Manish Kumawat
Last Updated on: 06 December 2024
Do you remember the old days when people met at parties, friends suggested new partners, exchanged messages through letters, and traveled thousands of kilometers to meet a new partner once? Nowadays, People no longer rely on such methods. Now, dating apps are the main way people meet each other.
Trending dating apps of modern-day provide all the features including meeting new people across the world, sending virtual gifts, having calls, sending videos, fast chatting, and so on. All these conveniences in dating apps have given a new dimension to meeting people.
Globally, Dating apps and websites were used by 366 million people worldwide in 2022, a considerable rise from 240.9 million users in 2016. But there will be 452.5 million users of online dating by 2028, with a projected user penetration rate of 5.7%, up from 5.1% in 2024. The estimated average revenue per user (ARPU) is $7.90 USD. ( Source ). The huge increase in the number of dating app users itself shows the popularity of dating apps.
Seeing this data, there is no need to explain why investing in dating app development is a profitable business idea. But, as the dating app industry competition is tough and people seek new features, the trends in dating apps are changing from time to time.
So here, we will talk about the 18 biggest trends we can expect to see in dating app development in 2025. We will keep things simple so that everyone can understand these trends, no matter how old you are!
Why waste your time with someone who isn’t interested in the same things you are? What to do to find the most suitable match for users?
In 2025, dating apps will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help you find the perfect match. But what exactly is AI, and how will it make dating apps easier and feature-rich?
AI can understand your likes, hobbies, and even how you talk. For example, if you enjoy playing video games or love going to the beach, AI can find people who like the same things. It works by looking at what you share on your profile and comparing it to other people's profiles. In this way, the app suggests people who might be a good match for you.
AI doesn’t just stop there! It can also understand the way you communicate. Maybe you’re someone who likes to chat a lot, or maybe you prefer short messages. AI can see these patterns and match you with others who communicate in a similar way.
One of the best things about AI-powered matchmaking is that it can make the whole process of finding someone special much faster. Instead of swiping through hundreds of profiles, AI can show you people who are already a good fit. So, in 2025, dating will be faster, easier, and more fun with the help of AI!
Benefits of AI-Powered Matchmaking:
In 2025, dating apps will make it easier to connect with others by using voice and video chats. While texting is fun, sometimes it’s hard to truly know someone just by reading their messages.
With voice and video chats, you can talk and see the person in real time, which makes it feel more like meeting in person. When you talk to someone over the phone or through a video call, you can hear their voice and see their face. Understanding emotions is more accurate when you call or see a video than just reading text messages.
You can tell if they’re smiling, laughing, or feeling nervous, which makes conversations feel more real. It’s also easier to find if the person is genuine or not, which helps you avoid fake profiles.
Before meeting in person, voice and video chats also allow you to get to know the person. This way, you can decide if you want to continue talking to them or if they’re not a good match. It’s much safer than just texting because you can see who you’re talking to, which gives you more confidence.
This feature is especially useful if you live far away from the person or can’t meet in person right away. You can still build a connection without the pressure of meeting face-to-face immediately.
Benefits of Voice and Video Chats:
Have you ever thought of features that offer partners to spend time online just like a normal date? Having dinner, playing games, sending virtual gifts, cooking together?
In 2025, dating apps will offer something really cool called in-app virtual dates. Since many people are working from home or living in different places, it can be hard to meet up in person. But with virtual dates, you can still enjoy a fun and exciting date, even if you’re far away from each other.
For example, you can have a dinner date over a video call. You both cook or order the same meal and eat together while chatting on the screen. It’s just like going out to a restaurant, but you’re doing it from your own home!
Another idea is to play online games together. There are many fun games you can play with someone you just met. That is one of the best ways you can get to know each other better while having fun.
These virtual dates make it easier to feel connected with someone without the pressure of meeting in person right away. Those people who live far away or have busy schedules can make use of it. You don’t need to worry about traveling or finding time to meet up because you can enjoy a great date from the comfort of your own home.
Benefits of In-App Virtual Dates:
Fake profiles and misuse of profiles are the two major issues that happen in online dating apps. Even leading dating app companies are seeking ways to overcome this.
In 2025, dating apps will make it much easier to know if someone’s profile is real. Profile verification will be a common feature. This means that before you start chatting with someone, the app will confirm they are who they say they are. Users prove their identity through things like selfies or special codes sent to their phones.
This helps reduce the risk of catfishing, which is when someone pretends to be someone they’re not. For example, someone might use fake photos or lie about their age, job, or even their name. With better verification, you can feel more confident that the person you’re chatting with is real and honest.
Verified user profiles make the dating app more trustworthy and feel safer for everyone. It’s easier to trust that the person on the other side of the screen is genuine. You’ll also feel more comfortable knowing that you’re not wasting your time talking to someone who’s pretending to be someone else.
Benefits of Better Profile Verification:
Dating is not just about how you look, but about who you really are. It’s all about meeting someone with the same vibes. Users of dating apps are searching for partners based on their expected personalities. When users get a clear idea about the personality of others, it makes dating smoother.
In 2025, dating apps will focus more on your personality instead of just your pictures. Right now, many people choose to swipe right or left based on looks, but soon, apps will use special tests and quizzes to understand more about who you are.
These tests will ask you questions about your hobbies, your character, and what you’re looking for in a partner. After the app understands your personality, it will suggest people with similar vibes.
For example, if you’re someone who loves hiking and enjoys spending time with close friends, the app will match you with people who feel the same. Users find someone who’s not only a good fit for you but also shares your values and lifestyle.
Benefits of Matchmaking Based on Personality:
Location-based matching makes dating more convenient. You can find people who are close by, and it helps you connect with others in your area who share similar interests.
Imagine that you're sitting at a coffee shop, and suddenly, you see people nearby who are also using the app. You can quickly see their profiles and decide if you'd like to start a conversation.
In 2025, location-based matching will become a big trend in dating apps. This feature helps you find people who are near you, whether you’re at a park, a cafe, or even just walking down the street.
Location-based matching is perfect if you want to meet someone in person without having to travel far. For example, if you both enjoy hiking and you’re on the same local trail, you can instantly connect and talk about it.
Also, easily discover people who are part of your local community. Whether you're at a sports event, a local market, or even on a walk, location-based matching shows you people nearby who might be a great fit for you.
Benefits of Matchmaking Based on Personality:
How interesting will be when instead of just chatting with someone, you might play a game or answer fun questions together? In 2025, dating apps will deal with this feature called gamification.
Gamification means adding games and challenges to the dating experience to make it more exciting. Users can make the whole dating experience feel like an adventure! For example, you might have to answer some fun questions about yourself or play a trivia game with someone before you can see more details about them.
As you play these games, you’ll unlock new information about each other, like your favorite activities or the places you want to visit. These games will also help you build a connection more naturally.
By playing games, you’ll get to see how well you work together or how much fun you can have. It’s like going on a date with someone without any pressure.
Benefits of Gamification of Dating:
In 2025, dating apps will become even more specialized. This means there will be apps made just for people with specific hobbies or interests. For example, there could be a dating app just for book lovers, where you can meet people who enjoy reading the same types of books as you. Or there might be a dating app for gamers, where you can find someone who loves the same video games as you do, and also for pet owners, helping you meet people who love animals as much as you do!
If you love a particular hobby, it will be nice to know that the people you're meeting also enjoy it. For example, if you both love traveling, you could talk about your favorite trips or plan a trip together.
Having a dating app for specific interests will also save time. Instead of swiping through profiles and wondering if you have anything in common, you can meet people who are already into the same things.
Benefits of Dating for Specific Interests:
In today’s scenario where everyone talks about equality and inclusiveness, there is a need for dating apps that will welcome and support people from all kinds of backgrounds, races, genders, and sexual orientations.
In 2025, dating apps will become more inclusive and diverse. Everyone will be able to use these apps and feel comfortable and accepted. No matter who you are or where you come from, the goal is to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong.
Dating apps will include options for people to express who they truly are. For example, there will be more choices for gender identities and sexual orientations, so people don’t feel limited. Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual, or non-binary, you will be able to find people who understand and appreciate you.
People will no longer have to worry about being judged or excluded because of who they are. The future of dating will remove all differences and celebrate the uniqueness of each person.
Benefits of Inclusive and Diverse Apps:
Events are best to connect with others in real life or virtually, making dating more exciting and less stressful. In 2025, dating apps will offer even more fun ways to meet people by hosting in-app events and meetups.
For example, you could join a virtual movie night where everyone watches the same film and chats about it afterward. Or, you might join a cooking class where you can learn to make a new dish together. There could even be live concerts or other fun activities, all organized through the dating app.
Instead of just chatting online, you’ll have a chance to do something fun together, making it easier to start a conversation. If you join a cooking class, you already have something in common to talk about.
Dating apps will also offer in-person meetups. You can meet people in real life at events, like a hiking trip or a coffee meet-and-greet. This is a safe way to get to know someone before planning a date, as you’ll already be part of a group activity.
Benefits of In-App Events and Meetups:
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about dating apps is privacy and security. Every user is bothered by their privacy and data safety. In 2025, privacy and security will be the first priority for dating apps.
As more people use these apps, it’s important that users feel safe and confident that their personal information is protected. Dating apps will include strong privacy features like end-to-end encryption. This means that your messages will be completely private, and no one else – not even the app itself – will be able to read them. Only you and the person you are chatting with can see what’s being said.
You’ll be able to choose what to share and who can see it. For example, you can decide if you want to share your location, pictures, or personal details with everyone or just a few people.
Apps will also let you block or report users who make you feel uncomfortable, making it easier to protect yourself from unwanted contact. Whether you’re chatting with someone new or meeting in person, knowing that your information is protected makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Benefits of Privacy and Security Features:
People always seek dating apps with nice and attractive designs. What will be your feeling when you open the app, you’ll see a neat, simple design that’s easy to understand and fun to use. You won’t feel confused about where to click or how to start a conversation – everything will be right where you need it.
In 2025, dating apps will be easier to use and look cooler than ever before. UI (User Interface) is how the app looks, while UX (User Experience) is how easy it is to use. In the current scenario, dating app developers are focusing on customization and making clean designs.
The app will be easy to navigate, so you can quickly swipe through profiles, send messages, and even find events or games to join without any hassle. It will feel smooth, and everything will work quickly. Better UI and UX set an end to the struggles with confusing features.
Benefits of Better UI and UX:
Many dating app users face trouble in starting conversations. How useful when you have a little helper who gives you conversation starters. So you can focus on getting to know your match instead of worrying about what to say. In 2025, dating app users will have this helper called AI-powered chatbots to help people start conversations in a fun and interesting way.
Instead of just swiping left or right on profiles, these smart bots will help you talk to your matches. For example, the chatbot might ask, “What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?” or suggest a fun topic to talk about. Not only will the AI chatbot help you start conversations, but it will also give you tips on how to make a great first impression.
Do you remember those days when people used their close friends as mediators and helpers in dating initiatives? Today AI-powered chatbots are in the same role, to assist you throughout.
Benefits of AI-Powered Chats:
As you know, there are a group of people who always face attacks in every realm. Especially women and some other vulnerable users. Here also the same thing goes on. So, in 2025, dating apps will have even more safety features to protect users, especially women and other vulnerable groups.
When using dating apps, safety is very important, and the apps will make sure that people feel secure when meeting someone new. One of the biggest changes will be the addition of a panic button. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a date or conversation, you can press this button, and it will alert someone you trust. This can be a friend, family member, or anyone you choose, so they know where you are and can help if needed.
Some dating apps have an important feature to share your location with a trusted person. Features like this will be especially useful for people who feel more insecure. Knowing that you can easily reach out for help or share your location can make you feel more comfortable and confident while using the app.
Benefits of Safety Features for Women and Vulnerable Users:
Every dating app user wants to experience the magic of AR. You can interact with virtual objects and places just like they are part of the real world. Dating apps will use Augmented Reality (AR) to make virtual dates feel more real in 2025.
For example, you could go on a virtual walk through a park or visit a museum together, all while staying in the comfort of your own home. You would feel like you are actually walking through a park with your date, even though you’re both in different places.
AR will make virtual dates way more fun and interactive. App users share a special experience with partners just like walking around a virtual park, having fun in a virtual game, or exploring new places. It will make the whole experience feel more like a real date, even though you’re not physically together.
AR also helps people who live far away or are too busy to meet in person. You can spend time together with AR even if you can’t meet partners face-to-face.
Benefits of AR Dates:
Making users feel like this app is specially made for them is the key to capturing maximum users. How excited will be your users when they feel your app offers personalized matches for them? Dating apps will have a special focus on personalized matching algorithms in 2025.
The app will study your likes, conversations, and interaction style. With this better idea of who you are and what kind of person you are looking for, you will get perfect matches. It’s like having a personal matchmaker who understands exactly what you want in a partner!
For example, the app will pay attention to the types of profiles you like, the topics you enjoy chatting about, and the things you mention in your conversations. These personalized algorithms will make dating easier because you won’t have to waste time sifting through profiles that aren’t a good match.
Benefits of Personalized Matching Algorithms:
Remember, whatever we do, we always have a responsibility towards our environment. In 2025, dating apps will focus more on sustainability and being eco-friendly. Dating apps will make it easier to connect with people who have similar values when it comes to green living.
For example, you might be able to match with someone who loves spending time outdoors, like hiking or camping. Or, you could meet someone who recycles, buys eco-friendly products, or even eats plant-based or organic foods. For those users looking for someone who cares about saving energy, protecting wildlife, or reducing waste, you can find a match who shares your eco-friendly values.
Trending dating apps also encourage users to have green dates. For example, instead of going to a traditional dinner and a movie, you could plan a date where you volunteer for an environmental cause or go on a walk through nature.
Benefits of Sustainable and Green Dating:
In 2025, many dating apps will offer premium memberships with special features that can help improve your dating experience. While dating apps will still be free to use, if you want extra tools and options, you can pay for a premium subscription plan.
For example, one of the features could be seeing who viewed your profile. Another premium feature will be the ability to use advanced filters to find better matches. You might be able to search for specific interests, lifestyles, or even certain personality traits that you want in a partner. Some dating apps might also offer advice from relationship experts as part of their premium memberships.
Benefits of Subscription-Based Premium Features:
No doubt dating app development is the best idea to invest in 2025, but you need to know the upcoming trends to grab benefits. The above-described 18 features can make your dating app more unique and profitable. Remember, all 18 features are needed for your app, otherwise you may stay behind others. The success of your dating app completely depends on how you create excitement in users.
Hey, millions of users are waiting for your feature-rich dating app and billions of money is all set to enter your wallet. Don't wait any longer, contact leading dating app development company Fulminous Software is all set you achieve this. Contact now.
I am Manish Kumawat, co-founder of Fulminous Software, a top leading customized software design and development company with a global presence in the USA, Australia, UK, and Europe. Over the last 10+ years, I am designing and developing web applications, e-commerce online stores, and software solutions custom tailored according to business industries needs. Being an experienced entrepreneur and research professional my main vision is to enlighten business owners, and worldwide audiences to provide in-depth IT sector knowledge with latest IT trends to grow businesses online.
Discuss your Custom Application Requirements on info@fulminoussoftware.com or call us on + 1 803 310 5187.
15 Days Risk-Free Trial