Top Features Tinder-like App Must Have to Attract Gen Z User

Last Updated on July 11, 2025

Let’s face it—Gen Z isn’t swiping right on apps that feel like they were built in 2015. They grew up with Instagram filters, TikTok trends, and AI that knows their coffee order. If you’re building a Tinder-like app and want to hook this digital-native crowd, basic just won’t cut it. You need real-time features, aesthetic UX, and tech that feels intelligent—think hyper-personalization, AI match suggestions, and gamified onboarding. 

In this blog, we’re breaking down the must-have features your dating app needs to compete in today’s swipe economy. No fluff, just conversion-focused insights backed by user behavior data and mobile UI/UX best practices. Whether you’re an indie founder or a funded startup, this guide delivers the product playbook for Gen Z retention, plus tech stack tips your dev team will actually appreciate. Because let’s be honest: if your app’s not vibing, Gen Z is ghosting. Let’s make it un-ghostable.

Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) of a Tinder-like App: Meet the Gen Zs

If you’re building a dating app in 2025 and ignoring Gen Z, you’re already swiping left on growth. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, makes up over 40% of global consumers and 60% of all dating app users under 30. They’re mobile-first, socially aware, and crave authentic connections over curated profiles. They spend an average of 4.5 hours/day on mobile, and 64% say dating apps help them “understand themselves better”.

What makes them tick? Personalization. Instant feedback. Aesthetics that mirror TikTok, not Craigslist. They expect AI-assisted matchmaking, video-based bios, and privacy-first controls. They’re also quick to churn, 33% delete apps within a week if onboarding isn’t smooth or vibes feel off.

They don’t just date, they interact. Your app needs to feel like a friend, not a platform. That means smart UX, zero cringes, and a backend powered by real-time data syncing, ML-driven behavioral tagging, and gamified engagement loops.

If your product isn’t built for this digitally fluent, hyper-aware crowd, you’re losing to apps that are. Gen Z doesn’t settle, and your tech shouldn’t either. Build for them, or get ghosted.

Latest Dating App Market Statistics

The dating app market is swiping up fast. In 2025, the global online dating industry is worth $13.1 billion, with 366 million active users worldwide. The U.S. leads with 53.3 million users, and Gen Z now makes up over 45% of new app signups. Apps with AI match algorithms and short-form video have seen a 29% higher retention rate than traditional swipe models.

The global dating app market is booming, with the U.S. leading the charge at a 21.9% penetration rate and generating a massive $2,477 million in revenue. China follows with $1,547 million, despite a lower 9.1% penetration. India, with just 5.8% penetration, still accounts for $398 million, indicating huge growth potential. The UK (19.1%) and Japan (9.5%) also show strong user engagement. Even emerging markets like South Africa and Brazil are gaining traction, showing that online dating is becoming a global norm. These figures reflect both cultural shifts and the rising demand for digital-first relationship platforms across diverse regions and user bases.

As of 2022, Tinder leads the global online dating market with a 16% share, followed by Bumble at 9%. Hinge, Badoo, and Tantan each hold 5%, while MeetMe, Plenty of Fish, MOMO, and Soul follow with smaller shares. Interestingly, Grindr captures only 2% despite its niche popularity. What stands out most is that 45% of the market belongs to “Other” platforms, highlighting the fragmented and diverse nature of the dating app space. This opens up opportunities for new entrants with unique value propositions. The data shows there’s room for innovation beyond the big names, especially for niche or feature-rich apps.

Features Every Tinder-like App Must Have

Tinder cracked the code—but Gen Z wants more than just a swipe. If you’re building a Tinder-like app in 2025, here are 12 features you must get right to stay relevant.

Swipe 2.0 with Microinteractions

Swiping isn’t dead—it just needs a glow-up. Gen Z grew up on Instagram Stories, TikTok trends, and snappy UX. That means they expect every gesture in your app to feel alive. Enter micro-interactions: small, purposeful animations or responses that give instant feedback. Think of vibrations when you swipe, animated emojis when you like someone, or a sparkle effect when there’s a match. These subtle moments reduce friction and increase user satisfaction by providing clarity and delight. 

According to UXCam, apps that implemented gesture-based feedback saw a 17% increase in time-on-app. Not only do these features boost engagement, but they also provide a seamless and sensory-rich experience. Want your app to feel polished and modern? Layer in tactile feedback, smooth transitions, hover animations, and responsive visuals. Swiping should feel less like scrolling through a list and more like an experience. 

When done right, even a simple left or right motion can keep users engaged longer and returning more frequently. Pro tip: add sound effects that match swipe actions—it can increase engagement up to 9%, especially among Gen Z users. Build swipes that spark dopamine, and watch your retention rate soar. See how top apps are using microinteractions in Building a Dating App? Here’s Where the Top Players Are Winning.

AI-Powered Matchmaking

Forget surface-level compatibility. Gen Z users want meaningful, personalized connections that go beyond looks, and AI is the only way to scale that. By leveraging machine learning models and behavioral clustering, your dating app can deliver smarter, more emotionally aligned matches. These systems analyze user interactions—like swiping patterns, chat activity, and dwell time on profiles—to create dynamic compatibility scores. 

When AI curates the match list, users are more likely to swipe right and stick around. A 2024 report by Dating Insights Lab found that AI-generated match suggestions led to a 28% increase in message initiation and a 22% boost in retention after 30 days. You can also integrate AI personality models (such as MBTI or Big Five) and utilize emotional sentiment detection via NLP to create deeply personalized experiences. 

Gen Z doesn’t want randomness—they want relevancy, and AI can give that in real time. Push recommendations, smart filters, and match refreshes based on changing behavior all help keep the experience fresh and engaging. It’s not about more matches—it’s about better matches. When users feel seen and understood, they don’t just use your app—they promote it. Check out our full “Guide to Develop Dating Chatbots” to explore how AI can enhance engagement and retention.

Real-Time Profile Verification

Catfishing is a deal-breaker, especially for digitally-savvy Gen Z users. They want to know the person they’re chatting with is legit, and you can’t deliver that with just a name and a photo. Real-time profile verification solves this credibility gap. By using biometric tools like face-matching, selfie prompts, and liveness detection, your app can verify users instantly and securely. Verified profiles earn trust, and trust leads to matches. According to GetSafe Online, verified profiles receive 40% more engagement on average.

Add a visual verification badge as a trust signal—it’s a small UI change that has a massive psychological impact. You can also gamify verification by offering bonus features or boosts once a profile is confirmed. Want to go further? Offer re-verification every 6–12 months or integrate multi-step ID verification for premium users. 

From a tech standpoint, APIs from tools like Onfido, Jumio, or FaceTec make integration smooth and GDPR-compliant. This doesn’t just improve UX—it protects your brand. Before launching your dating app, you must be aware of the future of dating apps, as it reveals real-time verification strategies that increase trust and retention. Nothing damages a dating app’s reputation faster than a viral catfishing story. Real-time verification is your first line of defense, and it shows Gen Z that you’re serious about safety and authenticity.

Video-First Profiles

Photos are static, flat, and often filtered beyond recognition. Gen Z, raised on TikTok and BeReal, craves authenticity, and that means video-first profiles are no longer optional. Adding 15 to 30-second intro clips lets users show their voice, energy, and vibe in a way images never could. In fact, apps that offer video profiles see a 31% higher engagement rate. To understand how to generate revenue from video profiles, check out Tinder’s business model. 

The best part? Video builds trust. When users can hear someone talk, see their body language, and watch them answer prompts, the experience becomes richer and more human. Make this feature simple to use: one-tap recording, filters (for confidence), and creative prompts like “What’s your love language?” or “Describe your perfect Sunday.” Offer video-only browsing modes for those who prefer more dynamic discovery. Want a pro tip? 

Let users react to videos with emojis or replies—turn passive watching into active engagement. From a tech angle, optimize with adaptive bitrate streaming, compression codecs like H.265, and edge caching for smoother playback. Gen Z wants a dating app that feels more like a social feed and less like a digital resume. Video-first doesn’t just boost matches—it boosts authenticity, credibility, and long-term stickiness.

Gamified Onboarding

Let’s be honest—nobody wants to answer a 20-question bio when they first open a dating app. Gen Z has no patience for boring forms. That’s where gamified onboarding comes in. By turning the signup process into a swipeable, tappable, enjoyable experience, you reduce drop-offs and increase profile completion rates. 

Replace static forms with interactive quizzes, mood boards, and slider-based inputs. Incorporate dynamic progress bars, rewards, and even personality badges unlocked through completion. According to Mixpanel, apps with gamified onboarding retain 33% more users after Day 7.
You can even reward users with profile boosts or in-app currency for completing steps. Ask questions like “Choose your vibe” or “Rate these activities from chill to thrilling” using Tinder-style tiles. Use this data for smarter matchmaking from Day 1. 

From a backend perspective, track user flow with event tagging and funnel analysis to continually optimize conversion. Gen Z loves personalization—but only if it feels fun and frictionless. “How to Create a Successful Dating App” outlines more gamification tactics to improve user retention. Gamified onboarding isn’t just a cool UX trick—it’s your first impression. Make it feel more like a game, and less like an application form, and users will stick around longer.

Smart Icebreakers & AI Chat Assistants

The match is just the beginning—Gen Z wants meaningful convos, not dry small talk. That’s where AI-powered chat enhancers come in. Instead of leaving users to awkwardly say “Hey,” offer smart icebreakers based on profile overlap, mutual interests, or recent activity. Even better? Integrate an AI wingman who can suggest or auto-generate witty openers and thoughtful responses. According to App Annie, apps with built-in conversation starters see a 24% increase in first-message replies.
These tools don’t just remove friction—they make chatting feel like a game. Offer fun first-message templates, GIF-based replies, or trending meme generators. For the backend, use NLP (Natural Language Processing) and GPT-style AI to learn tone, context, and response preferences. 

Add feedback tools so users can “like” or “dislike” AI suggestions to train personalization. Bonus: This feature is a goldmine for freemium monetization—limit AI responses on free plans and unlock premium options for paid users. Gen Z loves personalization and convenience. With smart icebreakers and AI chat, your app becomes not just a dating platform but a social co-pilot.

Also read: Revenue Models of Popular Dating Apps

Interest-Based Communities & Vibe Filters

Dating is no longer just about finding someone attractive—it’s about finding someone who gets you. That’s why vibe filters and niche communities are the future. Gen Z users don’t just want broad filters like age or location—they want “plant parent,” “Marvel nerd,” or “introvert energy.” Create in-app communities or hashtags that users can join and match within. According to YPulse, Gen Z is 70% more likely to stick with apps that support identity-based groups or micro-communities.

Design your app so users can filter matches by lifestyle, passions, or causes—think astrology signs, favorite playlists, or even meme types. Enable vibe badges on profiles and group chat rooms for shared interests. The result? A more socially sticky experience where users form real bonds, not just blind swipes. This feature boosts both match quality and in-app engagement. 

Backend-wise, build dynamic tagging and allow users to select multiple communities during onboarding. And yes, this makes for perfect upsell opportunities (e.g. unlock “premium vibes” with a subscription). Vibe-based dating is authentic dating, and that’s exactly what Gen Z is after.

Hyper-Personalized Discovery Feed

Gen Z expects every digital experience to feel like it’s made for them—and that includes dating. A generic swipe queue won’t cut it anymore. Enter: personalized discovery feeds. Use behavioral data, interaction history, and real-time user signals to serve curated matches instead of static profiles.

According to Branch.io, apps using algorithmic personalization saw 26% more daily active users and a major spike in retention.
Here’s how to do it right: base your feed on likes, skips, conversations, scroll time, and reaction data. Integrate collaborative filtering and deep learning to constantly improve match relevance. Let users customize their feed with toggles like “Show more creatives,” “Match my energy,” or “Surprise me.” You’re not just offering options—you’re building emotional intelligence into your product. 

Visually, ditch the static card stack and create dynamic feed layouts, à la TikTok or Pinterest. Think swipeable grids, scroll-based discovery, and video-first tiles. This UX evolution makes your app feel modern, responsive, and addictive—in a good way. If Tinder 1.0 was “anyone nearby,” Tinder 3.0 is “exactly who I didn’t know I needed.” For developers building at scale, tackling localization, cultural preferences, and data diversity is crucial, explore solutions in our blog on Overcoming Key Challenges in Developing a Global Dating App.

In-App Video & Voice Calling

Gen Z wants a connection before the coffee date. In-app calling—both video and voice—is quickly becoming a must-have feature. And no, not with Zoom vibes—this should feel native, smooth, and safe. According to Statista, 38% of Gen Z users prefer video chatting with matches before meeting in person. It builds trust and comfort, and yes, cuts out the awkward first-date energy.
Offer time-limited voice notes, video call options after mutual matches, and even gamified “first call” badges. Make it fun: let users send call invites with stickers or challenge prompts like “Truth or Dare” or “This or That.” Backend tools like Agora, Twilio, or Daily.co can help you embed secure, high-quality WebRTC-powered calls with minimal setup. 

Bonus: you can gate-calling features under premium plans or offer call boosts for verified users. Safety is key here—include options to blur the video, report/block in real-time and auto-end calls after inactivity. With Gen Z leaning into digital intimacy, calls aren’t just convenient—they’re the new first date.

Built-In Safety & Consent Controls

Safety is non-negotiable in dating apps, especially for Gen Z, who are hyper-aware of online risks. If your app doesn’t visibly care about user protection, it’ll uninstall faster than you can say “match.” Start with simple features: panic buttons, easy reporting, and one-click unmatch options. Then go deeper—enable screenshot detection, real-time location sharing with friends, and AI-powered moderation to flag inappropriate behavior. 

A 2024 Norton study found that 64% of Gen Z users consider safety tools a deciding factor when choosing dating apps. Include consent-forward UX like “Are you sure you want to send this?” prompts, nudity detection, and blurred photo previews. Use sentiment analysis to monitor for harassment in messages and surface warnings when needed. From the tech side, lean into end-to-end encryption, real-time abuse detection APIs, and GDPR-compliant data handling. 

Highlight these protections visibly in your UI—it builds trust. The safer users feel, the longer they stay. Want to go the extra mile? Add transparency reports and safety ratings for matches. Safety isn’t just a feature—it’s a differentiator.

Cross-Platform Access & Offline Mode

We live in a multi-device world, and Gen Z expects seamless transitions. Your dating app must be fully responsive across iOS, Android, tablets, and even desktops. Better yet? Add a Progressive Web App (PWA) option for users who want a lightweight, browser-based experience. According to Google’s UX Reports, users are 42% more likely to return to apps that offer cross-platform fluidity.
Offline mode is another underrated game-changer. Allow users to browse cached matches, draft bios, or swipe locally without the internet. Sync everything once they’re back online. This makes your app accessible in low-connectivity zones—great for rural users, frequent travelers, or students with unstable Wi-Fi. Tech-wise, implement local storage, background sync, and modular architecture for smoother rollouts. 

For premium users, offer sync across devices with cloud storage and resume features. Cross-platform access isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about control. Gen Z wants their digital tools to follow them, not the other way around. Provide that—and you win.

Non-Intrusive Monetization Models

Gen Z isn’t anti-paying—they’re anti-spammy. If your monetization strategy interrupts user flow or screams “corporate,” they’ll bounce. Instead, adopt subtle, value-first monetization models. Freemium upgrades, daily match boosts, limited-time superlikes, or profile themes are all fair game. Apps like Hinge and Bumble have nailed this—offering paid perks that enhance the experience, not hijack it. According to Sensor Tower, in-app purchase revenue in dating apps jumped 20% YoY, especially from Gen Z users.
Gamify it: offer streak rewards, challenge unlocks, or karma points that can be redeemed for features. Offer premium filters (like vibe sorting or travel mode) to give paying users an edge. Use A/B testing to see what your audience values and dynamically adjust pricing tiers. 

From the tech side, integrate platforms like RevenueCat, Stripe, or Google Play Billing for seamless checkout flows. Transparency is everything—clearly explain what users get, avoid dark UX patterns, and highlight user testimonials to boost conversions. The key? Make users want to pay, not feel like they have to.

Also read: Key Services that drive the Mobile App Startup Industry Worldwide

Launch a Scalable, AI-driven Dating App with Oyelabs’ Proven Script

Looking to build a digital dating solution that rivals Tinder? Oyelabs offers a fully customizable, feature-rich matchmaking app solution tailored for Gen Z and beyond. Our Tinder-like app script includes swipe 2.0, AI-driven matchmaking, in-app video calls, and gamified onboarding—everything you need for faster market entry and higher user retention. 

With scalable architecture, GDPR-compliant data handling, and real-time analytics, Oyelabs empowers you to launch a high-performance dating platform in just weeks. Trusted by 150+ global clients, we blend agile development with pixel-perfect UI/UX. Let’s build your next big app in love tech—on time, on budget, and built to convert.

Conclusion

To attract and retain Gen Z users, a Tinder-like app must go beyond basic swipes. Gen Z demands personalization, authenticity, and safety, backed by smart tech like AI matchmaking, video-first profiles, and real-time verification. Features like gamified onboarding, vibe filters, and in-app calling aren’t just add-ons—they’re essentials in today’s competitive dating landscape. The more emotionally intelligent and responsive your app feels, the more likely it is to gain traction with this hyper-connected generation. Ready to build a next-gen dating app that speaks Gen Z’s language? Partner with Oyelabs and launch a scalable, feature-rich platform that users won’t ghost.