Finding meaningful connections is now easier with dating apps like Coffee Meets Bagel. With over 10 million downloads, CMB stands out as it puts quality matches ahead of endless swiping. 

The online dating market is booming and is expected to reach $11.32 billion in 2025 to $21.71 billion by 2034, making it a profitable industry for new businesses. If you want to invest in Coffee Meets Bagel app development, now is the perfect time to enter this space. 

This blog will walk you through the key aspects of development, including must-have features, monetization strategies, and the essential steps to launch a successful dating app. 

So, let’s begin! 

 

What is a Coffee Meets Bagel App?

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that allows users to find meaningful relationships. Unlike swipe-based apps, it curates possible matches based on user preferences.  

Every day at noon, men receive a limited number of matches called “Bagels,” and women get a collection of men who have already shown interest in them. 

As opposed to endless swiping, cmb dating app focuses on real connections. Similar to an app like Tinder, people looking for serious relationships rather than casual flings will love Coffee Meets Bagel. 

 

 

Crucial Market Stats of the Dating Industry    

• Profits in the Online Dating market are expected to reach $3.17bn in 2025.
• The market for online dating will likely grow from $11.32 billion in 2025 to $21.71 billion in 2034. (Market Research Future) 
• The market is estimated to reach $8.85bn by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.65% from 2025 to 2029.

 

Source: Statista

• The matchmaking market is expected to be worth $4.16 billion in 2025.
• Compared to the rest of the world, the United States will bring in the most money ($2.60bn in 2025).   

 

How Does a Coffee Meets Bagel App Work?

Once you are aware of the dating industry market statistics, it is time to know about the working mechanism of the Coffee Meet Bagel dating app. So, here is the functioning explained by a dating app development company.        

 

 

• Sign Up & Profile Setup 

Users sign up using their phone number or Facebook. They create a profile by adding photos and answering simple questions about themselves. 

 

• Daily Match Suggestions

The app sends “Bagels,” or possible matches, every day at noon based on your likes and dislikes. Men who have already liked a woman send her a match.

 

• Like or Pass 

Users can “Like” or “Pass” on their daily bagels. A secret chat room appears if both individuals like each other. 

 

• Chat & Connect

Matches can chat in the CMB dating app, but conversations expire after seven days, encouraging quick engagement. 

 

• Meet in Real Life

If the conversation goes well in a social dating network app, users can plan a date and take their connection offline. 

 

How to Build An App Like Coffee Meets Bagel? 

Building a dating application like Coffee Meets Bagel requires a well-structured development approach offering innovative matchmaking features. Businesses planning to create a similar app should focus on essential stages, from research and planning to marketing and continuous improvement. 

 

 

1. Market Research & Planning

The first step is to plan and analyze the business. Before starting Coffee Meets Bagel app development, you need to research the market, look at other apps, and figure out their ideal customers. 

However, it is easier to make a unique experience if you know what people want and what makes a CMB dating app clone popular. A well-planned method is made possible by an IT consulting services provider who looks at market trends, user expectations, and technical feasibility. 

 

Who are your target audience, and what are their key preferences in online dating? What unique features can differentiate the app from the existing matchmaking platform?  What monetization strategies will be most effective for sustained revenue growth?

 

2. Choose the Right Technology

The next step is to choose the right tool. There are two options for businesses: an iOS app, an Android app, or both. Native development ensures the app runs smoothly, and cross-platform choices can cut costs and development time. 

The backend should be firm and safe and able to handle user data and messages and match well. Mobile app developers will help you choose the best tech stack, which ensures your app is safe and secure. 

 

What tech stacks are required to develop a dating application like Coffee Meets Bagel? How do backend technologies impact the performance and scalability of a dating app? Which third-party APIs and tools can enhance user experience in a dating application like Coffee Meets Bagel?

 

3. Design a UI/UX

Once the technology is set, you should focus on the app design and how users feel when they use it. A Coffee Meets Bagel clone app should be simple to use, look good, and keep you interested. Also, it should be easy to sign up and feel normal to move around in apps similar to Coffee Meets Bagel. 

Besides, it should be easy for users to look through profiles, send notes, and get matches. The dating app development services provider and designers work together to make an easy-to-use UI/UX that makes smooth interactions and satisfies users. 

 

How can you create minimalist yet engaging UI/UX dating apps similar to Coffee meets bagel to enhance user experience? What color schemes and typography work best for a dating app’s visual appeal? How can intuitive navigation improve user retention in a dating app design?

 

4. Integrate the Key Features  

Next, and most importantly, is choosing the key features for your app. Making profiles, AI-powered matching, messaging, and good security are all features that a dating app requires. AI in dating apps can help match users like hobbies, location, and compatibility. 

For better user experience and data safety, developers use complex algorithms and security protocols. If you want to make your Coffee Meets Bagel clone app more interesting, you can add custom features like video profiles, icebreaker questions, and interest-based matching.     

 

What are the essential features required to build a dating app similar to Coffee Meets Bagel?  How can you integrate AI-driven algorithms to enhance user matches and engagement?  What are the key monetization strategies for dating apps similar to Coffee Meets Bagel?

 

5. Test and Launch the App

Once your app is developed, it is time to test and launch it on the app stores. The testers will perform several tests to find bugs and make it run better. Also, the real-time users can help you get feedback before the final release during beta testing. 

The testers will also test your app thoroughly on multiple devices to ensure it works well. Once your app is tested, you can launch an app like Coffee Meets Bagel on the respective App Store and Google Play.      

 

What key features are required to build a dating app similar to Coffee Meets Bagel? How can AI-driven matchmaking enhance user experience in a Coffee Meets Bagel-like app? What technologies are best suited for integrating real-time chat and profile verification in a dating app?

 

 

6. Market and Update

After your app is launched, it is vital to focus on marketing and maintenance. A strong marketing strategy is essential to attract users. So, you can use social media promotions, influencer partnerships, and referral programs that can help spread the word. 

Also, if you offer launch discounts or free trials, it can attract more individuals. As users engage, a social media app development company continuously monitors performance, addresses bugs, and releases updates to enhance features and keep the companion finder app competitive in the market.  

 

What key market research strategies should you use to identify your target audience?  How can you effectively market a dating connection app to attract and retain users?  What are the best update and maintenance strategies to keep the app relevant and engaging for users?

 

Key Features of Coffee Meets Bagel App Development

Coffee Meets Bagel stands out due to its curated matchmaking approach. If you are looking to develop an app like Coffee Meets Bagel, incorporating the following key dating app development features is essential to ensure user engagement and success. 

 

 

• Smart Matchmaking Algorithm

You can add AI-powered matchmaking that recommends compatible profiles as per user preferences, behavior, and interests. This assures meaningful connections instead of random matches.    

 

• Daily Match Recommendations

Instead of giving users an endless number of swipes, you can set up a system that sends them a hand-picked list of possible matches every day. This will keep them interested and increase their chances of success.

 

• Photo Lab

Your Coffee Meets Bagel clone app needs to have a Photo Lab feature so that users can get comments from other members on their profile pictures. This helps them pick the pictures that are the most interesting and appealing.

 

• Profile Customization

Similar to an app like Badoo, you can allow users to make full profiles with pictures, bios, hobbies, and fun questions. You can also make an easy-to-use interface that makes setting up a page fun and interesting. 

 

• Ladies-First Matching Approach 

Instead of the usual male-centered method, you can focus on women. Every day, women get hand-picked matches (Bagels), and they can choose to like or pass on them. This makes the experience more specific and thoughtful.

 

• Icebreaker Questions

For more meaningful conversations, you can add a feature in the Coffee Meets Bagel app development that gives users icebreaker questions to help them start talking right away.

 

• Chat and Messaging System

With text, voice messages, GIFs, and read receipts, you can make a safe and easy-to-use messaging app development system that makes exchanges more interesting.

 

• Comment on Profiles

Users can do more than just “like” a profile. They can also leave comments on pictures or answers to start more interactive conversations.

 

• Rematch Feature

If a possible match ends, you can let premium users rematch with the same person through the relationship match app. It will increase the chances of making a real connection.

 

• Like & Discover Features

You can add a “Like” button for daily suggestions and a “Discover” area where users can look through and connect with profiles other than their daily matches.

 

• Advanced Security & Privacy

User safety is paramount. To make dating safer, you can add picture verification, report/block features, private chats, and AI-based scam detection in your coffee meets bagel dating apps.

 

• Location-Based Matching

You can add GPS-based matching in your coffee meets bagel dating apps replica so users can find people in the places they want to meet, whether they are close or in certain areas.

 

Best 5 Dating Apps Like Coffee Meets Bagel

Here is a list of the 5 best dating apps like Coffee Meets Bagel, each with its own set of features that are changing the way people date online and giving these apps a special place in the field. So, let’s have a look at the top Coffee Meets Bagel alternatives. 

 

 

Coffee Meets Bagel Alternatives	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
Tinder	Android | iOS	100M+	4.1
Happn	Android | iOS	100M+	4.2
Hinge	Android | iOS	10M+	4.0
Bumble	Android | iOS	50M+	4.1
OkCupid	Android | iOS	10M+	3.9

 

 

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Coffee Meets Bagel? 

The cost to build an app like Coffee Meets Bagel ranges between $10000 – $25000. However, your dating app development cost will not always be the same due to app complexity, features integration, app design, and platform choice. 

Besides, the Coffee Meets Bagel app development cost highly depends on your project requirements. Let’s say you want to develop a simple dating app, and then you may cost less. However, if you want to create a dating app with customized features, then you have to pay a handsome amount.  

Now you have a clear idea of the coffee meets bagel app cost parameters, let’s look at the table below for a clear image. 

 

App Complexity	Ballpark Estimation	Time Estimation
Simple Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$10000 – $15000	1-3 months
Medium Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$15000 – $20000	3-4 months
Complex Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$25000+	7 months

 

These are just the basic cost estimations of Coffee Meets Bagel clone app development. To know the exact amount, you should consult with a mobile app development company. Now let’s get to know about the factors affecting the cost to develop an app like Coffee Meets Bagel.  

 

1. Platform Choice

The general Coffee Meets Bagel app development cost is affected by the platform. The price for Android is higher than iOS. Android is popular as a lot of people use it. Developing an cmb dating app that works on both Android and iOS will take longer and cost more to make. As a general rule, you should start with one platform and move to the other as your Coffee Meets Bagel clone app grows.  

 

Platform Choice	Ballpark Estimation
Android App	$12000 – $25000
iOS App	$10000 – $25000
Cross-platform App	$8000 – $25000

 

2. Features & Functionalities

The next factor is features that will greatly impact your cost to make an app like Coffee Meets Bagel. For example, if you want to add features like an AI-personalized recommendation system, gamification, push notification, and geolocation, then your dating app development cost will fluctuate. The same goes for the integration of a simple feature. Also, the dating website development cost will also increase with feature integration. 

 

Feature/Functionality	Estimated Cost Range
Basic User Profiles	$500 – $8,000
Geolocation Integration	$8,000 – $1,000
Chat Functionality	$7000 – $1,000
Swiping Functionality	$1,000 – $1500
Push Notifications	$1,000 – $2,000
Social Media Integration	$800 – $1000

 

3. App Complexity

The app’s complexity is the foremost factor that plays a major role in cost fluctuation. Let’s say you want to create a mobile app similar to Coffee Meets Bagel but with basic features then it cost you somewhere between $10000 – $15000. However, this same cost will increase with the level of customization.  

 

App Intricacy	Ballpark Estimation
Simple Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$10000 – $14000
Medium Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$14000 – $20000
Complex Coffee Meets Bagel Like App	$25000+

 

How To Monetize A Dating App Like Coffee Meets Bagel?

If you’re planning to create an app like Coffee Meets Bagel, you need smart ways to make money from it. Here are the simple and effective monetization models, along with real-world examples of successful best dating apps Coffee Meets Bagel using them. 

 

 

1. Premium Subscriptions

You may provide people with a free version of the app that looks like Coffee Meets Bagel that only has the most basic features. They can sign up for a premium plan to get extra benefits like seeing who liked their picture, getting more swipes, and being seen by more people. You can also give yearly or monthly subscriptions to make a steady income.    

 

Example: The Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum monthly plans work the same way. Lots of money came into Tinder in 2023—$1.79 billion—mostly from paid contracts.   

 

2. In-App Purchases

Next, you can let people buy virtual things inside the relationship app. For instance, they can buy more “beans” (credits) to see more matches, send personalized notes, or move up in search results. Over time, these small deals can add up to big gains.

 

Example: Customers of Bumble can buy things inside the casual dating app, like SuperSwipes and Spotlight. For example, in-app purchases made up a big part of Bumble’s $903 million in income that year.  

 

3. Advertising & Sponsorships

It is simple to show ads from dating, fashion, or lifestyle brands. You could also offer sponsored spots, in which companies pay to have their goods or services shown. A restaurant might give deals just for couples, or a travel agency might promote romantic trips.

 

Example: Grindr’s business model is strong, and brands can show ads based on users’ locations. In 2022, the dating platform made $195 million, with ads making up a big part of that. 

 

4. Affiliate Marketing & Partnerships

Last but not least, you can work with businesses that are good for dates, like cafes, movie houses, and people who plan events. People who use your app like Boo or others, to book a table, buy tickets, or take advantage of a deal will pay you a fee. This not only makes money for the site, but it also makes dating better for users. 

 

Example: Hinge works with restaurants and event planners to make it easy for users to set up dates. Hinge made more than $197 million in 2021, and relationships were a big part of that.    

 

 

Case Study: How Dev Technosys Built a Successful Dating App

A client wanted to create a fun and secure dating app, so they approached Dev Technosys for help. Our expert mobile app developers team designed an app with smart features like AI-based matching, and real-time chat.

We made sure the app was fast, smooth, and visually appealing that makes it enjoyable for users. With location-based matching and interest-based suggestions, it becomes effortless to find a perfect match.

Within 8 months, the app gained 10k+ downloads and amazing user reviews. The client also started earning through premium subscriptions and in-app purchases.

 

Let’s Create an App Like Coffee Meets Bagel!

Creating a dating app is complex, but it is also fun. To build a dating app like Coffee Meets Bagel, you need to carefully plan, execute, and be technically skilled.

Dev Technosys is a reliable AI development company. Our team of skilled dating app developers can help you make your idea come true. We create and release cutting-edge mobile dating apps that are ready for growth and expansion.  

Contact us right away to talk about your idea. From the idea stage to the launch, we can help you make the next Coffee Meets Bagel app.  

 

FAQs

 

Q1. How Long Does It Take To Make an App Like Coffee Meets Bagel?

The estimated time to create an app similar to Coffee Meets Bagel is 2 -4 months. However, the time can change or vary based on your project requirements.    

 

Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Create A Dating App?

The cost to build a dating app can range between $10000 – $25000. However, the price can increase as per the app’s complexity, design, features, and so on. So, it is best to get a consultation from a Coffee Meets Bagel app development company about the actual cost.  

 

Q3. How Can I Create My Own Dating App?

To develop a dating application, you must follow the following steps: 

• Define target audience     
• Do market analysis 
• Choose the developers 
• Create match algorithm 
• Choose the right technology 
• Test and launch the app

 

Q4. How to Earn Money From a Dating App?

To earn good revenue from your dating app, you need just to follow the below models: 

• Paid Subscription Model
• VIP Membership
• Advertising
• Affiliate Marketing
• In-App Purchases
• Offline Promotions
• Rewards-Based Ads

 

Q5. Is Creating a Dating App Profitable?

Yes, creating a dating app is profitable due to subscription plans, in-app purchases, advertisements, and premium features attracting users worldwide.