Oh, Raya. Why do you torment us so? All we want to do is give our readers a complete review of the Raya dating app for 2024, and you still won’t let this writer on your platform (it’s been 3 years since she applied).
We know it’s not personal, but it feels personal when you aren’t accepted onto a super-exclusive dating app like Raya, but we’ll put aside our feelings of inadequacy and do a comprehensive review anyway—because we found a loophole.
Do we have friends on Raya? Yup. Did we ask one of them to give us a crash course on the details of the Raya dating app? We sure did! Now, before you go trying to kick someone off the app for breaking rules, there were none broken. We got no screenshots, no names, no personal info about dating profiles—just the facts.
So now that we know the ins and outs of this ultra-exclusive platform, is it worth the fretting that you’re not worthy of being accepted? Let’s find out with our complete review of the Raya dating app.
- Introduction to Raya
- Who Is Raya Best For?
- Compatibility Matching System
- Raya’s Communication Features
- Membership Options
- Creating Your Profile
- How to Delete Your Account
- Customer Service
- Raya’s Mobile App
- Frequently Ask Questions
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Introduction to Raya
The Raya dating app is an exclusive (to the point of exclusionary) membership-based dating app designed to connect people in creative industries like celebs, IG influencers, artists, etc.
Unlike more mainstream dating apps, Raya places a strong emphasis on privacy, discretion, and quality connections, partly because it aims to serve professionals and public figures.
The app uses an in-depth application process that includes a referral from an existing member, along with an evaluation by a committee, to ensure that its community remains selective. In this way, the Raya dating app strives to offer a much more curated dating experience for people who want to meet their true match.
A Brief Overview of Raya’s History and Success
Founded in 2015, Raya quickly gained attention as the “exclusive” dating app for people in creative industries, celebrities, and influencers. With its invitation-only membership model and stringent vetting process, it set itself apart from mainstream dating platforms.
The Raya dating app’s focus on privacy, which includes strict rules against screenshotting profiles (this is a huge no-no), further increased its allure among public figures and professionals who want and need discretion when it comes to dating.
While the app doesn’t publicly disclose user numbers, its high-profile endorsements and frequent mentions in the media have helped cement its reputation as a successful platform for romance. Over the years, Raya has evolved beyond just dating, offering networking and friendship options as well, but its core allure of exclusivity and quality matches remains its number one feature and draw for members.
Raya’s Unique Approach to Online Dating
Raya’s unique approach to online dating revolves around exclusivity, discretion, and a focus on high-caliber connections. Unlike dating apps that are open to anyone, Raya uses a strict membership-based model—applicants must be referred by an existing member and then pass through a vetting process that includes review by a committee. This results in a curated community of people largely from creative industries, including actors, musicians, artists, and execs.
Beyond dating, Raya has expanded to include options for networking and making platonic connections, catering to people who are not just looking for romantic partnerships but also professional opportunities or friendships. Overall, the Raya dating app’s unique approach aims to offer a more selective experience for those who want a first-rate online dating experience.
Is Signing Up for Raya Worth It?
Whether signing up for the Raya dating app is “worth it” largely depends on what you’re looking for in a dating app and, most importantly, whether you meet the app’s criteria!
We can tell you we think it’s def worth it because you might get matched with your celeb crush (it’s happened before), but if you aren’t accepted, whether it’s worth it is kind of a moot point.
Our Ratings
When we do our ratings for the five categories listed in the table below, we rank them on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, but since we couldn’t personally test them out in the case of the Raya dating app, we had to rely on our inside source and user feedback online. Not surprisingly, the Raya dating app came in with a great overall score of 3.9 out of 5.
Overall: 
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
Features | 4.0 |
Ease of Use | 4.0 |
Match Quality | 4.5 |
Cost | 3.0 |
Active User Base | 4.0 |
Overall | 3.9 |
What We Like
Up next, we’ll explore the elements that make Raya not just another dating app but a unique platform for those seeking a high-quality, exclusive connection.
- Exclusivity – One of Raya’s biggest selling points is its insular membership. The stringent vetting process ensures that users are part of a curated, high-quality community, often consisting of professionals in creative fields and even celebrities.
- Privacy – The Raya dating app takes user privacy seriously, employing strict rules against screenshotting profiles or conversations—if you are found to be in violation, you will be banned from the platform. This focus on discretion appeals to those who prioritize their privacy, particularly public figures.
- Pleasant User Experience – The app is well-designed with an intuitive interface, making for a seamless user experience—its sleek visuals and layout add to the app’s elite vibe.
- Networking Beyond Dating – Unlike many other dating apps, Raya also includes a social networking component, allowing users to make business connections and friendships, not just romantic matches. This multi-dimensional approach makes it more versatile for its user base.
What We Don’t Like
In the next section, we’ll shift gears to discuss the limitations and drawbacks that come with Raya’s exclusivity and design. Keep reading as we dissect the aspects that could use some improvement in this otherwise elite dating platform.
- Limited Accessibility – The Raya dating app’s exclusivity also means that only a select few are chosen to join the platform, which is obviously a huge downside for those who want to join. The strict vetting process means that the app isn’t accessible to the general public, excluding a majority of eligible singles based solely on their social status or industry.
- Expensive Membership – The cost of using Raya can be prohibitive for some, although it’s probably not a dealbreaker for most. Its monthly membership fee is certainly on the pricier side when compared to other dating app prices.
- Smaller User Base – While the selectivity of Raya leads to a curated user experience, it also results in a relatively limited pool of potential matches, particularly for those with more niche interests or who don’t live in or near major cities.
- Elitist – The emphasis on professional success and social clout fosters an environment that feels cliquish or superficial to some users, taking away from the authenticity of connections made on the platform.
Who Is Raya Best For?
Raya is best suited for individuals who are looking for a more exclusive, curated dating experience. This often includes professionals in creative fields such as entertainment, art, music, and fashion, as well as entrepreneurs and influencers. The app is also appealing to those who value privacy and discretion, including public figures or celebrities who want to keep their dating activities under wraps.
Additionally, Raya is a good fit for people interested in more than just romantic connections—it offers features that facilitate networking and friendship, making it versatile for those looking to expand their social circles beyond dating.
Demographics and User Base
Raya primarily targets a demographic of professionals in creative industries, including artists, musicians, actors, designers, photographers, and influencers. Given its stringent application process, the user base often skews toward individuals who are relatively successful or well-established in their fields. This creates an exclusive, “elite” atmosphere, although the app aims to be inclusive in terms of ethnicity, nationality, and sexual orientation.
Age-wise, the user base is generally young to middle-aged adults, with a majority falling in the 25-35 age range, although there are members who are both younger and older.
Raya’s global reach allows for an international user base, but it is most popular in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and other cultural hubs around the world where creative professionals often live and work.
Relationship Types Best Served by FriendFinder
Raya is versatile in the types of relationships it aims to foster, but it particularly excels in the following areas:
- Romantic Relationships: The primary focus is on helping individuals find meaningful romantic connections. Given the curated nature of its user base, Raya is conducive to forming relationships that are more serious or committed.
- Professional Networking: Raya has expanded its features to include professional networking opportunities. This makes it a useful platform for those looking to make business connections within creative industries.
- Platonic Friendships: The app also provides the option for users to seek platonic relationships, broadening its utility for those interested in expanding their social circles.
- High-Profile Dating: Due to its exclusivity and strong privacy features, the Raya dating app is the go-to for celebrities and other public figures who want a more discreet and secure platform for dating.
While Raya can facilitate a range of relationship types, its features and community are best suited for those seeking more meaningful, long-term connections rather than casual flings or hookups. The app’s multi-faceted approach makes it a good option for those who are open to different kinds of relationships!
The Raya’s Compatibility Matching System
Raya’s compatibility matching system relies on a combination of factors like shared interests, social circles, and career fields to recommend dating profiles, aiming to create meaningful connections within its tailored community.
How the Compatibility Matching System Works
Raya’s compatibility matching system uses a proprietary matching algorithm that takes into account various factors to suggest potential matches or its members.
These factors include shared interests, career fields, and sometimes even mutual friends or social connections, if available. Unlike some other dating platforms that rely heavily on questionnaires or personality tests, the Raya dating app leans more on the social and professional networks of its users to generate recommendations. The system sets its sights on presenting profiles that are not just attractive on a surface level but also offer the possibility of deeper, more meaningful connections, be it romantic, professional, or platonic.
Raya does not use personality assessments or questionnaires as part of its compatibility matching system. The app primarily relies on the info provided in your application, your career field, and social networks to recommend potential matches to members.
Communication Features
Raya’s communication features include a direct messaging system that supports both text and multimedia, allowing matched users to interact in a private and secure online setting.
Guided Communication
Raya does not offer guided communication features commonly found in some other dating platforms, where users are led through a series of predetermined questions or prompts to initiate conversation. Instead, once a match is made, Raya’s direct messaging system allows users to engage and interact, offering an organic way to get to know each other.
Secure Messaging and Video Calls
Raya offers an SSL-encrypted messaging feature that enables users to send multimedia messages within the app. This helps maintain user privacy and adds a layer of security by keeping interactions confined to the app’s environment. However, Raya does not offer in-app video calling features.
Icebreakers and Pre-Written Questions
Raya doesn’t offer features like icebreakers or pre-written questions to facilitate conversations between users—it wants to encourage real interactions through its direct messaging system once a match is made. This approach aligns with Raya’s target to offer a more natural and less structured environment for its community.
Raya’s Membership Options
Raya operates on a subscription-based model–after going through a rigorous application process and being approved, users are typically required to pay a monthly membership fee to access the app’s full features.
Like some other dating apps, Raya doesn’t have a free tier with restricted capabilities; its services are solely available to paid customers. This subscription-based business model helps to keep the app’s distinctiveness and high level of user experience.
Premium Membership Benefits and Pricing
There is only one standard subscription that allows you access to all functions, including chatting, browsing profiles, and viewing your matches; there are no tier-based membership alternatives giving different levels of access. The only thing that differs between premium plans is the length of the membership.
The price of the premium membership, while not cheap, is actually rather reasonable. With a paid subscription, members of the Raya dating app get access to all of the app’s features, including chat, strong safety features, all three of the app’s modes, strict moderation, and more.
In the table below, you can compare the pricing of both the regular membership plans and the Raya+ membership.
Premium
| Membership Length | Cost Per Month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
1 Month | $19.99 | $19.99 |
6 Months | $14.99 | $89.99 |
12 Months | $9.99 | $119.00 |
Raya+
| Membership Length | Cost Per Month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
1 Month | $49.99 | $49.99 |
6 Months | $39.99 | $239.99 |
12 Months | $29.99 | $349.99 |
Discounts and Promotions
As of the publication of this review, there are no discounts or promotions listed publicly, although they may offer them to approved members; we just don’t know about it since we aren’t members!
Creating Your FriendFinder Profile
The Raya dating app is simple to sign up for, but your chances of getting in are highly unlikely–you’ll be waitlisted among the other dating peasants unless you know other app users who will suggest you (which is still no guarantee), are an IG influencer with a big following or are an actual celebrity or famous person.
However, there’s nothing wrong with signing up and trying, so we’ve included a step-by-step guide below. There is no internet version or app for Android; iOS is the only platform that the app supports.
NOTE: Despite what we often do, there are no images of each step because, according to the Raya dating app, taking screenshots will get you banned!
Step 1: Download the Raya Dating App
Search for the Raya dating app in the Apple store, then click “GET” to download. Open the app after you see it on your phone or tablet to begin.
Step 2: Enter Basic Details
You are required to fill out the following information to register: first and last name, email address, birthdate, and Instagram handle (if you don’t have an Instagram account, stop immediately–you need one to sign up).
Step 3: Enter Your Location and Profession
Enter your current location (including your home and birthplace), your profession, what you do for a living, and, if applicable, the company where you work.
Step 4: Verify Your Mobile Phone Number
Enter your mobile phone number. Once you get the verification code, enter it into the specified field.
Step 5: Add Referral(s)
At this stage, you have the opportunity to include referrals, which are individuals you personally know that are already members of the Raya dating app. You can browse through your synced contacts, and Raya will reach out to them on your behalf to endorse your application.
Step 6: Wait and Cross Your Fingers and Toes
The next step is to wait–and then probably wait some more. In the meantime, we’re crossing our fingers that you already have some contacts on the Raya dating app who will be willing to vouch for you!
How to Delete an Account
We don’t know why anyone would ever delete a Raya dating app account, even if they met the love of their life, simply because applying and getting approved again would be a lot! But if you are over Raya for any reason, follow the steps below to delete your account.
Once again, we’re sorry we aren’t able to provide screenshots like we usually do with our dating app reviews!
Step-by-Step Guide to Account Deletion
- Open the Raya dating app: To get started, open the Raya app on your device and log into the account that you want to delete.
- Go to your account settings: Go to your dating profile and locate the option for account settings. The settings icon is typically depicted as a gear or three dots located in the upper right of the screen.
- Select the “Delete Account” option: You will find an option labeled “Delete Account” within the account settings.
- Confirm your decision: When you click on the “Delete Account” option, the app will prompt you to verify your decision.
- Enter your password: In order to avoid accidental deletions, the app asks you to enter your password–this security measure is in place to guarantee that only you have the ability to delete your account.
Customer Service
Raya’s customer service is primarily conducted through in-app email support (contact@rayatheapp.com).
Raya Dating App’s Mobile App
The Raya Dating App offers a sleek, user-friendly mobile experience designed to easily connect its upper-crust community of creative professionals.
Raya’s mobile app features a streamlined, user-friendly design that includes essential functionalities like direct messaging, a “Discovery” section for profile exploration, and “Social Stories” for a more dynamic profile experience. Its commitment to privacy is evident in its no-screenshot policy, and the inclusion of Spotify integration adds an entertaining musical flourish to user dating profiles.
Compatibility
Raya’s mobile app is available for iOS devices and can be downloaded from the App Store. The app has been optimized for iPhones, so its compatibility with other iOS devices like iPads can vary depending on the year and model. Currently, there is no official Android version of the Raya app, making it only available to Apple users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since we aren’t members of the Raya dating app ourselves, we tried our best to fill in the blanks concerning this ultra-exclusive dating platform; still, if we missed something, kindly don’t hold it against us! Maybe one day we’ll get on, but in the meantime, here are the most frequently asked questions that readers have had regarding the Raya dating app.
How Difficult Is It to Join the Raya Dating App?
The process of creating a Raya dating profile couldn’t be easier–the catch, though, is that it’s extremely difficult—almost impossible—to be approved as a member due to the platform’s extreme selectiveness, and ordinary people can anticipate having to wait quite some time for this to happen, if at all.
Can a Member of the Raya App Refer Me?
Yes! Your best chance to gain entry to the platform is by far through referrals from current users of the Raya dating app. If you apply without a referral, you will have to wait, and even if you have a referral, you might still have to wait.
Can I Try the Raya Dating App for Free?
Nope! The Raya app does not offer a free trial or a “freemium” membership. Once you are accepted onto the platform, you have to purchase a premium membership.
Why Are Screenshots Not Permitted?
The Raya App strictly prohibits taking screenshots to ensure member trust and privacy. Users who attempt to capture screenshots will receive a warning through a pop-up window and may face a permanent ban from the dating app.
Is It Safe to Use the Raya Dating App?
Absolutely. This dating app is known for its high level of safety when it comes to fake dating profiles and scammers–this is because they have a strict approval and acceptance process. In terms of data safety, they prioritize the protection of members’ personal information and details by using SSL data encryption, which is the same encryption method used for secure online transactions.
How Do I Cancel My Premium Membership?
To cancel your premium membership, please reach out to Raya’s customer service department via email and notify them of your request.
Can I Sign Up for the Raya Dating App if I Don’t Have an Instagram Account?
Sorry, but no! To sign up for the Raya dating app, it is required to have an active Instagram account–during the registration process, you will be asked to link your Instagram account.
Is It Possible to Reapply After Being Banned?
If the Raya dating app has permanently removed your account, you will not be able to re-register–your contact details (phone number, email address, etc.) are now on a blacklist, and changing your contact information and reapplying for membership is a long shot at best.
If I’ve Signed Up, How Will I Know If I’m Accepted?
Here is a simple way to check the status of your Raya dating app application:
• Open the Raya dating app.
• To access the status of your application, simply click on the “Check my Status” link.
• You might need to enter your phone number for verification purposes.
• Check your status.
Why Is It So Difficult to Join the Raya Dating App?
Although it may feel personal, the Raya dating app only accepts approximately 10% of all applicants. The objective is to maintain the idea of exclusivity and affluence and it acts as a deterrent for celebrity fans and potential stalkers who might misuse the platform to harass celebrities.
The likelihood of being accepted to the Raya app is greatly influenced by your social media presence. So, if you are determined to improve your chances of being accepted, it is recommended to start actively posting and engaging on social media to grow your online presence!