What is Raya? And other burning questions, answered.

Raya is often called the "celebrity dating app," but that description does a lot of heavy lifting. Marketed as a members-only platform for creatives, founders, and the ultra-connected, Raya positions itself as a Tinder/LinkedIn hybrid with a velvet rope. In reality — as I previously reported — it’s far less mysterious than its reputation suggests.

Yes, celebrities have been spotted on it. Yes, there’s a vetting process. But from my experience, Raya is mostly a swipe-based dating app with better branding, stricter privacy rules, and a monthly fee.

Below is what you actually need to know.

How to get on Raya

Getting on Raya starts with an application, not a download-and-go situation. You’ll submit basic info — name, age, location, job, and your Instagram handle — and then wait

Referrals from existing members can help is one of the strongest factors in getting into the app, though they’re not technically required. A strong Instagram presence doesn’t hurt either. Raya has historically leaned into the whole "creative, interesting, well-connected" brand, which in practice often translates to attractive people with either a decent following or friends already inside.

How much does Raya cost?

Raya costs $25 per month for a standard membership, which is the base cost to just be on the app. There’s also a $50 per month premium tier, which includes perks like unlimited likes and the ability to see who has liked you.

For a dating app, that’s steep — especially considering the experience feels pretty similar to other swipe-based platforms.

How long does Raya approval take?

Approval can take anywhere from 10 days to several years. I personally waited 10 days, but there are entire Reddit threads filled with people who’ve been waitlisted indefinitely.

Location plays a big role. You’re more likely to get in quickly in cities that aren't as popular in the app, based on what Ifeoma Ojukwu, Raya’s VP of global memberships, told the Wall Street Journal in August.

Does Raya have read receipts?

No. Raya does not have read receipts. It also has a strict no-screenshot policy, which is part of its whole "discretion" brand.

Who is eligible for Raya?

Technically, anyone can apply. From my experience, the app includes consultants, nurses, recruiters, aspiring actors, and even college students. (Also, finance bros, marketing execs, real estate agents...)

That said, you generally need to be attractive, have a strong Instagram presence, or secure referrals. Acceptance is also heavily location-dependent.

Do you have to pay for Raya?

Yes. Once approved, you must pay to use it.

Is Raya free?

No. Raya is not free. Even after getting accepted, you’ll need to subscribe to access matches and messaging.

How does Raya work once you’re inside?

Once you’re approved and pay the membership fee, Raya works a lot like other swipe-based dating apps, but with a more curated aesthetic. You create a profile using photos (often synced with Instagram) and choose a song that plays as people view your slideshow-style profile.

Every profile is linked to an Instagram account, which is part of Raya’s whole "real people only" vibe.

From there, it’s check if you want to match, "X" if you want to pass. If you like someone and they like you back, you can message them.

If you swipe right too liberally, you’ll run out of likes unless you’re paying for premium.

After you've scrolled through a certain number of profiles, you'll be hit with a message that reads as follows: "We're committed to fostering an intimate community. More member suggestions coming soon." If you don't want to wait a few hours for more profiles to swipe through, then you can pay to skip the wait. One Skip The Wait is $7.99, 3 cost $19.99, and 5 cost $29.99, according to the Apple App Store at the time of publication.

If you’re overly picky, the app may temporarily limit your swiping.