Raya Dating App Review 2023
| Active Audience | 82% |
| Quality Matches | 94% |
| Popular Age | 18-23 |
| Profiles | 650 000 |
| Reply Rate | 90% |
| Ease of Use | 8.8 |
| Popularity | 9.2 |
| Fraud | Very Rarely |
| Rating | |
| Registration | Free |
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04 Jan 2021Updated:27 Jan 2022
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3152 Views
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9 min read
Pros and Cons
- All the members undergo a strict vetting process. All the profiles here are mostly high-quality and exciting people.
- It is less costly at a $7.99 membership fee per month compared with other exclusive dating apps.
- The app is not exclusive to dating; it is also a networking site where many users can do networking.
- The app has better security and puts much importance on discretion.
- Due to the strict screening process, it has a lower user pool.
- The acceptance at the site is influenced by social media influence.
- The users are based mainly in Los Angeles and New York.
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What is Raya?
When it comes to online dating apps, we are certainly not short of options. There are a lot of sites to visit and join in search of the “One.” However, with many options offering the same menu, it can be an endless swiping game without getting any results.
But, there are dating sites that break the mold. This one caters to a special group of singles, otherwise known as niche dating apps. One of them is Raya. This exclusive online dating app is private, and indeed, the most talked about in hush. Let’s see this Raya review.
Many people call it the dating app for the rich and famous. There’s a reason for that. Many of its users swear that they have encountered profiles of actors, models, musicians, and other celebrities on their search for a date. And these people do not settle for average Joe or Jane. They target the upper crust of society.
This much is true because, according to the people behind Raya, this dating app is designed for creatives. Mind you, these qualities are not present in many people, and this dating site actually requires it to be in.
Have we gotten your attention? This Raya review will have all the scoop you need about this very exclusive online dating app if it does.
Is Raya Legit or Scam?
In this Raya review, we must mention that it stands out from the pack of dating apps because of its exclusivity. It caters to the people who are moving into the creative industries. The site works as a celebrity dating app and a place where ‘famous people” meet and mingle.
It has a strict vetting process, and there is an anonymous committee that does this. The criteria on how this committee screens the application is unclear. But one of its criteria is the applicant’s influence on Instagram. Some of the critics of Raya have raised their eyebrows on this. They are questioning how the number of followers makes a difference in a person’s ‘dateability.’
The app is still new and came to be in 2015. Because the app is so exclusive, not everybody knows about it, and it does not make any effort about it. They want to stay this way, out of the press and the spotlight. Many people criticized them for being too exclusive.
But that’s what Raya wants. It remains true to being a niche dating app for celebrities and famous people. Some call it an elitist, and with the monthly membership fee, not many can afford it; it is selective with its members.
What are the Members of the Site?
As an elite, members-only dating, networking, and making new friends app, Raya is unofficially known as the celebrity dating app that caters to the rich and famous.
With that being said, you would expect the members in this dating app are unique. What the screening committee is looking for is the elusive X-factor. It has an eclectic mix of poets, painters, researchers, and many more. It is also open to the LGBTQ community.
According to the dating app, there are about 100,000 people who are on the waiting list. And out of these numbers, only 8% can get to go behind the curtains. Raya has a community of 10,000 members. There are no other details about the app. That’s how discrete it is.
Gender Breakdown
The gender rate is almost equal on Raya, with 55% of men and 45% of women. Given how the app is vetting its applicant, we bet that they make sure that there is a high probability of a match. And once again, like in The League, there is an almost equal distribution between the male and female members.
Age Distribution Explained
The exclusivity and serious screening process of Raya give it a unique age distribution. While there is no concrete data available from the site, we can only infer that the app members are more towards the 25-44 age bracket and fewer on other age groups. That means younger ones dominate it with middle-aged to mature members.
Getting Into Raya
If you want to be a member of Raya, then you should be prepared for some work. Just like other exclusive dating apps, getting in is hard, and it’s supposed to be hard. You should be a creative person and should be at the top of your game so that you can join the ranks of celebrities and VIPs. You can also find high profile singles, athletes, and top-level executives here on top of celebrities.
The first part of the application is to fill in an application form. You need to supply the basic information: name, gender, email address, and birthday. Next is your Instagram credentials (more on this later) and your occupation and career field. You select up to 2 industries, that’s not a problem.
In this Raya review, we also need to mention that you will be asked for your mobile number, too, for account verification. The last step would be to name a current member or Raya, who can provide a referral. If you don’t have anyone, you can skip this and submit the application.
An anonymous acceptance committee reviews this application made up of individuals of different interests, backgrounds, etc. According to the grapevine, the applicant should have it all: money, the right connections, good looks, and lots (meaning: thousands) of Instagram followers.
Yes, part of your application is to grant the committee access to your IG because they will check it. Your IG influence and how many of the members are following you can influence your acceptance to the Raya community.
Another requirement that you have to meet is a referral from an existing Raya member for you to get in. And the influence of this member has a more prominent weight on your application. However, having no referral should not deter you from submitting your application. The committee will still evaluate the application.
The length of time it takes to know whether you are accepted may vary because the waiting list keeps on changing. If you are not accepted, you will receive a rejection letter from Raya.
Let’s move on with our Raya review.
Looking Great on Your Profile
After the rigmarole of getting to the front door, the next thing you need to do is to set up your profile. There are two profiles that you need to work on: for dating and for networking.
The profiles at Raya are upgraded; they come in video format. You can also curate several photos of yourself and set it on a soundtrack. The profiles are available for viewing, and your prospective partners can access them.
How Raya Works
Once you have completed your profile, you are now ready to mingle. But before you do that, there are strict rules you have to follow; otherwise, you will be kicked out of the club.
The app has zero-tolerance for rude behaviors and disrespect, and it asks you to behave like an adult. You will not proceed unless you confirm this message on the interstitial screen every time you access the app. It means no sleazy pick-up lines and objectifying language on the site.
Raya values the privacy of its members. You will be warned against taking a screenshot, and if you insist on doing this after several warnings, your account will be canceled.
If you find Raya to be so strict, that’s because you are not swiping through anybody and plenty of annoying messages. And the users here are serious people who don’t want to lose their access. What Raya offers is recreating the feeling of networking and dating in a small community, and your reputation is at stake. It is something that Tinder can’t provide.
Once your profile becomes active, you can start reviewing carefully curated matches. When you are interested in a profile, you can show your interest by tapping on the checkmark. Tap X if you are not interested. When both of you are interested in each other, you can proceed to exchange messages. You can also switch to Social Mode. It’s a place for networking.
The app will show you members in your city and around the world because its goal is to get its users to meet their matches in person; it lets you see people on a map. The GPS will show you if they are in the same hotspots like cafes, bars, or dance halls. The idea is if both the users swipe right, you don’t have to message each other but proceed to meet face-to-face.
Raya has made it easy for users to filter by gender and age when looking through social connections. You can also browse through the industry like “Arts and Design,” “Entertainment and Culture”, etc. The short bio and slideshow will give you an idea of who someone is on the app.
The Platform
When you compare Raya with other online dating platforms, the similarity ends at swiping. It is clearly a more professional platform for dating and networking.
Desktop Version
Raya maintains a website to provide information about membership and how its services work. You cannot sign in or use it for communication.
Mobile App
The first thing you should know about the app is it’s available only for iOS users. It’s free to download, and this is where you are going to create your account. After signing up, a message will be displayed on the screen to wait for the notification.
The iOS-only app follows the swiping for the ‘like and pass’ structure of Tinder. And once you are mutually interested in each other, the message window will pop up.
What About Design and Usability?
Raya has a simple design without much clutter, but you can tell that it is professional just by looking at it. You will find out everything you need on the app in one location. The features are also user-friendly and easy to navigate with a sharp and crisp feel. Let’s move on with our Raya review.
Navigating the Site
Even if you are not a tech-savvy person, you easily understand the features, and if you have questions, you can check the answers at the app. The app also has a clean interface, and you will not get distracted by the ads.
The Cost of Membership at Raya
Raya firmly believes that if they make the app free, it can devalue the experience. The users who signed up and got accepted have to pay for a monthly membership fee.
Here is the cost of membership at the app.
- Monthly Membership $9.99
- Six-months membership $49.99
Although all the app features can only be accessed through paid membership, the cost is on the average if you compare it with other dating apps.
Paid vs. Free Services
The details of Raya’s free and paid services are as follows:
Free Services
- Downloading the app
- Application process
Paid Services
- Unlimited messaging
- Use of all its features
- Unlimited access to profiles
The Payment Process
Once you receive the notification that your application at Raya is accepted, you need to pay outright for the membership as the last step of the application process. As a member, you will enjoy the services and perks that come along with it.
Available Payment Options
Raya only accepts credit cards as payment options. All the credit card transactions at the app are secured.
Safety & Security Details
Raya has an intricate application and selection process. That’s because it wants to make the members feel secure and comfortable interacting with one another. Each of them is selected for a reason, and they are all verified. So, there are no fake profiles here.
Members are also safe from getting spammed at Raya. Because there are no fake accounts, it’s free from ‘catfishing.’ The app has done an excellent job of removing scammers and individuals that don’t qualify.
Controversies and Scam Encounters
Raya is open about its notorious vetting process, and hence, you will not find scammers at the app. But there is no clear picture of the selection criteria aside from the Instagram influence. The mysterious algorithm is a contention point because many people insist that it is not much you can get from the social network.
Others argue that social media has pseudo-reality characteristics. People in the pictures are heavily photoshopped and can curate photos of the life they want to portray. In short, Raya is said to rely only on physical attractiveness and other superficial qualities. There are no personality questionnaires or compatibility tests for the applicants to take in the app.
Some users are quite happy with the members being well-behaved and classy, while others complain that the app is attracting the wrong crowd, with many of them are just looking for a job. One even called it a social-climbing app.
Special Features You Should Know About
Aside from its unique profile video, Raya has few features that you will not find in any other dating app. Here are the special features that users can find interesting to use.
Work Mode
This is a networking mode where you can find professional connections using the app. Use the work mode to find people who are in the same company or industry.
Social Mode
Use social mode when you want to find friends or relationships. The app has people from various creative industries. This feature has a map that shows different hotspots where other users of the app are. It eliminates the need for back and forth messaging and lets the members meet face-to-face when they are in the same location, and of course, are both interested.
Final Conclusion
Raya has adopted the swiping technique of Tinder, but it is more exclusive and has a tightly knit community. With its primary goal of connecting people in creative individuals together, the app does not have a matching algorithm to help users find their perfect partner.
We found the app to be filled with superficials from the required Instagram account as the basis of acceptance to the necessary connections to be in. The app seems to be selecting the members based on their physical attractiveness.
The app is better suited for young hip individuals who are tired of Tinder but with a similar structure. Raya keeps its members secure and has strong policies on discretion. Despite the superficial, this dating app has a lot of potential in finding the “One’ or your next job. Whatever the case, then the membership is all worth it.
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