Dating apps have become enshittified and is why they are so ineffective. However, there is a huge opportunity for improvement. The core hypothesis my app is: a pay-per-mutual-match model that aligns user and app incentives. The mutual financial investment also makes users more likely to engage once they match.

My app doesn’t rely on complex algorithms or AI for matchmaking, as they perpetuate biases. Instead, I use a transparent system where users fill out a detailed questionnaire, and I match them based on their answers using SQL queries.

The app is built with open source software (Docker, Django, Flutter, and more!), so no vendor lock-in. This is the first app I ever made so it has been an incredible learning experience.

Ask me anything about my app, Qtpi, my tech stack, or my journey!

  • qtpiOPEnglish
    1·
    15 hours ago

    No problem with the “rant”! The discussion and your thoughts are highly appreciated.

    Yes, free enables bad behaviors. I would be open to free and only tips/donations but I don’t think the business model would work. There are free dating apps like Firefly and Duolicious. However, the developers have to rely on donations and have no money for marketing. Additionally the unspoken problem is that bots and scammers will start spamming the network if the app gains enough traction. And those severely reduce the quality of the user network. By having paid matches, it greatly hinders bots by adding friction.

    Yes, it could get expensive but I’d argue that it’d be more cost efficient and effective than any subscription app because my app allows for tons of filters and shows you who liked you already.

    The strategy is up to the user! That is part of the design. If someone is really in a “dating phase” they can spend lots of money to get many simultaneous pledging/matching at a time. If someone is more just open to it but doesn’t want to invest a lot then they can pay for a few at a time.

    NYC is not currently on the list. I’m going to start geographically dense and near where I am located (CA). But if it takes off, I’d definitely start in the cities.