How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like Bumble?

Are you ready to make a splash in the online dating app? Perhaps, you have an idea to develop a website or an application that brings people closer, introduces two individuals, or even turns into a new “Bumble-like” Phenomenon.

But before you jump headfirst into app development, one question must be on your mind: What is the cost to create an app like Bumble?

What a great question—and knowing the costs will tell you if you’re casually thinking or if you’re now committed to a significant investment.

Let’s break it down for you!

What is Bumble?

Bumble is a dating application where people look for partners for dating.

While in many other applications and sites, people of both genders can freely send messages to one in Bumble the women are endowed with the right to initiate the conversation.

Started in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, this app quickly grew in popularity with the tagline, “make the first move”, and the platform indeed offered not only a dating service, but also friend-finding, and even networking.

If you are considering how to develop an app like Bumble, remember it is not just about dating. It has to do with having a social space that is secure constructively engaging, and diverse.

Today, over one hundred million individuals across the world use Bumble, so it only makes sense that it can significantly impact anyone who wants to create a dating app like it.

Why Should You Develop an App Like Bumble?

Wondering why should you build an app that is like Bumble? Well, here are some compelling reasons to jump into the world of dating apps:

Huge Market Potential

Dating apps have garnered more than $12.95bn by 2030 worldwide and that means there is a great demand for such solutions.

If you are interested in getting your piece of this pie, now is the best time to build a dating application.

Diverse Audience Engagement

These days, Bumble-like apps are not limited to intimate relationships only.

Networking or simply making friends is possible as is even getting connected to people interested in specific topics. This increases the number of people using your product or who spend time on your site.

Revenue Opportunities

People earn a lot of money through dating applications! For instance, Bumble as a dating app service made more than $865 million in the fiscal year 2024.

This is the ideal time to think about subscriptions and other economical models such as in-app purchases and other paid services.

Innovative Features

That is why Bumble is so attractive: it has a new vision, emphasizing safety and female leadership.

This still leaves space for increasing the number of distinctive points further to set your app apart – the same as Bumble did with the “only women can message first” concept.

Features to Incorporate in an App like Bumble

So, you are planning a Bumble-like app, but what specific functions are you going to add to your project?

Regardless of whether it is an application for dating or networking and making friends, it is crucial to have some features included in the application.

Here is what you should look for in case you want your app to be unique and give its users an exceptional experience.

1. User Profiles

In your application, user profiles are needed to reveal who they are.

Let them place their pictures, write something about themselves, and something of interest.

It is essential to construct profiles for networking, and therefore, the continuation profiles should be convenient to set up and modify.

2. Swiping Feature

The effectiveness of swiping was perhaps the main reason why people loved Bumble.

This way users swipe right to show appreciation towards the person on the profile and swipe left to reject the person.

You can do something similar to maintain the dating process as active and fast as possible.

3. Matchmaking Algorithm

There is a need to have a smart matching algorithm for the users.

This means it will facilitate ways through which one could be able to find other people they desire depending on certain parameters, for instance, the interest, location among other things.

The formula improves when there are more opportunities for users to find connections in their pursuit.

4. Real-Time Messaging & Video Calls

Online conversation is one of the most significant functions of a dating application like Bumble.

But why stop there? One of the convenient features is implementing the video call extension to communication steps and it also provides security to its users before the actual meeting.

Of course, providing both text formats and videos allows users to engage in any way that makes them feel most at ease.

5. Location-Based Matching

To some extent, utilizing geolocation options is a revelation in a dating application; users can search for people in their area or select any range, thus focusing on people nearby.

When you create a dating app like Bumble, you can use location-based matching at the same time providing an opportunity to specify the maximum distance.

6. Safety & Security Features

Dating apps- more often than not may demand trust regardless of the time or the place.

The important element – is the integration of strong options, such as, for example, profile verification, reporting system, or a block button to make your users feel secure.

You can also add an ‘offline’ wall, as it were, where users can view others’ profile details, but the latter can’t see that the former has checked on them.

7. Dashboard

You will need a dashboard for managing users, safety monitoring, and reports.

With this feature, you will be able to track the application’s operations, admit or reject customer access, and supervise overall functioning.

The user panel is always useful when you are planning to expand your application since you’ll offer everything in order.

8. Push Notifications

In order to retain your users they need to be kept informed and this is where push notifications come in handy.

Inform them when they have a match, when there is a new message or when a potential match is nearby.

But, do not do it too often – once in a while is enough, but the information shared should be valuable.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop an App like Bumble?

Now, let's dive into the main talk of it: “How Much Does it Cost to Create an App like Bumble?”

Ideally, the Bumble-like App Development cost can stretch from $30,000 and $70,000 or even more for a complex application.

Generally, a mobile app development company will suggest several prices depending on designs, the app’s complexity, and geographical location.

Here’s a quick look at the possible cost to create a dating app like Bumble:

Factors Affecting the Cost to Make a Dating app like Bumble

As we shared, several factors affect the overall cost to create an app like Bumble.

Find out what they are, and know them in detail:

1. App Complexity

The development cost of your app depends on its level of complexity.

Some elements of an application like Bumble need non-trivial components like User Profiles, Messaging system, Geolocation services, and Real-time updates.

The more advanced the functionalities you want to add – to your app, like video or voice calls, AI-driven partner selection algorithms, or complex data analytics – the higher the initial cost of making an app like Bumble.

Apps with little functionality and more general user functionality cost less while an app with more functionality and diverseness requires more investment.

2. UI & UX Design

Design is one of the main aspects to consider when coming up with a Bumble dating application.

A simple and attractive layout combined with a modern style appeals not only to the clients but also to keep them interested.

A refined UX or UI design will require a competent team of designers to the layout in the most appealing manner, simplify navigation, and actually make the app comprehensible.

Custom animations while the app loads or transitions between views can cost to make an app like Bumble.

3. Backend Infrastructure

The backend of the app is the work that powers all the functions of the application like; accounts, chats, matches, and safety mechanisms.

Depending on how complex you want your server architecture and database systems as well as the types of applications, this can really put a dent into your pocket.

Just the backend development for something like a Bumble dating app might increase the cost to develop an app like Bumble depending on the inclusion of real-time services and extensive security features.

4. Platform Decision (iOS, Android, or Both)

Another factor that depends on the final cost to build an app like Bumble is the decision, of where to target, on iOS, Android, or both.

Creating for a single platform is also less expensive; however, reaching for both iOS and Android is nearly twice as expensive because of the fact that it entails two different actions.

There is always an option to use cross-platform frameworks such as Flutter or React Native which may lower or at least keep some of the cost to build an app like Bumble at the same level but on the whole.

5. Location of Development Team

The geographical location of the development team is one of the vital prerequisites of costing in the application development process.

For instance, a developer’s cost varies depending on the region; if you hire developers within North America or Western Europe, you will have to part with a lot of cash because their charges are based on hourly rates of $50-$200.

On the other hand, there is an opportunity to hire from Eastern Europe or India as it will cost less and has a rate of $20 to $60 per hour.

Depending on where your team is located, your development cost can increase if you want to work with a high-quality team, with a track record of outstanding achievements.

6. Features & Integrations

The cost to build an app like Bumble depends on the number and the functions elaboration of the app as a final product.

Even just the most fundamental functions such as a user profile, instant messaging, and location search are already crucial for the dating app.

But, when additional options such as video calls, integrations with chatbots, or an AI matching system are added, it will quickly bring your expenses to a different level.

Moreover, using third-party services, such as payments, social login, and other services, consider time as well as expenses.

7. Maintenance & Updates

After developing your app it is crucial to continue its maintenance and provide updates.

This comprises making corrections to documented bugs, checking the compatibility of applications with new OS releases, the addition of new features to the application, and attending to consumers’ feedback.

These ongoing tasks can build up over some time, which means the maintenance costs are a major component of the overall costs.

The cost of maintenance can be anywhere between 15-20% of the budgeted amount but complicated updates may bump this estimate up.

How Does Bumble Like App Make Money?

In today's market if you are planning to develop an app like Bumble you must understand how to make all that user activity pay.

Multiple monetization methods can be identified in Bumble and the like, but the main focus is on harmony and an uncomplicated approach to the customers.

Let’s explore how they do it!

1. Freemium Model

This model includes some of the features that can only be accessed only with paid subscriptions such as Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. It allows users to, for instance, see those who liked them, rematch, and profile extensions among others.

2. In-App Purchases

Most dating apps such as Bumble contain features where you can pay to get a boost, superSwipe, or something of the sort which makes your profile show up more frequently to other users you may be interested in.

3. Ads

Just as often, people place ads in the free version of the application, letting users decide which version to install with a paid license. No matter if ads are banners or sponsored content, they can provide a constant flow of income while the user consumes the app’s content.

4. Event Sponsorships

A few dating apps may organize events themselves or start partnerships with other brands to organize promoted in-app events or meetups. This allows real-life interaction with other users; this helps the brands that have paid to be identified with these events hence adding an advantage for the app.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Bumble, like all the other apps, could work with affiliate programs. For instance, services that are relationship, wellness, or even tourism-related could earn commissions from the referred sales.

Techanic Infotech: Your Partner to Develop an App like Bumble

Ready to make an app like Bumble? Take help of Techanic Infotech.

We are the market-leading dating app development company .

With years of experience in the market, we have made sure that our clients are satisfied and solutions are successful.

We have the expertise to create an app like Bumble and ensure that you earn good ROI. Connect with us.

Conclusion

Developing an app that is like Bumble is a great idea that should be embarked on having regarded a number of factors that contribute to its cost.

Depending on the complexity, design, backend, and location of the development team, the cost of the development can go between $20,000 — $70,000 and more.

When you can implement the right features then your app becomes successful and when you are creating the app, partnering with a good team like Techanic Infotech means that your dream becomes real.