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Raya (app)
Dating and networking app for iOS
 | |
| Developer(s) | Raya App, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | March 2015 |
| Platform | iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch |
| Size | 24.6 MB |
| Available in | English |
| Type | Dating and Networking |
Raya is a private, membership-based, social network application for iOS, first launched in 2015.[1] The application was initially a dating app, but over time has added features to promote professional networking and social discovery.[2][3][4]
History[edit]
Raya was conceived by Daniel Gendelman in 2014 and went live in February 2015.[3] The app is available on Apple devices.[3] In 2016, Raya acquired Chime, a video messaging startup.[5]
Format[edit]
Users link their profile to their Instagram account, and must create a photo montage set to music for their profile.[6]
Notable members[edit]
Raya is noted for its exclusivity and celebrity user base, which includes: Hasan Piker, Lil Nas X, Chet Hanks,[7]Hannibal Buress,[8]Channing Tatum,[7]Joe Jonas, Dele Alli,[7]Keke Palmer, Sharon Stone,[8]Moby,[8]Lily Allen, John Mayer,[7]Paul Bissonnette, Cara Delevingne,[9]Matthew Perry, Raven-Symoné,[8]Elijah Wood,[8]Tom Felton, Kiernan Shipka,[7]Amy Schumer,[7]Whitney Cummings, Ben Affleck,[10]Lil Dicky, Melissa Villaseñor, Patrick Schwarzenegger,[8]Nikki Glaser,[11]Katherine Timpf,[12]Clairo, Rebel Wilson[13] and Simone Biles.[7]
Secrecy[edit]
Raya is not advertised and grows by word of mouth. If a user screenshots a profile, the app warns them that they may be removed from the platform.[14] In May 2021, a user of Raya who met actor Matthew Perry through a match on the app created a controversy by sharing her conversation with the actor on TikTok. The TikTok video went viral but has since been deleted. The user who had shared the video has been removed from Raya for violation of the privacy policy of the app.[15]
References[edit]
- ^"Raya". Raya App. January 2020. Retrieved January 30, 2020.: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- ^Hines, Alice (August 14, 2015). "Inside the Secret Dating App for Famous People". New York Magazine. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ abcRoose, Kevin (June 27, 2018). "Can 'Illuminati Tinder' Save Us All?". The New York Times. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
- ^Hoffower, Hillary. "Channing Tatum is reportedly looking for love on Raya, the exclusive dating app for the rich and famous that accepts 8% of applicants. Here's what you should know about how it works". Business Insider. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
- ^Constine, Josh (March 23, 2018). "How Raya's $8/month dating app turned exclusivity into trust". TechCrunch. Retrieved May 14, 2020.: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
- ^"Raya Dating App: What It's Like Inside The Exclusive Community". Harper's BAZAAR. Retrieved July 22, 2019.
- ^ abcdefg"Celebrities Who Have Used the Dating App Raya to Try and Find Love: Channing Tatum, Kiernan Shipka and More (August 4, 2021)". Retrieved August 21, 2021.
- ^ abcdef"28 Famous People On Raya, The Secret Dating App for Celebrities". Retrieved August 21, 2021.
- ^"Twitch streamer Hasan reveals failed pickup attempt of Cara Delevingne on celeb dating app". Dexerto. June 24, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
- ^"What is Raya? The exclusive dating app Ben Affleck got ghosted on (May 5, 2021)". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ^"Douchey Guys on Dating Apps (feat. Whitney Cummings) - You Up w/ Nikki Glaser (August 27, 2019)". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- ^Jackson, Dory (May 3, 2021). "Fox News' Kat Timpf Marries Cameron Friscia: 'It's the Best Feeling in the World'." People. Retrieved on May 4, 2021.
- ^"Heraldsun.com.au How Much Does Raya Cost?
Raya
While most people are using Bumble, Hinge, Tinder etc. to find love, the biggest stars in Hollywood are using Raya.
Here's everything we know about the app; from who's on it, to how to get on it.
Photo via RayaOnline
What is Raya?
Raya is an exclusive celebrity dating app that launched in February 2015.
The official site describes the app as a, 'safe and exciting,' way to meet new people.
'We believe in meeting someone who can change a life.'
Hayley Greenberg, an L.A. based social media manager, spoke to The New York Times about her experience on the app.
She explained, 'It’s the Soho House of dating apps.'
'They have the really good-looking guys, the athletes, the actors, the guys that have like 500 followers on Instagram but got accepted because they’re a D.J.'
How much does it cost?
According to The New York Times, the celebrity dating app costs about $7.99 monthly.
So that's about €6.81, which really isn't that expensive considering the celebs using it.
Who uses the app?
Some of the biggest celebrities have used Raya.
It was reported last summer that our very own Paul Mescal set up an account.
And it's believed I'm A Celeb's Roman Kemp joined it after his split from Anne-Sophie Flury.
According to Nylon, Ashley Benson's ex girlfriend, and model, Cara Delevingne has used the app.
Some other names they mentioned were Ruby Rose, Diplo, John Cusack and Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Joe Jonas apparently used it for some time as well.
Friends star Matthew Perry has also allegedly tried his luck on the app.
And so has Elijah Wood, Raven-Symoné, Zach Braff and Ginny Weasley actress Bonnie Wright.
According to Flare, Channing Tatum, Amy Schumer, Ben Affleck, Demi Lovato, and Niall Horan have all been spotted on it.
How do you get on Raya?
Getting yourself a Raya profile really isn't an easy process.
According to the website, hopefuls must go through their, 'multifaceted application process.'
Applications are assessed based on algorithmic values and input from hundreds of committee members across the world.
It can take anywhere between a day to a few months before a decision is made.
And only about eight percent of applicants are accepted, as per The New York Times.
The company's founder Daniel Gendelman insisted the app is not for people, 'that look a certain way or do a certain thing.'
He told the outlet that it's for, 'passionate people anywhere in the world who have something they want to share with other members, and can do it in a respectful way.'
'There's a lot of applications where it’s just a Lamborghini, a yacht and a private plane, and we’re just like, 'See you later.''
How to use the app
It seems Raya is very different to your normal every day dating app.
According to Business Insider, users can scroll through the accounts of people from all over the world.
Profiles are displayed as slideshow images, 'against a soundtrack of your choice.'
Members are also asked to agree to a code of conduct, 'so conversations and interactions are respectful.'
All conversations on Raya are strictly between you and the other person.
A user named Ginny Hogan wrote an essay for elite daily revealing the app won't let you screenshot messages.
She said, 'I couldn't keep my friends updated on my convos on the apps.'
Ginny shared, 'You write a short bio, and then if two people like each other, you get to chat.'
'Also, matches expire after 10 days, which felt like enough time.'
So if you're interested, you can get started by downloading the app and following the steps.
Raya is only available on Apple.
Источник: [https://torrent-igruha.org/3551-portal.html]So signing up for and applying to Raya is free. Once someone is approved they have to start paying the monthly membership fee, which is $9.99. There is no version of the app that functions beyond the application that is free, as far as we can tell.
Customer Support Options
Raya’s customer support is offered almost exclusively through their support webpage. There are lots of answers to common questions and technical issues. If you have further questions for the Raya staff, you can email them through a provided address.
There are no mentions of how quickly they plan to respond to emails, or if they plan to respond at all.
For such a high end app, we’d like to think that approved and paying members will have a live chat or similar option available directly through the app. However, we have no way of confirming if there are additional support features for paying members.
FAQ
Is Raya Easy to Join?
No! Signing up is simple as can be, but getting approved as a member is very difficult. Raya is an exclusive social app and most people get denied access or stay on the waiting list for up to six months.
Can I Join Raya Without Having Social Media Accounts?
Technically, you can apply for Raya without having established social accounts. However, the likelihood of being approved to use Raya without any social media accounts is very slim. If you want the best chance to be approved, you might want to start and frequently update an Instagram account.
If I Know Someone Using Raya, Can They Refer Me?
Yes! It is actually way easier to gain membership to Raya through the recommendation of a current user. Those who apply without being recommended can have wait times up to six months for approval. Compare that to recommended users who usually have their approval in one to two weeks.
Why Don’t You Have Any Screenshots From the Raya App?
As part of the Raya App’s dedication to user trust and privacy, you are unable to take screenshots while using the app. If users try to take screenshots they will receive popup warnings and potentially lose access to the exclusive community.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved on Raya?
According to Raya’s support page, users can be approved in as little as one week, but some users may see wait times up to six months.
Does Raya Have a Free Trial?
No. At this time Raya does not offer a free trial.
I Just Applied to Raya. When Do I Begin Paying My Monthly Fee?
You will only be required to pay the monthly Raya membership fee if and when you are approved by the moderators. Once you gain your approval and can start using the app, the charge will recur monthly until canceled.
Can I Download Raya on my Android Device?
No. Raya is currently only available on Apple devices. There are currently no plans to extend Raya’s reach to Android devices.
How Many People Get Accepted to Use Raya?
According to estimates from 2020, Raya only accepts approximately 8% of their applicants. This is to maintain the idea of exclusivity and luxury. It is also a way to prevent fans and stalkers from using the app to harass celebrities.
Raya is the worst kept secret to finding love. The celebrity dating app, which some people refer to as “Illuminati Tinder,” has no social media presence. Members who take screen shots or share information risk getting kicked off. Everybody knows about it, but few know how the sausage gets made—or which celebrity sausages might be single and ready to mingle.
Founded in 2015, Raya connects high-profile individuals in creative fields (think, people in the entertainment industry and social media influencers) for the purposes of networking and finding love. But you can't just sign up and start swiping; you have to apply in the hope of getting approved. "Prospective members may download the app and submit an application," according to Raya's description in the App Store. "Once submitted, applications are placed in queue and reviewed continually. An applicant's status can change from 'waitlisted' to 'accepted' at any time."
If you're lucky enough to gain access to the app, you create a carousel of photos set to a song of your choosing, which potential matches can either "heart" or pass on.
But how, exactly, do you get accepted by Raya?
Have a lot of followers.
If your social media isn’t up to par, then you might not be Raya material. If you look at the app, you'll see that Raya's application only asks for four things: your name, occupation, a reference from a current user, and your Instagram handle. It’s all well and good to be a talented model, painter, or writer, but if you don’t have the fan base to back it up, you’re apparently not cool enough to be dating Raya celebs like Lizzo or Ben Affleck.
Not sure how to boost your IG follower count? This advice from the Washington Post might help. Some takeaways: Go to "edit profile" and switch your account to "professional"; you'll get analytics on all your posts, which will help you learn which content gets the most engagement. Then, find your niche, instead of trying to reach everyone. Post consistently with hashtags related to said niche, and hopefully you'll start to grow your follower base.
Have references.
Much like getting into the bougiest club in town, it helps to know someone. References are an optional part of the application, but having a contact who's already part of Raya is a huge boost—especially after the introduction of the friend fast pass, which allows each user to have one friend’s application streamlined. And assuming you don’t casually know Joe Jonas, who was a member before he married Sophie Turner, you’ll need to find another reference. According to their website, part of Raya’s algorithm sees if their members follow you on Instagram. So, you might not need to know someone, but someone needs to know you.
Have some je ne sais quoi.
Acceptance onto the app can be an insurmountable hurdle, even for known celebrities. Actor Robert Hoffman, who you may remember from 2000s movies like She’s the Man and Step Up 2,lamented his rejection from Raya on Twitter earlier this year. Comedian Corbin C. Wells faced a similar rejection. If having a million Instagram followers isn’t enough to get you on the app, don’t feel bad. You need to have a little extra edge, and if you can figure out what that is, please let the rest of us know.
Prepare to wait.
The road to Raya can take a few days...or over a year. Though Raya’s website states that “every day people are removed from [the waitlist],” there are stories of people getting stuck in waitlist limbo for all of eternity, wondering when they'll get accepted.
If I do get accepted...which celebrities will I potentially see on Raya?
Listen, we can't make any promises about who will and won't be there, but here's a list of celebrities who've either been spotted on Raya or spoken about their experiences on the app.
Bonnie Wright
Axelle/Bauer-GriffinGetty Images
If anyone out there still harbors their childhood crush on Ginny Weasley, you might be in luck. The 30 year old actress was spotted on Raya back in 2016, according to Nylon.
Lizzo
CBS Photo ArchiveGetty Images
Lizzo reportedly joined Raya to try and match with John Mayer. The “Truth Hurts” singer is still single, although those trying to match with her now have to compete with her crush on Chris Evans.
John Mayer
Joseph OkpakoGetty Images
Speaking of John Mayer, his profile is a slide show of photos set to a Neil Young song,” an unnamed Raya user told Us Weekly in 2016.
Drew Barrymore
BravoGetty Images
Drew Barrymore confessed to being on Raya last fall during an interview with Andy Cohen. She apparently got stood up, adding to her less than amazing experience on the app. Who would have the audacity to do such a thing?
Channing Tatum
Frazer HarrisonGetty Images
The Magic Mike hottie was spotted on Raya in 2019 after his break up with Jessie J. His profile says “Yes, I use to be a stripper,” according toUs Weekly.
Sharon Stone
Mike CoppolaGetty Images
Sharon Stone harbors the same frustration we all feel about dating apps. She was kicked off Bumble for being flagged as an impersonator, and then had a less-than-satisfying experience on Raya. "People kept pretending they were things they weren’t on Raya," she told Town & Country. "Like straight.”
Rebel Wilson
Christopher WillardGetty Images
Pitch Perfect star Rebel Wilson has used Raya on and off for the passed few years. She confessed to only using it for a few weeks every year when she is in between relationships.
Ryan Lochte
Julio AguilarGetty Images
The twelve-time Olympic medalist told Cosmopolitan that he had been on Raya. However, he left after realizing that most of his matches lived in New York or Los Angeles, which he did not. After leaving the app, he married Playboy Playmate Kayla Rae Reid.
Kiernan Shipka
FotonoticiasGetty Images
The star of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina admitted to being on Raya back in 2018, and said she loved her experience on the app. “Oh, I love my Raya,” she told the New York Times. “I’ve gone on dates from it, but nothing that’s come to fruition. We’ll see.”
Gaby MessinoGaby Messino is a queer writer based in New York who focuses on gender and sexuality.
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Description
Our focus at Raya is to provide members with access to exciting people and opportunities around the world. We are a private community where people come to connect for dating, networking, and friendship.
–
Prospective members may download the app and submit an application. Once submitted, applications are placed in queue and reviewed continually. An applicant's status can change from "waitlisted" to "accepted" at any time.
Once accepted, members have the option to purchase a 1, 6, or 12 month auto-renewing membership and will have full functionality of the entire service while their subscription is active.
Raya's community values – trust, respect, and privacy – are core to the membership experience. Members who act in a manner that is not reflective of these values and other community guidelines may have their accounts suspended or terminated. Similarly, Raya exhibits those values as a company by giving members full control over their visibility within the community at all times and ensuring that personal information is secure and never shared, among other things.
Initial payment is charged via iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase and auto-renewals are charged within 24 hours prior to the end of the applicable period. Auto-renewal may be turned off at any time through iTunes Account Settings. Any subscription cancellation will be effective at the end of the applicable period.
For more, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
https://www.rayatheapp.com/privacy
https://www.rayatheapp.com/terms
Version 4.28.0
Bug fixes and improvements
Ratings and Reviews
4.3 out of 5
4.7K Ratings
What happened?
I go off and on with online dating, giving it a shot here and there. I have stints of giving relationships a shot and then come back to it, all the while keeping the subscription active. I’ve been on Raya for a while, I’d say almost 2 years. it’s not without the same issues as all online dating platforms, people ghost, they match and don’t start conversations, etc. I’ve accepted those as now normal behavior on dating apps. But I do think Raya has more attractive and interesting people, so I don’t mind paying for it with the prospect of finding myself a beautiful and creative person. In the beginning I match pretty regularly, but it seems I haven’t matched with anyone in months on Raya, despite the tons of new users I’m seeing and liking. I’m wondering if it’s because I’ve been on there for so long they’ve simply stopped showing me? It certainly feels that way. I know they claim to be selective and sensitive to the community, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve deemed me undatable or something because of how long I’ve had the app. Def get in and get out with this app. Paying for it longer than a year seemingly puts you on their matching blacklist and becomes just a frustrating waste of money. I started up a different dating app recently and the matches are coming in hot. So, not to sound cocky, but I don’t think it’s me. Will not be renewing the next round.
Obsolete
Traditional dating apps don’t work for me. I kept running into people that felt either threatened by my success or were aggressively trying to take advantage of it. I feel safe in this space. I also find with my crazy hours/touring schedule, I could really only end up with someone who is equally busy and career driven. This app filters out the static. To me, it doesn’t matter if they only show people in my city because myself and (I’m assuming) most other people on the app travel so often that it doesn’t really matter. It’s fun and I’m having great conversations. It was frustrating being waitlisted for 4-5 days when all my friends were on it but it was worth it in my opinion. I don’t really want it to be accessible because then it doesn’t serve the same purpose.
Honestly, being a “celebrity” completely takes away your ability to get in on the dating app fun and this has been so fun for my REALLY famous friends to do what everyone else is doing. Great app concept. Yes it’s kind of elitist but isn’t that *sort of* the point?
Sketchy
After being approached by an employee or “ambassador” of the app to join - she asked for my info and some recommendations on any friends of mine who also might be interested in joining. From there she had her boyfriend follow up via text message (weird right??) claiming that he would be here to assist me and answer any questions I might have. Keep in mind this girl was directed to me from a high profile friend of mine...so I trusted it. Shortly after responding to this guy, he told me to keep an eye out for a text that would get me right onto the app, no wait line etc. After a week or two of hearing nothing and I followed up with the two “ambassadors” who to this day have not sent a single response back. I don’t care for dating apps and I could care less to be involved with this one. They hire small influencers to run around on Instagram taking info from high profile people with zero follow up or regard for privacy - an app such as this can only work if people like myself trust it. I have zero trust in this app or their staff. This is a very bad look and a sketchy system.
The developer, Raya App Inc, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
- Purchases
- Location
- Contact Info
- Contacts
- User Content
- Search History
- Identifiers
- Usage Data
- Sensitive Info
- Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Raya App Inc
- Size
- 176.1 MB
- Category
- Lifestyle
- Compatibility
- iPhone
- Requires iOS 13.0 or later.
- iPod touch
- Requires iOS 13.0 or later.
- Mac
- Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip.
- Age Rating
- 17+ Frequent/Intense Mature/Suggestive ThemesInfrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or ReferencesInfrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity
- Location
- This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease battery life.
- Copyright
- © 2022 Raya App, Inc
- Price
- Free
- In-App Purchases
- Membership$19.99
- 1 Direct Request$4.99
- Skip the Wait$7.99
- Membership$89.99
- 30 Extra Likes$10.99
- 3 Direct Requests$12.99
- 12 Direct Requests$49.99
- 5 Direct Requests$19.99
- Membership$89.99
- Fast Forward$6.99
Supports
Family Sharing
Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when Family Sharing is enabled.
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Insiders reveal how celebrities are responding to recent dating app profile leaks
- Videos that appeared to show Matthew Perry and Ben Affleck matching with dating app users recently went viral.
- Dating apps and celebrity advisors are dealing with increased concern over privacy and security.
- Insider spoke to experts, celebrities, and influencers who explained how online dating is changing.
A string of videos that appear to show celebrities like Ben Affleck and Matthew Perry connecting with dating app users are sending chills through both the entertainment and dating app industries.
Since its launch in 2015, invite-only dating app Raya has advertised itself as an elite platform catering to the needs of celebrities. But in early May 2021, Nivine Jay, an actor and model, posted an explosive TikTok of a video purportedly sent to her by Ben Affleck after she says she unmatched with the actor on Raya. A few days later, Kate Haralson, a TikToker who is a personal assistant for reality TV stars Spencer and Heidi Pratt, similarly went viral by uploading a purported recording of a FaceTime session she said she had with Matthew Perry after matching with him on Raya in May 2020.
These incidents haven't just happened on Raya. In early June, Twitter user @Stardewlegend posted purported screenshots of "iCarly" actor Jerry Trainor's verified Bumble profile along with a tweet, "I did not expect dating in LA to be like this."
These videos have made headlines and received millions of views on social media, shattering any assumption of privacy on dating apps. As dating apps adjust to the reality of leaking, the features and innovations they implement may have a broader impact not only on their most high-profile users, but also everyday people looking for the perfect match.
Insider talked to publicists, dating apps, matchmakers, and influencers to explore how these recent exposures could transform online dating.
Celebrity insiders and experts are more involved in their clients' dating lives than they may seem
Kelly Cutrone, the founder of People's Revolution, a public relations agency, told Insider that celebrities using dating apps is a "bat---- crazy idea." She said that publicists should generally stay out of their clients' love lives, but that by using dating apps, celebrities were not just opening themselves up to potentially embarrassing scandals, but they were also making themselves vulnerable to people with bad intentions.
Don Aviv, the president of Interfor International, a security consulting service that works with celebrities, echoed Cultrone's stance and said he advises high-profile people to avoid these apps altogether. He cited concerns over hacks, fraud, and scams, and argued that regardless of how the app advertises itself, online platforms come with too many risks.
Other experts signaled that they were adjusting to stars seeking love in the digital realm. Howard Bragman, a Hollywood crisis manager, told Insider he believes celebrities are drawn to these platforms because they offer the chance to meet people outside of the entertainment industry. Since stars can't go to bars and nightclubs anonymously like civilians, they may relish the opportunity to find someone from the comfort of their home, he said.
"Celebrities are actual human beings who have feelings and would like to go out on dates and meet a loved one, so I don't see any reason they should be denied that," he said.
Bragman said his celebrity clients have told him about their dating app usage, so he's prepared for the media fallout in the event of a leak. Matt Yanofsky, a PR and brand specialist, told Insider that in the past, he and other publicists have assisted with curating clients' dating app profile pictures and interests and that in numerous cases, it's become an extension of their job of managing a client's public image.
Influencers and celebrities are moving away from dating apps and using social media to meet people instead
Some influencers have found ways to navigate public-facing apps. Kazzy, a YouTuber with almost 470,000 subscribers, told Insider he refuses to give out his phone number and personal address.
Similarly, Gwen Singer, an Instagram influencer, told Insider that on Bumble and Hinge she goes by an entirely different name, doesn't link to her social media, and uses non-model photographs because of privacy concerns and to see if she can find a genuine connection without the anxiety that people are treating her differently.
A post shared by GWEN ⚡️ (@gwensinger)
"Let's see if you're really interested in talking to me and getting to know who I am," she said.
Others are moving away from traditional dating apps entirely.
Comedian Ashwin Jacob said he used to prefer Raya when it was more "curated," but that now, with more chats about networking and fears of being secretly recorded, Instagram is becoming the preferred dating app for many of his influencer friends.
TikToker Gene Park, who has over 460,000 followers, echoed Jacob's sentiment that Raya has started to lose its allure. He said that for many influencers, Instagram's direct messaging platform works as a dating app, although he's dealt with catfishing and scamming attempts on it "multiple times." He said he hoped ther was "another Raya that comes out soon, that is a lot more exclusive," with a better filtering process.
According to reporting from The New York Times, in 2018 Raya had an 8% acceptance rate and there were 100,000 people still on the waiting list.
Raya did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.
Security concerns on apps are changing the face of online dating
Regarding celebrities' concerns over privacy, a Bumble spokesperson highlighted the app's Incognito Mode. Included in Bumble Premium, a subscription service that comes with a myriad of features and costs $32.99 a month, Incognito Mode allows users to only be visible to other users whom they swiped right on.
While this may make the app feel more exclusive and curated, it doesn't account for user behavior and hypothetically, Incognito matches are able to leak celebrity profiles to social media under the company's current privacy policy.
Some apps are trying to solve this problem. Founded in late 2020, Lox Club, a members-only dating platform for Jewish people, has drawn some buzz and celebrity investors like Bhad Bhabie and Lil Yachty.
According to co-founder Alec Lorraine, there are "around 50,000 people" on the app's waitlist. He cited his Lox Club's security measures, such as suspending users who screenshot too many times, and making it easy for people to contact his app to report abusive behavior. Lorraine told Insider there haven't been instances of leaks and believes that is thanks to the Lox Club's highly selective curation process which maintains its culture of privacy.
"If you curate your community from the start, you get people that aren't as willing to leak celebrity profiles," he said.
Lizz Warner, the founder and CEO of Gleam, a video-chat dating app that is currently only available in Los Angeles and New York City, told Insider that she had discussed the possibility of celebrity leaks with her team of developers. On Gleam, users can only communicate via scheduled video chat dates that solely exist within the app, and later, if there's compatibility, texts.
According to Warner, since the video chats live on the app and automatically turn off if someone starts a screen recording, it can potentially be helpful for celebrities who are concerned with privacy. She told Insider that in Los Angeles, a number of influencers have already joined.
Haralson, who leaked the purported video of Matthew Perry, said that while some people accused her of being the catalyst for Perry's split with his then-fiance, which she refutes, others responded positively, telling her she was highlighting the dating dynamic of how "easy it is for young girls to be wooed by these older men with money."
Multiple sources told Insider that they noticed that celebrities became more drawn to dating apps during the COVID-19 lockdown. As restrictions are lifted, dating will potentially go back offline, with people returning to mingling in dimly lit bars and parties. But these concerns of safety and privacy will surely persist, leaving an opening for the next crop of members-only apps to continue to sell the elusive promise of digital exclusivity.
To read more stories like this, check out Insider's digital culture coverage here.
Almost everyone has heard of Raya, the exclusive dating app where celebrities and millionaires go to find love.
The app keeps itself underwraps, which adds to the feeling of exclusivity, and the wait time for approval is absolutely absurd. In fact, there are ten times more people waiting to use the app than actually using it.
So, why do people keep signing up? We wondered the same thing and took a deep dive into their member profiles, rea dating app, features, and cost.
If you want to unwrap the secrets of Raya, rea dating app, just read on!
Is Raya Legit? – The Bottom Line Upfront
Raya is incredibly affordable, coming in at only $9.99 a month, rea dating app. You only pay the fee once you are approved as a user, so there isn’t really anything to lose by applying.
Well, other than about 10 minutes of your time.
If you are considering signing up for Raya, we recommend doing it in conjunction with using another dating app. This is because it can take a few months to get approved at Raya, and it would be a bummer to miss out on all that time when there is no guarantee you rea dating app make the cut. With that being said here are some alternatives to the Raya app:
Best Raya Alternatives to Try (With Free Trials)
Who Raya Is Good For
- Highly educated singles seeking matching companionship.
- Those who are comfortable waiting a bit before starting their dating journey.
- Singles with a flush social media presence.
- Public figures who don’t want to join mainstream dating apps.
Who Raya Might Not Be Best For
- Singles ready to start their dating journey immediately.
- Younger singles without a lot of life experience.
- Singles that don’t use social media.
Overall Raya Dating App Reviews Rating
7.5/10.0
Pros and Cons of the Raya Dating App
Pros
- The app feels more exclusive than standard dating apps.
- The quality of singles is very high.
- The app is good for dating, meeting friends, and general networking.
- Users report a high level of success meeting people.
Cons
- The application process can take months.
- The Raya app is only on IOS.
- Acceptance is overly dependent on existing social media accounts.
- Less than 10% of applicants are allowed to join the app.
Raya Dating App Review – Table of Contents
Fast Facts About Raya
- Site Name: Rayatheapp.com
- Paid or Free: Paid site
- Average Sign-Up Time: ~5-10 minutes (plus application approval time)
- Paid Membership Pricing: Plans starting as low as $9.99 per month
- Unique Raya App Facts and Figures:
- There are over 15,000 active users and over 100,000 on their waiting list.
- The monthly membership cost for Raya is one of the lowest on the market.
- Raya was launched in 2015 and hosts some of the top singles in the country.
- 4.5 star rating on the Apple App Store
- Has been referred to as “illuminati tinder”
What is Raya? – An Introduction to This Dating App
The Raya dating app was imagined by founder Daniel Gendelman in early 2014. This private social networking application was then built and launched in February of 2015 and has been registering users and growing since then. So what was the idea?
Well, Gendelman put it this way, “I wanted to create an app like a perfectly curated, intimate yet thoroughly vetted dinner party” and that’s exactly what this Los Angeles based company now does. It’s provided a private way for Instagram stars and other celebrities to meet each other online and strike up conversations and relationships.
Big-name celebrities reportedly using the app include Rea dating app Lovato, Cara Delevigne, Channing Tatum, Harry Styles, rea dating app, John Mayer, rea dating app, Ben Affleck, rea dating app, Sharon Stone, Owen Wilson, and more! No one knows exactly how many or who few users Raya has and that’s a purposeful ambiguity that the team at Raya wants to preserve.
“Whether or not we are 100,000 members or 5,000 members there will be people who think both of those numbers are too big and both of those numbers are too small”
Daniel Dendelman to Vanity Fair
So how do you join Raya? Well, rea dating app, that’s a complicated question really. Signing up is the easy part, but the Raya dating app prides itself on being the most exclusive dating service anywhere online. There are currently estimated to be over 100,000 members waiting for approval and many of them have been there for weeks, months, or longer.
From what we’ve seen your level of Instagram fame definitely has an impact on how quickly your application will be reviewed, but the only guaranteed way seems to be having an existing Raya member recommend you. This really completes that “vetted dinner party” feel Gendelman was going for.
Raya Features Overview
Raya likes to keep their community pretty exclusive and private, but we managed to scope out some of the features you’ll get upon approval to their prestigious social site. Here are a few of the main features for approval, and the amenities you’ll get once approved:
Application Process
The application process isn’t too long, but acceptance is extremely slow, rea dating app, sometimes taking months. The application will ask you questions about your past, dating preferences, rea dating app, life goals, rea dating app, and more to get a good feel for you as 100% free iceland dating site person.
However, the actual approval process depends rea dating app heavily on your social media presence. Specifically, your Instagram account.
The application process also gives approval out first to those that are recommended by other users of the app. So, if you know anyone already using Raya, you should definitely try to get that sweet, sweet recommendation!
Work Mode
Once you are on Raya as an active user, you will have the option to change your account to work mode. This will change up your intent on Raya to something more professional and you will be shown other users in your industry, or even in your same company.
Social Mode
Social mode true dating site Raya is intended for making friends and dating. You will be shown profiles of compatible singles who you can chat up and get to know.
Celebrity Members
While this isn’t necessarily a “feature,” we can’t help but point out the excitement of knowing you are sharing a dating space with big names, rea dating app. Some of the iconic singles that have used Raya are:
- Channing Tatum
- Demi Lovato
- Lewis Capaldi
- Lily Allen
- Cara Delevingne
- Raven-Symone
- Emma Watson
- Lil Dicky
- Clairo
The Quality of Singles at Raya
What can we say?
The whole reason people put up with the outrageous application process and small user base at Raya is because the selection of singles is something out of your wildest fantasies. Celebrities, Surgeons, CEOs, rea dating app other high quality rea dating app flock to Raya to ensure they are only dating the best singles in the world.
So, if you think you can get approved for Raya, you don’t want to miss out!
How to Sign Up at Raya
The sign up process at Raya includes filling out an application that requests a lot of background history, links to socials, rea dating app, and other personal information. Once you fill in the application, which takes 5-10 minutes, you will need to wait rea dating app approval.
Some people are able to get approved for a Raya account in as little as one week.
If you want to sign up, you must first download the app on your Apple device, rea dating app. Once it is downloaded, just open the app and follow the onscreen prompts.
Price How Much Does Raya Cost?
So signing up for and applying to Raya is free. Once someone is approved they have to start paying the monthly membership fee, which is $9.99. There is no version of the app that functions beyond the application that is free, as far as we can tell.
Customer Support Options
Raya’s customer support is offered almost exclusively through their support webpage. There are lots of answers to common questions and technical issues. If you have further questions for the Raya staff, you can email them through a provided address.
There are no mentions of how quickly they plan to respond to emails, or if they plan to respond at all.
For such a high end app, we’d like to think that approved and paying members will have a live chat or similar option available directly through the app. However, rea dating app, we have no way of confirming if there are additional support features for paying members.
FAQ
Is Raya Easy to Join?
No! Signing up is simple as can be, but getting approved as a member is very difficult. Raya is an exclusive social app and most people get denied access or stay on the waiting list for up to six months.
Can I Join Raya Without Having Social Media Accounts?
Technically, you can apply for Raya without having established social accounts. However, the likelihood of being approved to use Raya without any social media accounts is very slim. If you want the best chance to be approved, you might want to start and frequently update an Instagram account.
If I Know Someone Using Raya, Can They Refer Me?
Yes! It is actually way easier to gain membership to Raya through the recommendation of a current user. Those who apply without being recommended can have wait times up to six months for approval. Compare that to recommended users who usually have their approval in one to two weeks.
Why Don’t You Have Any Screenshots From the Raya App?
As part of the Raya App’s dedication to user trust and privacy, you are unable to take screenshots while using the app, rea dating app. If users try to take screenshots they will receive popup warnings and potentially lose access to the exclusive community.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approved on Raya?
According to Raya’s support page, users can be approved in as little as one week, but some users may see wait times up to six months.
Does Raya Have a Free Trial?
No. At this time Raya does not offer a free trial.
I Just Applied to Raya. When Do I Begin Paying My Monthly Fee?
You will only be required to pay the monthly Raya membership fee if and when you are approved by the moderators, rea dating app. Once you gain your approval and can start using the app, the charge will recur monthly until canceled.
Can I Download Raya on my Android Device?
No. Raya is currently only available on Apple devices. There are currently no plans to extend Raya’s reach to Android devices.
How Many People Get Accepted to Use Raya?
According to estimates from 2020, Raya only accepts approximately 8% of their applicants. This is to maintain the rea dating app of exclusivity and luxury. It is also a way to prevent fans and stalkers from using the app to harass celebrities.
TikTokers are posting about celebrities they say they talked to on dating app Raya. Here's what to know about the platform.
- Two TikTokers made posts about two famous Hollywood actors who they say they talked to on Raya.
- Raya is an exclusive dating app known to be filled with rich and famous users.
- Here's everything you need to know about the uber-exclusive dating app.
The exclusive dating app Raya is known for its rich and famous user base. In the age of TikTok, stories are starting to get out about what some users say are their interactions with celebrities on the app.
Two viral TikToks documented what users said were correspondences with Ben Affleck and Matthew Perry.
While Raya is just one of the many rea dating app apps available for singles, its rigorous application process and star-studded clientele have earned it the reputation of being one of the hardest dating apps to get accepted into.
Here's what to know about Raya — and why it's having a moment on TikTok.
The app is known as an exclusive dating platform for the rich and famous
Raya launched in February 2015, and its exclusivity has rea dating app it dating is harder for guys go-to app for celebrities. Prospective members apply and then are vetted through the app's committee members, according to the company's website.
According to The New York Times, only 8% of applicants were accepted after the rigorous application process, as of 2018. The app's founder, Daniel Gendelman, told The Times in an interview that people who apply do not have to be strikingly attractive or flaunting their wealth — the latter, rea dating app, Gendelman said, is actually a "red flag" in the application process.
Gendelman told The Times that he chose to name the app Raya because it's the Hebrew word for friend. He said that he wanted to create a space that "felt more like a dinner party." The app's website said committee members are asked to consider the "dinner party" analogy when rea dating app who is accepted.
Some of the celebrities said to be have used the app include Amy Schumer, Kelly Osbourne, rea dating app, Cara Delevigne, Trevor Noah, Drew Barrymore, rea dating app, Ben Affleck, and Matthew Perry, as Insider's Hillary Hoffower previously reported.
Raya users must adhere to strict privacy guidelines, which the TikTok users who made the recent posts appeared to have violatde by publicly sharing conversations from the app.
A TikTok user went viral alleging that Affleck used Raya
A viral TikTok posted Sunday by influencer and model Nivine Jay alleged that Affleck sent her a video via Instagram DM after she unmatched him on Raya.
The video shows Jay along with text that reads, "Thinking of the time I matched with Ben Affleck on Raya and thought it was fake, rea dating app, so I unmatched him, and he sent me a video on Instagram."
It then transitions to a recording of a man that appears to be Affleck, asking, "Nivine, why did you unmatch me? It's me."
As of Friday afternoon, the TikTok has over 8.5 million views 1.3 million likes. Insider could not independently verify that the two matched on the app or that the video was sent to Jay, and neither party immediately responded to requests for comment.
Jay told E! News in an interview that she believed Affleck did nothing wrong. "I'm seeing a lot of comments calling him a creep, and l don't think that's fair, rea dating app. l wasn't making fun of him in the video," she told the outlet in a story published Monday. "l was making fun of myself for thinking he was a catfish, and it was just supposed to be funny."
Following the Affleck TikTok, another woman said she matched with Perry
Another woman named Kate Haralson said she matched with Perry on Raya when she was 19. The now 20-year-old TikTok user posted a since-deleted video that went viral of what she claimed was an interaction with the 51-year-old actor, who is currently engaged.
The video shows the two on FaceTime together with the caption, "When you match [with] Matthew Perry as a joke on a dating app and rea dating app Facetimes you and plays 20 questions with you." The man appearing to be Perry could be heard asking Haralson, "Do you always play with your hair this much?" and she responded, rea dating app, "I guess so, yeah."
Haralson spoke with Page Six about the TikTok and said she was "inspired" by Jay's video. She said the two are in touch via direct messages, and Jay advised her not to worry about hate comments she received. "You post something, and you just have rea dating app expect for some people to be on your side and others to be on their side," she told the publication. "Obviously, a lot of people are going to take his side since he's a celeb TV character, but that's OK."
Haralson told Page Six that she was kicked off the app on Friday for violating privacy rules. "I should have expected that would happen," she told Page Six. "I feel fine about it. I never really used it anymore anyways."
Insider could not immediately reach Haralson for comment.
The publicizing of purported private conversations drew support and backlash on social media
After Jay's video went viral, rea dating app, Refinery29's Lydia Wang wrote an essay that questioned whether it was okay or not to out someone from a dating app, even if they're a celebrity. "It's okay to send a funny screenshot around to your friends, maybe, or expose someone who sent a truly vile comment," Wang wrote, rea dating app. "But there's a thin line between enjoying the humor omnipresent on dating apps and outing a celebrity match for the sake of your own TikTok views."
Some of the comments on Jay's video echoed this sentiment, while others were in direct opposition. "Why hurt his privacy like that? That is so disrespectful," one commenter wrote. While another person commented, "Unpopular opinion, he's always given me major creeper vibes and this just makes me feel that even more."
Supermodel and influencer Chrissy Teigen appeared shared her thoughts on the situation in a Thursday tweet but didn't specifically reference the actors by name.
"I agree celebs shouldn't be making these creepy desperate video replies on raya," the 35-year-old model said. "but it's tacky to release private messages, rea dating app. Ya both wrong, congrats."
Insiders reveal how celebrities are responding to recent dating app profile leaks
- Videos that rea dating app to show Matthew Perry and Ben Affleck matching with dating app users recently went viral.
- Dating apps and celebrity advisors are dealing with increased concern over privacy and security.
- Insider spoke to experts, celebrities, rea dating app, and influencers who explained how online dating is changing.
A string of videos that appear to show celebrities like Ben Affleck and Matthew Perry connecting with dating app users are sending chills through both the entertainment and dating app industries.
Since its launch in 2015, invite-only dating app Raya has advertised itself as an elite platform catering to the needs of celebrities. But in early May 2021, Nivine Jay, an actor and model, posted an explosive TikTok of a video purportedly sent to her by Ben Affleck after she says she unmatched with the actor on Raya. A few days later, Kate Haralson, a TikToker who is a personal assistant for reality TV stars Spencer and Heidi Pratt, similarly went rea dating app by uploading a purported recording of a FaceTime session she said she had with Matthew Perry after matching with him on Raya rea dating app May 2020.
These incidents haven't just happened on Raya. In early June, Twitter user @Stardewlegend posted purported screenshots of "iCarly" actor Jerry Trainor's verified Bumble profile along with a tweet, "I did not expect dating in LA to be like this."
These videos have made headlines and received millions of views on social media, shattering any assumption of privacy on dating apps. As dating apps adjust to the reality of leaking, the features and innovations they implement may have rea dating app broader impact not only on their most high-profile users, but also everyday people looking for the perfect match.
Insider talked to publicists, dating apps, matchmakers, and influencers to explore how these recent exposures could transform online dating.
Celebrity insiders and experts are more involved in their clients' dating lives than they may seem
Kelly Cutrone, the founder of People's Revolution, rea dating app, a public relations agency, told Insider that celebrities using dating apps is a "bat---- crazy idea." She said that publicists should generally stay out of their clients' love lives, but that by using dating apps, rea dating app, celebrities were not just opening themselves up to potentially embarrassing scandals, but they were also making themselves vulnerable to people with bad intentions.
Don Aviv, the president of Interfor International, a security consulting service that works with celebrities, echoed Cultrone's stance and said he advises high-profile people to avoid these apps altogether. He cited concerns over rea dating app, fraud, and scams, and argued that regardless of black girl dating a white guy the app advertises itself, rea dating app, online platforms come with too many risks.
Other experts signaled that they were adjusting to stars seeking love in the digital realm. Howard Bragman, a Hollywood crisis manager, told Insider he believes celebrities are drawn to these platforms because they offer the chance to meet people outside of the entertainment industry, rea dating app. Since stars can't go to bars and nightclubs anonymously like civilians, they may relish the opportunity to find someone from the comfort of their home, he said.
"Celebrities are actual human beings who have feelings and would like to go out on dates and meet a loved one, so I don't see any reason they should be denied that," he said.
Bragman said his celebrity clients have told him about their dating app usage, so he's prepared for the media fallout in the event of a leak. Matt Yanofsky, a PR and brand specialist, told Insider that in the past, he and other publicists have assisted with curating clients' dating app profile pictures and interests and that in numerous cases, rea dating app, it's become an extension of their job of managing a client's public image.
Influencers and celebrities are moving away from dating apps and using social media rea dating app meet people instead
Some influencers have found ways to navigate public-facing apps. Kazzy, rea dating app, a YouTuber with almost 470,000 subscribers, told Insider he refuses to give out his phone number and personal address.
Similarly, Gwen Singer, an Instagram influencer, told Insider that on Bumble and Hinge she goes by an entirely different name, doesn't dating sites free dating sites to her social media, rea dating app, and uses non-model photographs because of privacy concerns and to see if she can find a genuine connection without the anxiety that people are treating dating apps people ask to message their email differently.
A post shared by GWEN ⚡️ (@gwensinger)
"Let's see if you're really interested in talking to me and getting to know who I am," she said.
Others are moving away from traditional dating apps entirely.
Comedian Ashwin Jacob said he used to prefer Raya when it was more "curated," but that now, with more chats about networking and fears of being secretly recorded, Instagram is becoming the preferred dating app for many of his influencer friends.
TikToker Gene Park, who has over 460,000 followers, echoed Jacob's sentiment that Raya has started to lose its allure. He said that for many influencers, Instagram's direct messaging platform works as a dating app, although he's dealt with catfishing and scamming attempts on it "multiple times." He said he hoped ther was "another Raya that comes out soon, that is a lot more rea dating app with a better filtering process.
According to reporting from The New York Times, in 2018 Raya had an 8% acceptance rate and there were 100,000 people still on the waiting list.
Raya did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment.
Security concerns on apps are changing the face of online dating
Regarding celebrities' concerns over privacy, a Bumble spokesperson highlighted the app's Incognito Mode. Included in Bumble Premium, rea dating app, a subscription service that comes with a myriad of features and costs $32.99 a month, Incognito Mode allows users rea dating app only be visible to other users whom they swiped right on.
While this may make the app feel more exclusive and curated, it doesn't account for user behavior and hypothetically, Incognito matches are able to leak celebrity profiles to social media under the company's current privacy policy.
Some apps are trying to solve this problem. Founded in late 2020, Lox Club, a members-only dating platform for Jewish people, has drawn some buzz and celebrity investors like Bhad Bhabie and Lil Yachty.
According to co-founder Alec Lorraine, there are "around 50,000 people" on the app's waitlist. He cited his Lox Club's security measures, such as suspending users who screenshot too many times, and making it easy for people to contact his app to report abusive behavior. Lorraine told Insider there haven't been instances of leaks and believes that is thanks to the Lox Club's highly selective curation process which maintains its culture of privacy.
"If you curate your community from the start, you get people that aren't as willing to leak celebrity profiles," he said.
Lizz Warner, the founder and CEO of Gleam, a video-chat dating app that is currently only available in Los Angeles and New York City, told Insider that she had discussed the possibility of celebrity leaks with her team of developers. On Gleam, users can only communicate via scheduled video chat dates that solely exist within the app, and later, if there's compatibility, texts.
According to Warner, since the video chats live on the app and automatically turn off if someone starts a screen recording, it can potentially be helpful for celebrities who are concerned with privacy. She told Insider that in Los Angeles, a number of influencers rea dating app already joined.
Haralson, who leaked the purported video of Matthew Perry, said that while some people accused her of being the catalyst for Perry's split with his then-fiance, which she refutes, others responded positively, telling her she was highlighting the dating dynamic of how "easy it is for young girls to be wooed by these older men with money."
Multiple sources told Insider that they noticed that celebrities became more drawn to dating apps during the COVID-19 lockdown. As restrictions are lifted, dating will potentially go back offline, with people returning to mingling in dimly lit bars and parties. But these concerns of safety and privacy will surely persist, leaving an opening for the next crop of members-only apps to continue to sell the elusive promise rea dating app digital exclusivity.
To read more stories like this, check out Insider's digital culture coverage here.
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