Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Bumble Clone with Adalo

Building a dating app like Bumble presents unique technical challenges that typically require significant development resources. From implementing swipe-based matching mechanics to managing real-time messaging and complex user databases, these features demand robust backend architecture and native mobile functionality. Add in the complexity of publishing to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and you're looking at a project that traditionally requires a dedicated development team and months of work.

That's where Adalo comes in. Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months. This means you can create a fully functional Bumble clone complete with swipe mechanics, user matching, and in-app messaging—all without writing code or hiring developers.

Why Adalo Is Perfect for Building a Bumble Clone

Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This makes it the ideal platform for creating a Bumble-style dating app that requires robust user profiles, real-time matching algorithms, and seamless messaging—all powered by a relational database you can set up visually without any coding knowledge.

For dating apps specifically, app store distribution is essential. Your users expect to download your app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, receive push notifications when they get a new match or message, and enjoy a smooth native mobile experience. Adalo delivers all of this while letting you build once and publish everywhere—web, iOS, and Android—without rebuilding your app or hiring expensive developers.

This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through creating a fully functional dating app using Adalo's platform. You'll learn how to implement swipe mechanics, user matching, messaging, and premium features without writing a single line of code. While dating apps face specific App Store review considerations (e.g., Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines), you'll discover strategies to successfully launch your app. You can even publish the same app to the web, native iOS, and native Android with Adalo, all without writing a line of code or rebuilding anything.

Why Adalo Is Ideal for Building Your Own Dating App

Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web, iOS, and Android apps published to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This makes it the perfect platform for creating a Bumble-style dating app that requires robust user profiles, real-time matching algorithms, and seamless messaging—all powered by a relational database you can set up visually.

For dating apps specifically, app store distribution is essential. Your users expect to download your app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, receive push notifications when they get a new match or message, and enjoy a native mobile experience. Adalo delivers all of this while letting you build once and publish everywhere—web, iOS, and Android—without rebuilding or hiring developers.

Why Choose Adalo App Builder for Your Dating App Development

The Adalo Advantage

Custom dating app development can reach tens of thousands of dollars depending on scope and region (some agency estimates cite $50k–$100k). With Adalo's visual builder, you can create similar functionality at a fraction of the upfront cost. Low/no-code platforms are commonly reported to accelerate development compared with traditional coding (results vary by team and use case).

Adalo offers specific advantages for dating apps:

• Built-in Database: Relational database suitable for user profiles and matches
• Native Components: Pre-built UI for chat, profiles, and interactions
• Cross-Platform Publishing: Deploy to the App Store, Google Play, and web with separate submissions
• Component Marketplace: Access specialized components for social apps
• API Integrations: Connect payments, messaging, and analytics

Adalo vs Other No-Code Platforms

Unlike general website builders, Adalo specializes in native mobile apps with features essential for dating platforms:

• Real device features: Camera, push notifications, geolocation
• Responsive design across screen sizes
• Custom Actions for matching logic
• External Collections including Xano integration for scalable backends

Cost Benefits of No-Code Development

Some vendor content reports substantial annual savings with no-code; actual impact varies by team and use case (example claim). For dating apps specifically:

• Development: Low monthly platform cost vs large custom builds
• Maintenance: Self-service updates
• Scaling: Pay-as-you-grow
• Time to Market: Launch in weeks instead of months

Setting Up Your Adalo Account and Project Structure

Step 1: Create Your Adalo Account

1. Navigate to Adalo.com
2. Click “Start Building for Free”
3. Sign up with email or Google account
4. Verify your email address
5. Complete onboarding (choose “Dating/Social” if applicable)

Step 2: Initialize Your Dating App Project

1. “Create New App” from dashboard
2. Choose Mobile App (recommended for dating apps)
3. Name your app (e.g., “DateConnect”)
4. Select color scheme (primary/secondary/background)
5. Pick typography that’s readable on small screens

Choosing the Right Adalo Plan

Start with the Free plan for development, then upgrade as needed:

• Free: Build and test (see current plan limits)
• Starter: Launch with custom domain
• Professional: Team collaboration features
• Team: Advanced integrations and scale

Check current pricing for up-to-date plan features and costs.

Initial Project Configuration

1. Platform Settings

• Enable iOS and Android
• Confirm minimum OS versions in Adalo’s publishing docs
• Portrait orientation recommended

2. App Information

• App name and description
• Category: “Lifestyle” or “Social Networking”
• Age rating is typically 17+ for dating apps based on content disclosures; finalize in the App Store Connect questionnaire
• Privacy policy URL (mandatory)

3. Security Setup

• Email verification
• Password requirements
• Session timeout
• Terms of service

Designing the User Interface with Adalo No-Code Principles

Step 3: Create the App Shell

1. Navigation: Bottom tabs, stacked sub-screens, modals for quick actions
2. Screen Groups: Auth → Onboarding → Main (Discover, Matches, Messages, Profile) → Settings/Premium

Creating Swipe Cards

1. Install Card Stack Component

• Visit the Adalo Marketplace
• Search “Card Stack” / “Swipeable Cards”
• Install (pricing varies; check Marketplace)

2. Design Profile Cards

• Background image (full)
• Gradient overlay (bottom third)
• Name & age
• Distance indicator
• Bio preview (2 lines)
• Action buttons overlay

1. Configure Swipe Actions

• Right → Like (create Interaction record)
• Left → Pass (create Interaction record)
• Up → Super Like (create Interaction record; gated as premium)
• Tap → Full profile

Profile Display Layout

Sections: Header (carousel + indicators), Info (name/age/location/bio/interests), Actions (Pass / Super Like / Like / Message if matched)

Chat Interface Design

2. Conversation List (avatar, last message, timestamp, unread)
3. Chat Screen (message bubbles, timestamps on tap, image sharing, GIF via Custom Actions or Zapier (e.g., Giphy API)

Building Core Dating Features Without Code

User Authentication System

Follow Adalo security best practices.

Multi-Step Registration

1. Email & Password
2. Phone Verification (SMS)
3. Basic Info (Name, Birthday)
4. Photos (min 2)
5. Bio & Interests
6. Preferences

Verification Options

• Email link
• SMS verification (ClickSend integration)
• Photo verification (manual review)
• Optional social links

Implementing Swipe Mechanics

On Swipe (Database Actions)

• Create Interaction record (User1, User2, Action, Timestamp)
• Check for mutual match → create Match record
• Trigger push notifications

Card Stack Filters

• Not yet swiped
• Within age/distance preferences
• Sort by activity/popularity

Match Algorithm Logic

Compatibility Signals (example scoring you can tailor)

• Shared interests, lifestyle preferences, activity overlap, etc.
• Smart Filtering (age, distance, gender/orientation, dealbreakers)
• Recommendation (higher scores first, mix new users, boost recent activity, premium boosts)

Database Design for Mobile App Development

Step 4: Create Core Collections

Use Adalo’s database with relations; below is a common schema pattern.

Users
Email, Password, Display Name, DOB, Gender, Interested In, Bio,
Occupation, Education, Height, Location, Last Active,
Is Premium (T/F), Verification Status

Photos
Image, Is Primary (T/F), Order Position, Upload Date, Is Verified (T/F)

Interactions
Action Type (Like/Pass/SuperLike), Timestamp, Is Revealed (T/F)

(Add Matches, Conversations, Messages as needed) – see structures below.

Relationship Mapping

One-to-Many: User→Photos, User→Sent/Received Interactions, User→Sent Messages
Many-to-Many: Users↔Matches (via Match), Users↔Conversations, Users↔Blocked

Message Storage Structure

Conversations
Participant 1, Participant 2, Last Message, Last Message Time,
Unread Count 1, Unread Count 2, Is Active

Messages
Content, Sender (User), Conversation (Relation),
Sent Time, Read Time, Message Type (Text/Image/GIF)

Implementing Chat and Messaging Features

Real-Time Chat Setup

Implement chat with foreground refresh/polling (e.g., timers while the screen is open) plus push notifications for new messages and matches.

Message List

• Auto-refresh every ~3–5s (while screen is open)
• Scroll to bottom on new message
• Group by date; show read receipts

Push Notifications

• New message, match, likes (premium), daily recap

Chat Features

• Image sharing (camera/gallery)
• GIF picker via Custom Actions or Zapier
• Voice messages (component)
• Optional location share

Adding Premium Features

Payment Integration

Monetize with subscription tiers.

Configure Payment Systems

• Use IAPHUB for store-compliant iOS/Android in-app purchases and subscriptions.
• Use Stripe for web checkout or non-digital goods/services.
• Set up subscription products in store consoles
• Test in sandbox

Premium Tiers (example)
Basic (Free): 25 swipes/day, basic filters, 1 Super Like/day
Set pricing/features to match your market (the names and amounts here are examples only; confirm final pricing in Apple/Google consoles).

Feature Tier Management

• Conditional visibility (show/hide, upgrade prompts)
• Usage tracking (daily swipes, Super Likes, boosts)

Testing Your Dating App for Free

Mobile Preview Testing

Adalo supports device testing:

Methods

• Web preview (instant updates)
• Adalo device preview and testing — see the official Publishing & Testing guide
• Share preview link with testers
• PWA install for real-device feel

Test Scenarios
Register → Upload photos → Set preferences → Swipe → Match → Message
→ Update profile → Purchase premium → Use premium features → Report/block

User Flow Validation

Critical Paths

• Onboarding completion, time to first match, message flow, payment processing, profile discovery

Edge Cases

• No profiles, network interruptions, payment failures, blocked interactions, account deletion

Publishing to App Stores and Web

iOS Publishing Process

Follow Adalo’s iOS steps and Apple’s rules:

• Adalo: Publish to Apple App Store
• Apple Developer Program: $99/year — details

Requirements

• Apple Developer Program ($99/year)
• Store assets (screenshots, icon)
• Privacy policy & terms
• Age rating questionnaire
• App description & keywords

Common Rejection Reasons

• Guideline 4.3 (Spam/Duplicate), inappropriate content, missing privacy policy, broken features, poor UX

Success Strategies

• Unique features, niche focus, professional design, clear review notes

Android Deployment

Review Google Play policies.

Requirements

• Google Play Console developer registration is $25 one-time — see official help
• AAB/APK from Adalo
• Store listing content
• Content rating questionnaire
• Target audience declaration

Optimization Tips

• Relevant keywords, A/B test listing, video preview, review responses, regular updates

Web App Launch

Deploy a PWA on an Adalo subdomain or your custom domain; enable install prompts and ensure desktop responsiveness.

Options

• Adalo subdomain
• Custom domain
• PWA install prompt
• Desktop responsive design

SEO

• Meta tags, social cards, sitemap, performance checks

Scaling and Maintaining Your No-Code Dating App

Performance Monitoring

Track DAU/MAU, retention (D1/D7/D30), match rate, message engagement, premium conversion, plus technical metrics (load times, errors, query performance).

Growth Strategies

Acquisition: Referrals, social, influencers, local sponsorships, ASO
Retention: Streaks, seasonal events, boosts, engagement notifications

Why Adalo is the Perfect Platform for Your Dating App

Adalo is a capable no-code platform for building dating apps, with a built-in relational database, push notifications, user auth, and extensibility via the Component Marketplace. Usage and throughput metrics (e.g., total users, daily requests, uptime) should be referenced from Adalo’s current product or status pages if cited; otherwise keep the language general. For additional scalability and enterprise needs, use the Xano integration to offload heavier backend workloads while preserving the no-code dev experience.

FAQ