This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through creating a fully functional dating app using Adalo's no-code 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.
Why Choose Adalo App Builder for Your Dating App Development
The No-Code 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
- Navigate to Adalo.com
- Click “Start Building for Free”
- Sign up with email or Google account
- Verify your email address
- Complete onboarding (choose “Dating/Social” if applicable)
Step 2: Initialize Your Dating App Project
- “Create New App” from dashboard
- Choose Mobile App (recommended for dating apps)
- Name your app (e.g., “DateConnect”)
- Select color scheme (primary/secondary/background)
- 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
- Platform Settings
- Enable iOS and Android
- Confirm minimum OS versions in Adalo’s publishing docs
- Portrait orientation recommended
- 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)
- 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
- Navigation: Bottom tabs, stacked sub-screens, modals for quick actions
- Screen Groups: Auth → Onboarding → Main (Discover, Matches, Messages, Profile) → Settings/Premium
Creating Swipe Cards
- Install Card Stack Component
- Visit the Adalo Marketplace
- Search “Card Stack” / “Swipeable Cards”
- Install (pricing varies; check Marketplace)
- Design Profile Cards
- Background image (full)
- Gradient overlay (bottom third)
- Name & age
- Distance indicator
- Bio preview (2 lines)
- Action buttons overlay
- 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
- Conversation List (avatar, last message, timestamp, unread)
- 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
- Email & Password
- Phone Verification (SMS)
- Basic Info (Name, Birthday)
- Photos (min 2)
- Bio & Interests
- 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.
