15 Best dating app features will take your app to the next level

Are you having difficulty in building a universally appealing dating app? Don’t worry; this blog offers the most advanced dating app features.  

In the ever-expanding world of online dating, the competition is more competitive than ever before. It’s incredible to think that there are currently over 366 million users on dating apps. The potential for success for your app is huge if you incorporate the right dating app features.

If you want to establish yourself as a market leader, conducting thorough research on the most appealing dating app features is crucial to detaining your users. Here, we’ve done the hard work for you by compiling a list of the most sought-after features that your users will anticipate in your dating app.

I. A look at dating app features of some main players

There is no shortage of dating apps out there, but a select few reign supreme in the current landscape. Tinder is widely recognized globally, boasting an impressive user base of 75 million people per month and being accessible in a staggering 190 countries. However, Tinder is not the only major player.

Badoo, Bumble, and Match have all made significant strides in the dating market, with Badoo closely trailing Tinder for quite some time. Each of these apps caters to a similar audience, but they each have their own unique approach to matchmaking.

People have varying priorities when it comes to finding partners, and that’s why dating apps such as Plenty of Fish, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Tastebuds cater to their individual needs in distinct ways. With so many options available, it’s challenging to determine which dating app reigns supreme. There’s a wide range of services available to cater to various needs, from finding compatible long-term partners based on music taste to seeking short-term, mutually beneficial connections.

Also read: An overview of dating app development for love finders

II. How to make your dating app stand out from the rivals

The dating app market has seen significant growth and is projected to continue its upward trajectory, with a value of $5.61 billion in 2021. If you want your dating app to stand out in a crowded market, it’s important to consider a few key strategies.

Establishing a reputation in a crowded industry starts by addressing the unique needs of a particular audience in a manner that sets you apart from the competition. Simply put, competing successfully boils down to three straightforward steps: pinpointing your target audience, understanding their requirements, and creating a product tailored specifically to meet those needs.

1. Pinpoint your target audience

When it comes to product differentiation, the first step is to clearly define your target audience. With dating scene, preferences can vary widely. If you want to truly differentiate yourself from your competitors, it’s essential to go beyond being a mere platform that connects two people. Without putting thought and intention into each match, you won’t be able to make a lasting impact.

Before diving deeper, it’s important to have a solid understanding of your target audience:

• What demographic criteria do they fulfill?
• Do they prefer to collaborate with partners in their local vicinity?
• What kind of relationships are they interested in? Are they looking for something casual or more long-term?
• What are the key factors they consider when matchmaking? Are education level, shared interests, and professional backgrounds among the core values they prioritize?
• Do they prefer a committed, exclusive relationship or are they open to exploring alternative relationship dynamics?

Asking these types of questions can help you get a better understanding of your ideal user and the needs that you need to address.

2. Understand their requirements

Once you’ve thoroughly explored the traits of your target audience, it’s important to identify their specific needs and determine how you can address them. It’s important to consider that with the abundance of dating apps out there, it’s likely that your audience is already using one or more. As part of your role, you will be responsible for conducting competitive analysis and pinpointing any unmet needs in existing platforms. This will enable you to develop a solution that closely aligns with their requirements.

During this stage, it is essential to conduct surveys, focus groups, analysis, and extensive research. If you can meet your users’ needs in a distinctive and significant manner, you’re well on your way to becoming a leading app in your industry.

3. Design the app with tailored modifications

Now that you have a solid understanding of your target audience, it’s time to create a mobile app that meets their needs and stands out in the market. Utilize your market research and potential customer profile to create a product that is not only practical but also visually appealing.

When trying to make your mark in the dating app world, don’t forget to incorporate the essential elements: social features that allow users to connect and interact online.

When it comes to dating apps, users need to have a way to find potential matches who they truly connect with. Users anticipate a comprehensive approach to assessing and connecting with potential matches. This includes features such as chat, voice notes, video dates, and even games. Without these elements, your platform may be perceived as just another run-of-the-mill social media site.

III. Top 15 best dating app features to keep users swiping

1. Profile Verification

In today’s interconnected world, building meaningful relationships has become more challenging than ever before. The importance of trust cannot be overstated in a society where face-to-face interactions are increasingly rare. Profile Verification acts as a powerful tech superhero, enhancing trust levels. Therefore, it is one of the best dating app features.

How does it work? Well, to get started, users typically go through a few steps. This may involve uploading a picture of themselves or connecting to their social media accounts. In this way, the app can verify their authenticity. When a profile is verified, it receives a stylish badge or mark. Imagine it as a hidden language that signals authenticity.

Behind the scenes, this dating app feature uses advanced techniques such as machine learning and data analysis. It’s kind of like the app’s own undercover investigator. It will help check out pictures and documents to ensure everything lines up. This high-security layer prevents you from chatting to robots or phony accounts. So, when you see that badge on a profile, rest assured that you’re in good hands and can freely chat without any concerns.

2. Smart Push Notification

Smart push notifications play a crucial role in maintaining user engagement and activity on dating apps. Therefore, it is one of the best dating app features. With these customized alerts, users can stay in the loop and never miss out on potential matches or messages. It’s all about ensuring they never miss an opportunity to connect.

Through careful analysis of user behavior and preferences, these notifications can be customized for everyone, creating a more personalized and less intrusive interaction experience. Having a high level of customization enhances the user experience, which in turn encourages people to use the app more often.

In addition, users can receive smart notifications that keep them informed about special events or promotions. Introducing this dating app feature is a calculated step to enhance user engagement and encourage long-term usage.

3. Explore Events and Meet-Ups

Adding this dating app feature allows users to discover nearby events that align with their interests. Attending these events allows people with shared interests to come together and deepen their connection. You can create different categories for various interests such as events for cat lovers, Harry Potter fans, food enthusiasts, and more. Therefore, it is one of the best dating app features.

4. Advanced Search

Picture yourself with an incredibly powerful search tool that helps you find exactly what you’re looking for. This is precisely what the “Advanced Search” feature in dating apps is designed for. It feels as if you possess a magical tool that allows you to discover profiles that align with your interests.

One of the great things about this dating app feature is that it allows you to refine your search. If you have a strong interest in running or hiking, these amazing filters can help you connect with like-minded individuals. In addition, you have the option to search for attributes that hold significance for you, such as an individual’s height, age, or location. With this approach, you won’t have to swipe through countless profiles that don’t quite meet your preferences.

5. Avatars

In the world of VR and the Metaverse, digital avatars have the potential to revolutionize the dating app scene. Just like the avatars in Snapchat and WhatsApp, you can offer your users the choice to create their own personalized avatars or digital twins that reflect their personalities.

In the immersive environment known as Metaverse, avatars have the incredible ability to take on various forms, from humans to cartoons to historical figures. This dating app feature opens a world full of endless possibilities and fun. Therefore, it is one of the best dating app features.

By offering various immersive scenarios to explore, you can create the perfect date game that makes users feel at ease, captivated, and thoroughly enjoy the experience. It’s important to consider that the avatars should reflect your brand’s identity and indicate their association with your dating app.

6. Social Media Integration

With the Social Media Integrations features, users can sign up through their Facebook, Instagram, and other social media accounts. In addition, it is included on the user’s profiles.

With this dating app feature, users can effortlessly connect with their matches from your dating app on social media platforms.

7. First Date Suggestion

Adding first-date suggestions to dating platforms can greatly improve the user experience. This dating app feature is supported by a strong mobile app architecture and offers personalized recommendations for venues and activities based on user preferences and past interactions.

It simplifies the planning process, making it a breeze for users to go from online chatting to in-person meetups. Apps can help ease the typical anxiety that comes with organizing the initial encounter by providing tailored recommendations. Therefore, it is one of the best dating app features.

This insightful addition not only shows an understanding of user needs but also creates a nurturing atmosphere for building connections. This new dating app feature demonstrates the app’s dedication to ensuring user satisfaction and engagement.

8. Voice and video chat

Enhance your communication with the convenience of video and voice chat. With this dating app feature, users can delve into a more intimate and personal experience. That means they have the freedom to choose whether they want to meet in person after engaging in audio or video chat. This helps users in deciding whether they want to progress their relationship or not.

9. Compliment feature

With the Compliment Feature, users can send messages to others before they even match. It’s a great way to break the ice and make a positive impression right from the start. According to research on Bumble, a well-known dating app, 85% of users exhibit increased interest in someone when they receive a compliment from a potential match.

If you’re looking to boost user engagement and improve the overall dating experience, consider this dating app feature. It’s a great way to attract users and add a personal touch to their search for the perfect date.

10. Reporting unsolicited pictures and video

Sharing photos has become a common practice on dating apps. However, it’s important to remember that it should never involve harassment or illegal activities. If you’re developing an LGBTQ app or a dating app for everyone, incorporating these features can make it easier for users to report inappropriate photos.

Having a reporting feature in your app can make a difference. It allows users to flag inappropriate content and take steps to protect themselves. In addition, this will help create a secure and courteous atmosphere for the individuals involved. It’s great to see that users have the option to report inappropriate content, as it helps them feel more at ease and involved with the app.

11. Matching algorithm

Ever been curious about how they manage to find those perfect matches? Well, the secret is the dating app matching algorithm.

Unnecessary matches can be frustrating and draining for users, potentially tarnishing their perception of your app. That’s why it’s crucial to incorporate effective matching algorithms, such as preference-based or location-based dating, to enhance their experience.

When you incorporate it into the app development process with thoughtful planning and careful execution, you assist them in identifying suitable profiles that match their requirements.

12. Data security

In today’s digital age, data security has become a pressing concern with the rise in cyber-attacks and online blackmail incidents. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a dating data feature to prioritize user’s privacy.

Blockchain technology can provide an added layer of security to dating apps, safeguarding user data from potential online ransomware attacks. Building trust with your users is crucial for the success of your dating app. Ensuring the security of your user’s data is vital for building trust.

13. Find nearby events

This dating app feature has the potential to greatly improve user engagement. With this feature, you can share exciting local events that will capture other users’ interest. Whether it’s a social meet-up or a live music night, you can help others discover events worth attending.

Moreover, this feature allows users to connect and socialize with one another at public events, creating enjoyable experiences. Integrating such features can truly revolutionize your dating app, setting it apart from the competition.

14. Facial recognition

With the help of AI’s advanced facial recognition technology, individuals can now discover a potential partner who closely resembles their desired preferences. With this app, users can upload a photo of someone they admire, whether a celebrity, public figure, or an ex, and witness the app’s remarkable ability to find uncanny lookalikes. Wow, this dating app feature is truly one-of-a-kind.

15. Incognito Mode

Incognito mode is a feature of the dating app that can be activated to enable users to operate the application more privately. When enabled, a user’s profile will not be recommended to anyone who has not selected right on it first.

This suggests that you will only be visible to those who have “approved” you, thereby granting you greater control over who sees you. This tool is exceptional for individuals who prefer to proceed at their own tempo without being recommended to others on the app.

IV. Common pitfalls to avoid when choosing dating app features

1. Putting trends ahead of user needs

With the abundance of popular dating app features out there, it’s easy to get caught up and want to incorporate them into your app. It’s important to consider whether they align with your user needs or not.

One effective strategy is to pinpoint the pain points and market challenges that your users face, and then tailor your features to specifically address those issues. When you prioritize distinctive features in your dating app, you can create an enriching and delightful experience for your users.

2. Putting functionality above usability of dating app features

Having an excess of dating app features can create a cluttered and overwhelming user experience. By providing them with numerous features that may not be useful, you can enhance their experience.

Instead, you can focus on the essential features like profile creation, matching, and messaging, along with an intuitive UI/UX design that truly enhances their experience.

3. Overlooking the importance of testing

Not thoroughly testing the features of a dating app with real users and disregarding their feedback could have serious consequences down the line.

Throughout the development journey, mobile app testing plays a crucial role in identifying usability issues and refining features based on valuable user feedback.

V. Discover how Adamo can help you in creating robust dating app features

If you’re looking for a dating app that offers a wide range of features and truly stands out, Adamo Software is the perfect choice for you.

We are a top dating app development company with years of experience and expertise, and the best part? We have extensive experience with similar projects and have successfully showcased them.

Using the right tools, and resources, and staying ahead of market trends, we can help you establish a solid foundation for long-term success.

If you have an idea or are curious about the cost of media and entertainment software development, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.