How Much Does It Cost to Build a Chat and Dating App like Badoo?

The billion-dollar dating app industry is highly appealing, and why shouldn’t it be? Best mobile Dating apps are booming today due to a highly strategic amalgamation of tech, AI, human behavior, and communication. Tech leaders continuously explore the dating app market, trying to understand the development and infrastructure costs to build a chat app like Badoo.

According to Research and Markets, the online dating app market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.84%, reaching $15.5 billion by 2032 from $9.3 billion in 2023. To reap the benefits of such a growing market, you don’t just build a rote app; you aim to build a scalable and profitable platform. Understanding what it takes to build that level of platform infrastructure, both in tech terms and budget, is necessary.

Even Kylie Kelce, an American Media Personality, said of Jason Kelce (an American former professional football center): “He was the first and only person I ever met on a dating app.” This is a true testament to the significance and relevance of dating apps in the 21st century, considering the rising popularity and market relevance of apps like Badoo.

This blog will explore Badoo App development costs and break down major cost drivers, from development, infrastructure, and third-party integrations to scalability, feature set considerations, etc., that would replicate or outperform a chat and dating app like Badoo.

So, let’s break down the cost consumption areas where your money will go. But first, let’s understand the Badoo app’s user journey to better grasp how development costs would be dispersed and funneled to the necessary areas, followed by extra features that would further enhance the app’s experience.

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User Perceptions About Experience Badoo: Breakdown of its UX Journey

Badoo, launched in 2006, made a total revenue of $205 million in 2024. As of 2024, Badoo had 45 million users, and Latin America is its largest user region. As of the previous year, Badoo owns a market share of 11%, alongside Tinder (33%), Bumble (20%), Hinge (12%), etc. [Source – Business of Apps]

Below is a breakdown of the general dating app features and Badoo user journey, right from Onboarding to Safety & Retention:

1. User Onboarding & Profile Setup: The user downloads the app from Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS), followed by Sign-Up options. Having flexible sign-up methods [Google, Apple ID, Phone Number, Email, etc] is one subtle, but important aspect during the onboarding process, as this variety tends to increase conversion.

2. Browsing & Profile Matching Setup: This step aims to discover and interact with potential matches. Swipe-based matching is Badoo’s primary discovery feature. Users are shown profiles, one at a time, and can choose Yes or No. The mutual match unlocks the “chat” feature. Other profile discovery features on the app include:

a. People Nearby (gives real-time updates based on profile proximity)

b. Live Video Streams (Users can watch others’ live streams and can go live themselves to gain followers)

The two features mentioned above help build a sense of community, beyond just profile matchi

3. Message Functionality & Interaction: This step deepens interaction through in-app chats, calls, and other interaction-based features. The app’s “Matches” tab is a central hub for anyone interested and ready to talk.

While “free messaging” is for people who have mutually matched, the “premium aspect” of the app tends to unlock the ability to message anyone, even with no mutual match. Another feature layer of the app is “Video Chat,” which adds an authenticity layer to help build trust among users before an actual meeting with a stranger.

4. Monetization & Features: Users can upgrade to premium for various dating app features like Unlimited Likes, See Who Liked You, Incognito Mode, etc., making users increase their odds of meaningful conversations. The app also offers credits to users not looking to buy premium.

These credits can be used in perks like “Boosting Profile Visibility” to push the profile to the top of the lists. Such flexibility in features and add-ons serves as a tool for enhanced visibility, options, and profile controls.

5. User Safety: It’s important to understand that dating apps like Badoo thrive on users feeling respected and safe. Including multiple layers of protection throughout the UX journey is a significant core behind the popularity and trust of dating apps. The app offers photo verification, and users receive a checkmark badge, signifying a genuine profile. Moreover, AI-powered dating apps detect fake profiles, scam messages, etc.

Cost Insights for Development Costs of a Dating App Like Badoo: A Breakdown

The total development cost to build a chat App like Badoo or even a better app would vary depending on the app’s design complexity. This would be followed by the inclusion of smart features like AI-powered matchmaking, Voice/video calling, In-App purchases, etc. The feature cost would also significantly depend on the app’s frontend, backend, and database requirements.

The estimated cost to develop a dating app like Badoo would be between $30,000 and $500,000, or more, depending on the complexity, features, and tech stack you prefer.

Generally, the Badoo App development cost is measured based on this formula:

The first approach to dating mobile app development would involve starting with the user module, which would include functionalities like sign-up, profile creation, location tracking, uploading photos, etc., coupled with a swipe-based profile interaction feature.

The approximate cost would revolve around $5000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the level of transition animation and UI design. Its communication module, which includes real-time chat, live streaming, in-app voice and video calling, etc., would involve more bandwidth costs, depending on whether you are looking to build an MVP or a full-fledged enterprise-grade app.

Badoo’s features, like email/phone authentication, AI-powered profile verification, and other moderation tools, fall under the umbrella of Security and Verification. This would require $5000 to $15,000, or more, depending on its integration with the Admin Panel, which is responsible for managing users, content, and analytics. The estimates mentioned cover only the app’s core functionality, primarily involving the User and Communication Module.

Full Phase Development (UI, UX, and Backend)

Estimating the cost to develop a dating app like Badoo requires a strong foothold in selecting the right tools and technology, balancing performance, scalability, and ease of maintenance. Each tech layer is extremely critical in delivering a smooth user experience.

Frontend

For a Badoo-style app, the first step in dating mobile app development would involve choosing the right frontend technology. Today, businesses prefer cross-platform technology like React Native or Flutter as they are simultaneously considered ideal for app development on both iOS and Android.

These platform-based technologies are a sweet spot, allowing rapid development across the two operating platforms. In contrast, native development using either Kotlin (Android) or Swift (iOS) would offer more refined performance, thus making the app highly suitable for advanced animations or hardware-centric functionalities.

For more information on React Native or Flutter, consider reading this blog:

[Flutter vs React Native: What’s Best]

Frontend tasks would involve successfully implementing navigation systems and building interactive UI components (chat interface, dynamic profiles, etc.). The testing process would include operations across multiple devices and screen sizes to check responsiveness and performance.

Backend

The backend process of dating mobile app development of such complex apps is one critical and “resource-intensive” aspect of the development phase. There is a reason for that: The app’s backend is the core and works behind everything you see and interact with on the front end.

An estimated cost of Badoo-like dating app development in the backend phase generally costs around $20,000 to $50,000, depending on features, scalability scope, complexities, and the technology stack involved. For instance:

Bonus Read: A Complete Guide to API Development

While the majority of features would have a similar integration of general features, like:

• Secure login
• Password encryption
• Multi-device support, etc.

However, the real challenge would emerge when implementing the Matching & Discovery feature.

For example, Swipe-Based Logic, coupled with filters and proximity based on GPS features, would fall under the category of complex functionalities, which would require a more robust framework and dedicated expertise. Additionally, this isn’t it!

The above-said feature would now be complemented with AI-based matching and profile recommendations based on interests, hobbies, proximity, and other variables. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how the cost of an entire technology stack for dating app development is subject to change, with the number of features you are looking to develop an app like Badoo.

Cost Ad-Ons

Cost add-ons aren’t any hidden costs that get added to the total cost, but an ongoing cost that makes the development infrastructure more robust and reliable.

• The Admin Tool’s cost structure comes around $2000 – $5000, or more, depending on what moderation tools are integrated into it, like handling reported users, reporting flagged content, profile suspensions, and dedicated access to analytics. These featured costs depend on what custom-built APIs are used.
• The second cost consideration, as a necessary add-on, comes in the form of Monetization and Payments. The cost breakup falls under the same bracket as mentioned above, depending on the app’s integration with secure payment gateways like Razorpay, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. This is important as proper handling of currencies and revenue is crucial for such businesses to ensure smooth transactions and compliance.
• The third cost consideration while creating a dating app is towards Data Storage & Management. This costs around $2000 – $5000, or more, depending on storage bandwidth for various data types like user profiles, media files, user preferences, etc. This remains an ongoing cost, recurring on a monthly or annual basis.
• The testing & Optimization phase is critical in ensuring quality and stability. This costs around $1000 – $3000, depending on the level of integration testing of backend APIs and security testing to prevent various vulnerabilities. This step minimizes bugs, security risks, and possible downtimes.

Time and Effort Estimates for Development

Depending on its complexity and features, an app like Badoo typically takes 4 to 9+ months to develop. Simpler apps may be quicker to develop, while advanced apps with AI, facial recognition, and multi-platform support require more time for design, development, and testing.

Key stages and estimated time allocations:

• Planning & Research (2-4 weeks): Defining project objectives and user needs.
• UI/UX Design (4-6 weeks): Creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.
• Frontend & Backend Development (3-6 months): Core development, including integrations.
• Quality Assurance & Testing (3-5 weeks): Testing for performance, security, and compliance.
• Deployment & Feedback (1-2 weeks): App launch and user feedback collection for future updates.

Hidden App Development Costs: What Most Budgets Miss

While building a dating and chat app like Badoo, certain hidden costs may be imperative to your app’s working as it scales and gains a high user base. While the development phase is only an initial part of the journey, the app’s live management and on going support comes as a recurring expense to your business. You would not need to let go of your potential user just because of your app’s inability to manage high traffic. This is why certain ongoing costs are important.

App Store Costs

Publishing your app, post-app development, on the Google Play Store and App Store is chargeable. For the App Store, it is $99/year, while for the Google Play Store, $25 is a one-time cost for lifetime access to publish your apps on the Play Store.  Consideration of this cost becomes important as standards and rules for both the platforms keep changing, making it a variable cost.

App Hosting and Server Costs

Though ignored usually during the app development phase, app hosting and server costs are a hidden yet necessary factor in considering the Badoo app development cost. To make a Badoo clone app, you require robust backend infrastructure to handle data, process multiple requests, while also handling user authentication for various users. If your dating app requires real-time data processing, topped by large-scale storage, then the following expenses would be incurred:

• Cloud Hosting Costs, involving AWS, Google Cloud, etc.
• Scalability and Load Balancing
• Database Management

Though free tier offerings are available, those quickly become obsolete when the app scales. Therefore, this cost starts low but scales rapidly as the app scales. For instance, while initial hosting costs for a small to medium-sized app would be around $200/month, it can go for $10,000 or above, depending on your app’s scale, functionality, and heavy backend management tools.

User Acquisition Costs (Marketing)

Note that a strategic but rigorous marketing is a necessary variable to consider post the app development phase. It leads to a competitive edge and a critical cost factor responsible for generating brand awareness and revenue. While building an app is the first step, its success depends on how well you have marketed it. App Store Optimization is one example of such marketing to optimize your app’s listing to rank higher in each app store (Apple/Google). Content Marketing and SEO are other expenses that must be analyzed while considering the estimated cost to develop a dating app like Badoo. Other strategies include partnerships, in-app promotions, referral programs, etc. Typical cost statistics range around $5000 – $15000, depending on what marketing strategy is being utilized.

Legal & Licensing Fees and Compliance

Adherence to compliance is one aspect that, if not followed, can lead to reputational damage, legal penalties, and financial liabilities. Legal and Compliance ensure that the app operates within the boundaries of the law and protects the business from legal issues. GDPR compliance and CCPA (California, USA) hold extreme importance, considering how to use personal data through apps.

In addition, legal and licensing fees tend to cover the legal groundwork needed to secure your app’s legitimacy. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy are some key documents that fall within legal bounds. Furthermore, licensing fees come into play where third-party tools and APIs are used. For example, the costs of libraries or API tools fall under licensing tools. Thus, an estimation for this cost comes around $6000 to $10,000, or more, adding to the overall Badoo app development cost.

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Cost Saving Strategies While Building An App Like Badoo

The cost to build a chat App like Badoo is highly dependent on factors ranging from backend development and design complexity to the overall structure of the development team and the approach they are using for app development. When such high development costs are involved, the first strategic decision usually revolves around developing an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

Developing an MVP helps test the app idea with minimum risk. It will help test the waters and see how the market and users react and interact with it. It also lets you understand the most suitable platform for the app’s development, considering its design complexity and target users. One strategic approach is introducing your MVP to an early, specific user group, then using the feedback/insights to enhance Badoo app features further or maybe pivot your approach.

The second is about Leveraging Off-the-Shelf Tools. This means utilizing ready-made SDKs and API tools to accelerate the app’s development and reduce the subsequent cost of developing a dating app like Badoo. Such off-the-shelf components like CometChat (For Chat Functionality), OneSignal (For Notifications), etc., can help skip a huge development time frame and become a functional app much faster.

For more strategic tricks and tips to reduce app development costs, here is a detailed blog on the same – Tricks to reduce app development cost for Startups

Making A Better App Than Badoo: The Architectural Infusion You Need

To make a better app than Badoo in today’s market, additional high-density features would be required to outperform the currently operational Badoo app features. Before incorporating randomized features to make a Badoo clone app, it is necessary to understand what users seek on the platform.

Statistics shared by Pew Research Center revealed a few insights about the industry:

1. Approximately 10% of partnered adults met their counterparts through a dating app or website.
2. 35% of users tend to pay for extra features on a dating app like Badoo.
3. 42% said the best mobile dating apps make finding a long-term partner easier.

The above data is a testament to the fact that users seek more meaningful conversations, combined with personalization and safety. Thus, here are some suggested features that, if integrated, could outperform Badoo or any dating app currently in the market.

AI Enhancements

AI-powered matchmaking goes 1-2 steps further than traditional methods based on criteria like age, location, and interest preferences. With AI and ML algorithms, behavioral data (Swipe Behavior, Message Response Timeline, Profile Update Frequency, etc.) can be analyzed, and the most relevant profiles can be suggested based on the data collected.

For example, suppose a dating app like Badoo wants to improve its user match experience. In that case, it might utilize an ML algorithm known as Collaborative Filtering to suggest the best matches according to the data collected from the variables mentioned above.

Interactive In-App Interactions

Fun initial-level interactions help the app stand out in the dating genre. As a Badoo Competitor, your to-be-app could include “polls,” “interest-based mini-games,” “never-have-i-ever”, and “would you rather” type challenges to not only engage the user but also share a mutual experience of similar answers, thus helping spark natural-tone conversations.

What Special Does This Feature Do? Such features reduce the pressure related to starting a chat. Users are not obliged to send a generic message upon connection. Instead, they could take these games and quizzes as an initial challenge, followed by observing mutual answers, thereby getting an element to discuss.

Inclusive Gender Orientation Options

Modern times call for inclusivity based on caste, creed, or orientation. If you want to market your dating app, consider the expanded choices for gender identity. By offering wide choices for different orientations, be it non binary, gender fluid or transgender, asexual, pansexual, queer, you make your app highly welcoming to all indivodual groups. This inclusivity option seems highly important for Gen Zs and comes with a practical benefit of a high user base.

Customized Niche Filters

Customization in profile filters helps users connect with people on a personalized level. However, niche filters like “Intent,” “Political Views,” “World Perspective,” “Spirituality Views,” “Thoughts on God,” etc. are some examples of personalized and niche filters where users get a detailed idea of the individual’s mindset, making it easier to analyse whether to connect with that person or not.

What does it do? It helps reduce noise and assists users in finding the exact personality type they are looking for. While most dating apps have filters like “Religion”, “Hobbies”, etc., including such niche filters helps you stand apart from the crowd.

AI Assistant

While users want to connect and meet people through dating apps, not all are willing to spend so much time writing about themselves in their bios and coming up with witty openers. Thus, you could incorporate an AI Assistant in the app to help users give real-time guidance and input suggestions based on their preferences to reduce their conversion time on the app.

However, the inclusion of assistants can help in other ways as well. It could provide safety tips and analyse behaviour patterns to suggest replies during in-app chats. This feature could severely outperform your product over existing dating apps.

General Revenue Models Of Dating Apps and Strategies to Enhance Them in Your App

If you want to explore how much money do dating apps make, then you need to understand the revenue model of a dating app. To build your own dating app, you should know that dating apps first rely on a subscription-based model where users pay a recurring fee, either monthly, quarterly, or yearly. The included features include unlimited swipes, incognito mode, ad-free experience, etc.

Second comes the “in-app purchases” model, where users buy credits to enhance their experience. In-app ads are a third revenue model, where the app earns money via banner ads, video ads, and free-tier users.

But How Can Diversification in the Revenue Model Be Achieved?

1. Introduce gamified elements. Such additional interactive elements tend to encourage users to spend more time on the app.

For example, offer daily challenges with perks like profile boost, etc. Giving them a free experience of the benefits of a boosted profile would encourage the user to utilize the feature frequently, thus enhancing app revenue but adding to the total Badoo App development cost.

2. By introducing exclusive events, the app often organizes exclusive events as a beneficial perk of being a premium app user. Users can access private matchmaking events, expert-led webinars, and exclusive VIP matches for high-end profiles.

3. Via third-party partners. Social Media integration and partnerships with local bars and restaurants can be another drivable revenue model for a dating app on a commission-based booking model. This helps in offering a rewarding experience while also getting your app marketed organically, driving trust, and increasing the potential user base.

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Hiring A Mobile App Development Company: How Appinventiv Can Help You Build a Badoo Clone?

When building your dating app like Badoo, business owners usually prefer not a single factor, but an assured outcome, combined with trust in tech and partners they are joining hands with.

A dating app is a complex idea that requires the integration of multiple platforms to work in cohesion. In such complex scenarios where the investment stakes are high, it is always preferable to outsource your dating mobile app development idea to the best mobile app development company.

Hiring a dedicated mobile app development company like Appinventiv offers a structured and cohesive solution. We focus on structured work formalities and agile workflow, followed by using professional tools, data tracking, and post-launch maintenance. Our cohesive mobile app development services provide a 360-degree solutions that support the environment and ultimately reduces the risks of app development timeline extension.

Appinventiv has delivered over 1500 projects across 40 countries, with clients such as KFC, Adidas, Domino’s, and IKEA. Our unique approach, combining DevOps and Agile methodology, helps us deliver the client’s requirements within the estimated timeline. You can also visit our Portfolio to learn more about our clients’ success stories and what strategies we used in our mobile app development services. Connect with us and share your app idea with our experts.

FAQs

Q. How much does it cost to create a dating app like Badoo?

A. Developing a dating and chat app like Badoo typically costs between $30,000 and $300,000, or more, depending on feature complexity and region. An MVP version of your app, with core functionalities like profile matching, user onboarding, location access, media uploads, etc., would cost less and typically circle an estimate of $30,000 to $100,000.  Moreover, real-time features like chat, notifications, etc would further increase the cost, and so on.

Q. How to create a dating app like Badoo?

A. Various actions are predefined to build and develop an app like Badoo. Here is a step-by-step guide to create a dating app:

• Conduct market research for the user base and revenue model.
• Define the core features of the app.
• Choose the right tech stack for the frontend and backend.
• Design an intuitive UI/UX, preferably dynamic.
• Develop an MVP first.
• Ensure data privacy & compliance.
• Test thoroughly
• Launch and monitor
• Plan ongoing maintenance

Q. What are some challenges with chat & dating app development?

A. In dating apps, usually, content moderation and user safety are the important aspects of app challenges. Dating platforms are usually a hub for fake profiles, harassment, and explicit content. Therefore, robust moderation tools and AI filters are needed to tackle that. Secondly, user retention also remains an obstacle. This is why we have discussed the need to perform events and dedicate in-app challenges with chat & dating app development to keep users engaged on the app.

Q. What technologies are needed to build your own dating app?

A. Building a dating app requires a robust tech stack. For the frontend, use frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps. For the backend, Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or Ruby on Rails can handle server-side logic. Use databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL for user data. Integrate APIs for geolocation (Google Maps), payments (Stripe), and push notifications (Firebase). Incorporate WebSocket for real-time chat and ensure scalability with cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud.

Q. How long does it take to build a Badoo-like dating app?

A. The estimated timeline of a Badoo-like dating app, especially with advanced solutions that Badoo already incorporates, could typically range from 4 – 9 months, contingent upon the app requirement, such as the complexity of the features, integration with international compliance systems, and platform choice. While an MVP version could be developed in around 3 – 4 months, a full-scale scale robust app, similar to or better than the Badoo app, can take around 9 months, or more.

Q. How does chat and dating app development benefit businesses regarding user retention?

A. Chat and dating app development benefits user retention by creating seamless, interactive experiences that engage users. Personalized messaging, emojis, and multimedia sharing make conversations enjoyable, encouraging users to return frequently and form lasting connections.