Over the past few years, the Raya dating app has been the talk of the town, especially on social media. It seems many famous people, from celebrities to influencers, have raved about this exclusive dating service, where those of a certain social standing go to meet like-minded singles. 

But does the dating app only accept celebrities and social influencers? And even if you get accepted to the platform, can you swing the cost of membership? 

We’ve analyzed everything you need to know about this dating app, from reviews to costs, to help you decide if it’s worth signing up. 

Raya Dating App: Reviews, Whether Celebs Actually Use It, and (We Know it Matters) Cost in 2024

What is Raya?

Raya is a private, membership-based dating app in which users must submit an application and get accepted before they have access to the platform. 

Often referred to as the Illuminati Tinder and Tinder for Celebrities, the app was designed to connect celebrities and influencers in the entertainment industry, but it does welcome non-celebrities to join. That said, there is a stringent review process, with the app only accepting 8% of those who apply. 

What are Raya’s reviews like? 

The Raya reviews were mixed. The positive reviews focused on the app’s exclusivity and access to interesting candidates. In contrast, the negative reviews complained about the application process and waitlist and the inability to filter singles by location. 

Raya Reviews on App Store

Raya has earned 4.1 stars on the App Store. While some reviewers appreciated that the app gave them access to like-minded, creative individuals, many were discouraged by the app’s algorithms, which only provide a limited pool of candidates and do not show local suggestions.  

Raya Reviews on Publishers:

Here’s how several online publishers have covered Raya Dating App.

Dating Scout Review:

Dating Scout Review gave the Raya app 3.5 stars, praising it for providing a secure and exclusive space for the elite to mingle. However, the reviews highlighted some pitfalls, such as the fact that it can take a long time to get approved, it only has a limited number of active users, and it is only available for those with iPhones. 

Refinery 29 Review 

The Refinery 29 Raya review gave Raya a somewhat glowing review, but it’s important to note that the review was written back in 2017. While some aspects may have since changed, at the time, the reviewer liked the app for its access to an “exclusive community of like-minded creative people,” which also provided an opportunity for her to make friends and network. 

Raya Reviews on Reddit

The majority of conversations about Raya on Reddit involved complaints about not being accepted or being stuck on the waitlist for months at a time. Many of the commenters were seeking referrals from current members to help get them approved. 

Does Raya have any complaints, lawsuits, or scandals? 

There have been some instances where Raya users have leaked and shared their private interactions with celebrities on the app. While Raya has measures in place to help keep the platform private and secure, some instances are outside of their control. 

That said, we are not aware of any lawsuits associated with the app. 

So, is Raya Legit or a Scam? 

Raya is a legit, registered online dating service.

How does Raya work? 

Raya is a membership-based dating app, so you must fill out an application to apply, providing details like your name, occupation, and Instagram handle. The Raya committee will then review your application and either accept it or place you on the waiting list. 

If and when you get accepted, the app lets you pull in a slideshow of photos from your Instagram profile and select a song as a soundtrack. The app provides a limited selection of candidates for you to review each day. You can match with another by mutually liking each other’s profiles, and then you’re given permission to message each other within the app. 

How do you qualify for the Raya dating app? 

While there are no hard-and-fast rules for qualifying for Raya, your social media influence and celebrity status are probably considered, given the app’s emphasis on exclusivity. Since the dating app is linked to your Instagram profile, it’s assumed your online presence and number of followers will likely be taken into consideration during the vetting process. Other qualifying factors may include receiving a referral from a current user and having a career or notoriety in the entertainment industry. 

Do celebrities really use Raya? 

Yes, according to Raya users, celebrities on the app include famous actors and musicians, well-known comedians, NBA players, influencers, and creative entrepreneurs. 

Which celebrities use Raya? 

A wide range of celebrities have admitted to or been rumored to have used the app in the past, such as Demi Lovato, Channing Tatum, Drew Barrymore, Joe Jonas, Amy Schumer, John Mayer, and Lizzo. 

How do Raya likes work? 

Raya matches are based on likes. If you like a user’s profile and they like yours back, it’s considered a match. Once you both match, you can message each other within the app and see each other’s full Instagram profiles. 

How do you see who likes you on Raya? 

Those who have liked you will have a badge that appears on their profile so you can tell who is interested in you when you’re scrolling through the eligible candidates. 

Is Raya a social network as well now? 

While it’s not necessarily advertised as a social network, many Raya users refer to it as such. The dating app provides a safe space for individuals in the same industry and community to meet and even has features to help you network with other professionals. 

How much does Raya cost? 

Membership only costs $19.99 a month, but for a six-month subscription, you’ll pay $15.99/month, and for an annual subscription, you’ll pay $9.99/month. For additional perks, like more likes and swipes, you can sign up for the Raya+ membership, which costs $49.99 for one month, $39.99/month for six months, and $29/month for one year. 

Is Raya worth the money? 

It depends. If dating celebrities, influencers, and individuals in the entertainment or creative industries is important to you, then it may be worth giving Raya a chance. 

That said, be aware of some of the frustrations associated with this dating app, like how you may not get accepted and how the app only gives you a set number of profiles to review each day—and those singles might not even live in your city. 

What is Raya’s success rate? 

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any details regarding Raya’s success rate.