The online dating industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years. From a focus on niche platforms to comprehensive use of AI, in matchmaking, the industry is evolving at a very fast pace. As we proceed to enter 2026, we can expect monetization strategies for dating platforms to become more sophisticated.
If you are managing a dating app or are looking to launch one, it is essential for you to understand the top monetization streams through which you can make money on your online matchmaking marketplace. Here, in this post, we will discuss the top monetization strategies you can apply on your dating platform and make money in 2026. Read on for further insights.
Freemium Model and Tired Subscriptions
The freemium model has been a popular revenue stream for online dating platforms and it will continue to remain popular in 2026. In this strategy, dating platforms offer a range of basic features to the users for free. However, they implement subscription plans for offering premium features. The freemium feature is great for attracting users as they can use the dating app without making any initial payments. If they want to access any premium features, they can simply upgrade to a paid subscription tier.
Here are some primary features of paid subscription plans:
- Unlimited Swipes: Users can swipe on unlimited numbers of profiles on the platform. This feature encourages users to upgrade from the limited daily swipes offered in the basic plan.
- Enhanced Visibility: The profiles of paid members receive a highlighted display on the dating app or website.
- Access to More Suitable Profiles: Subscribed members receive more recommendations of suitable profiles on the matchmaking platform.
- Unlimited Messages: Premium members can send an unlimited number of messages to potential matches on the matchmaking platform.
In 2026, we can expect dating platforms to apply even more advanced subscription options. These plans are likely to include access to exclusive services such as AI-based matchmaking, virtual dating, and more.
Pay Per Feature Model
Although subscription plans are a popular monetization stream for online matchmaking platforms, many dating platforms are introducing a pay-per-feature model for making money. In this model, users can pay only for the specific features that they want to use, without needing to pay for an entire subscription module.
Some Primary Features of a Pay Per Feature Plan:
Boosting of Profiles
Through this payment feature, users can make their profiles more visible on the platform for a temporary time.
Video dating
Platforms can also offer paid video dating services and apply plans such as pay per minute.
Read Receipts
This feature allows the users to see if the recipient has read their message.
Super Likes
Users can pay for the super like feature and make a bigger impression on the potential match.
This feature on the platform enables users to pay only for the features they need and make micro transactions. By implementing this feature, you can make more users pay on your matchmaking app.
More Blog: Integrating Real-Time Chat, Video Calls, and Geolocation into Dating Script
In-App Purchases and Virtual Gifts
In-app purchases are another successful monetization stream you can apply on your dating app in 2026. You can enable your users to buy virtual gifts on the platform for their matches. While this app will make dating fun for the platform users, it will work as a profitable monetization strategy for you.
Some of the Best Virtual Gift Options You Can Offer on Your Matchmaking App
Customizable Gifts
Allow users to make their matches feel special by offering personalized virtual gifts. Flowers and bouquets can be two attractive gift options to add on your online matchmaking marketplace.
Cards and Letters
Provide users with animated love letters or personalized cards to send to their matches on special occasions.
Personalized Stickers
Consider adding personalized stickers or Avatars to your online virtual gift store. These can be a great way to make users happy while making money from these features.
Virtual Money
You can also allow platform users to send virtual money to their matches which can be used for buying gifts, paid features, or subscription plans.
Virtual Food or Drinks
Virtual food or drinks can be other profitable virtual gift options that you can offer on your dating app.
By activating these features, you can create an enjoyable matchmaking platform for your users and generate significant revenue by selling these gifts.
AI-Powered Matchmaking Services
AI-powered matchmaking services are starting to dominate the matchmaking industry of late. Integration of AI in matchmaking platforms is transforming how businesses make money from these marketplaces. In 2026, AI is expected to become one of the most profitable monetization streams for matchmaking platforms.
Ways to Generate Revenue on Your Matchmaking Platform by Integrating AI:
Advanced Matchmaking with the Use of AI
Offer highly personalized matches to users by using AI on your dating platform. AI can make this process easier by analyzing user behavior, preferences, and even conducting psychological analysis on the users. Charge users for smart AI services that offer better recommendations.
Assisting Users with Behavioral Insights
With the use of AI, you can also provide users with valuable insights into their dating behavior and ongoing trends. This can significantly improve your users’ experience on your platform.
Individualized Date Planning Services
Make money by offering AI-powered date planning services to your users. Through this feature, you can book experiences and activities without putting much effort.
Revenue from Partnerships
Partnerships with relevant businesses is a profitable way to make money on an online dating platform. In this revenue steam, you can build partnerships with other companies and businesses in a way that allows your business to make money.
Some Profitable Partnership Ideas for Your Business:
Sponsorships of Events
You can partner with event organizers and host events organized for singles. Make money by selling tickets while introducing your brand to more users.
Affiliate Marketing
You can include links to businesses on your platform that are somehow associated with dating. Relationship consultants, gift shops, restaurants etc. are some of the businesses you can connect your platform with.
Such partnerships with other businesses open profitable revenue streams for your business and increase the value of your platform.
Integration of VR and AR
Along with technology, the way people connect with others continues to evolve (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) are expected to be two prime dating platform trends in 2026. With the applications of these advanced technologies, you can offer more realistic dating experiences to your users.
Monetizing Your App with AR/VR:
Realistic Dates with Virtual Reality
You can allow users to go on simulated dates in their desired locations by making use of virtual reality.
Selling of Virtual Goods
Make money by selling virtual experiences or goods in virtual dating environments.
Offering AR Filters for Better Experiences
Enhance user experience by offering AR filters for video calling and live chats.
The demand for immersive digital experiences in the dating industry is increasing. By integrating AR/VR in your dating app and providing your users with realistic experiences, you can make a significant amount of money.
Final Words
The dating industry in 2026 will be dramatically transformed by personalization, innovation, and advanced technologies. By building a functional dating app and implementing the above mentioned monetization streams, you can manage a highly profitable business.
At Bestdatingscripts, we offer modern, feature-rich, and fully adjustable dating app script for startups and entrepreneurs. Our software comes with a wide range of built-in revenue streams through which you can make money. It also gives you the freedom to add new streams for monetization, if you choose. Connect with us today for a free demo of our advanced dating website/app software.
