When we say dating apps do you think of Tinder, Bumble or Hinge? Forget everything you know and let us introduce Raya – an ultra-exclusive invite-only dating app rumoured to be the app of choice for celebrities, high-fliers and socialites. Named as the Soho House of dating apps, let’s delve in and find out a little bit more. 

Since its launch in 2015, not much has been heard about the exclusive dating app Raya. It’s all very cloak and dagger when it comes to their website, a simple logo and apply for a membership button is giving nothing away. Their blue tick verified Instagram is followed by over 60,000 people, yet they’ve racked up a total of 0 posts and do not follow one single account. It’s all shrouded in mystery. The app was only available to those “in-the-know” however, with news outlets reporting numerous celebrities on the app, we decided to get the lowdown. 

Which celebrities are on Raya? How do you sign up? And what exactly is it? BALANCE have the answers and have done the digging to give you the inside scoop on the exclusive dating app.

WHAT IS RAYA?

Raya is one of the most popular dating apps for the world’s elite – with the app seeing tons of movie stars, household personalities and popstars all looking for love. Location isn’t a consideration when it comes to finding love on this app, the man or woman of your dreams could be matching with you from as far as NYC or LA. A private jet seems to be the chosen method of transport for first dates on this app! Created for people in the entertainment industry the app was membership only – meaning you had to be approved to join. 

Rumoured to be used by the likes of Channing Tatum, Cara Delevingne and even Rebel Wilson, the app has become high in demand – especially for us “normal” people. 

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

So, how do you sign up to meet the man of your dreams? Sadly, it’s not as simple as it sounds. 

To become a member of the app, you need to be recommended by an existing member. Once done so, your application is then sent to be reviewed by Raya’s internal team of over one hundred anonymous committee members. We wouldn’t get your hopes up though as according to The New York Times, Raya has a higher rejection rate than Harvard Business School!

The mandatory sign in to Instagram suggests you may even be reviewed on your looks and popularity when your application is considered. 

If you’re one of the lucky ones, the app is said to start at around $9.99 a month, which is needed if you want to log in – there is no free version. 

How does it work?

Similar to the likes of Tinder and Bumble, the classic swipe system is in operation, but from our research it definitely sounds like a pay to play app. Your membership gets you up to 10 potential matches a day before you’re timed out and in a queue. Want to jump the queue? It’ll cost you. Want to see more potential matches? It’ll cost you. But for the high-fliers in society, price clearly is no object when it comes to finding love! 

A members profile consists of a montage of images, set to music – what would your music piece of choice be? Screenshotting is prohibited and risks your profile being shut down, a move to protect the privacy of the high profile members on the app and no doubt to maintain the air of mystery. 

There is a strict rule book to follow, exposing profiles is top of the list, publicly mentioning another member or even tweeting about it can have your membership revoked but it’s rumoured to feature names such as Ben Affleck, Demi Lovato, Channing Tatum and Drew Barrymore – Oops, that’s us off the list then! 

Opinions are divided with reviews rating the app for fulfilling the need for privacy, and others calling the approval process discriminatory? What are your thoughts? Will you be trying your luck and signing up to Raya anytime soon?