annual payment to $19.99/month for monthly payment.
Another major draw is the celebrity database. Users have the chance to meet celebrities, with past users including Channing Tatum, John Mayer, and Niall Horan. Additionally, Raya claims to offer networking opportunities for people in creative professions, such as artists, actors, and musicians. However, unlike Bumble, Raya does not provide a distinct mode for switching from dating to professional networking, notes NIX Solutions.
Privacy is another significant aspect of Raya. The app enforces strict privacy rules, including a ban on profile and chat screenshots, ensuring users can share personal information securely.
Overall, Raya is aligning with the trend of unique features and additions that make it stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a newcomer to dating apps or a seasoned user, Raya offers a distinct experience worth exploring. We’ll keep you updated on further developments in the dating app market and Raya’s progress.