SWIPE RIGHT
What celebrity dating app Raya is REALLY like & how you can get on & match hotties like Channing Tatum for just £7.99
Social media users have compiled a list of top tips to help non-celebs infiltrate the exclusive site
WHETHER you're looking for love or are simply interested in the lives of Hollywood A-listers, chances are you've heard of celebrity dating app Raya.
The app was launched back in 2015, as an exclusive site for creatives and has since been described as "Illuminati Tinder".
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A-List Users
Raya has attracted a whole host of incredibly talented and desirable singletons, including Magic Mike hottie Channing Tatum, and Oscar winner Ben Affleck.
And it is responsible for some high profile A-list love stories, with Lily Allen reportedly swiping for Stranger Things star hubby David Harbour on the app, and Simone Biles meeting her NFL star husband through the site.
Celebrities were first attracted to the site, which boasts a £7.99 a month fee because of its exclusivity, however, the site appears to have relaxed its rules over the past few years, with non-celebs managing to get through the cracks.
Social media sites such as Reddit, are full of people recounting tales of how they have managed to infiltrate Raya, and sharing tips on how to get around its strict rules.
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How To Sign Up
Once you have downloaded the app, you need to full in details such as your name, age, location, occupation and Instagram handle.
Applications are then reportedly reviewed a team of 500 people, with only 8% of applications being successful.
Since applicants are required to share their social media account details, it is likely that the more followers you have, the more likely you are to be accepted, with The Sun previously estimating 5,000 as the minimum number of followers required for membership.
Having a blue tick on Instagram and X is also likely to help, but sex expert and sociologist Sarah Melancon told Popsugar that having a "particularly creative job or unique life experience" could be another way in.
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Posting on the , one person advised making sure you social media profiles are public, whilst another suggested that your profile should reflect "who you really are."
Another important tip is to get existing members to vouch for you.
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"It's generally advised to secure a few quality referrals when applying," one Reddit user said, "as this can significantly improve your chances of success."
Another person added: "Secure as many referrals as possible in the early application process.
"I found success with referrals from Reddit and connections made at Soho House, where I am a member."
Some people have even paid Reddit users to vouch for them, but watch out, as this could easily end up being a scam.
Top dating trends of 2025
- Swamping: When you find someone you can comfortably share your 'swamp' with and let go of the pressure to be anything but your true authentic self.
- No-habiting: When you choose to wait longer to move in with your partner because you value your personal space.
- Fiscal Attraction: When you won't settle for less and you're seeking a match who is financially secure and who you find attractive.
- Rejuve-dating: When you cast away the blues and grow from past experiences so you can fully embrace the future of your dating journey.
- Thrift-matised: When you like to go on dates but hit that sweet spot between being cheap and frugal. Hidden gems, loyalty cards - these are all your type on paper.
- Loud-dating: Cutting to the chase, being open and to the point with what you want so you don't waste your time.
- Marmalading: When you literally put your other half ‘before anything else’, much like Britain’s most beloved bear’s love for marmalade.
- Digital Ex-pression: The stage after a break-up when you are done grieving and turn to social media to share how you are healing to confidently get back out on the dating scene.
- Fine-wining: Proactively finding people to date who are older than you and who've aged just like a fine wine.
One Mashable writer previously revealed that their application was accepted, despite the fact they only had 150 followers and "no big-shot referral".
"It only took me 10 days to get the coveted acceptance email - which surprised me, considering some say they've been on the waitlist for years."
If your Raya application is unsuccessful, you will be placed on a waiting list with 10,000 other people.
Completely Different To Hinge And Bumble
However, if you are successful, the app is said to be completely different to sites like Bumble or Hinge, as there are no location filters, meaning you can match with people across the world.
Additionally, users can only access 25 profiles at a time, meaning that they are not bombarded by suitors.
Another difference between Raya and traditional dating apps, is that you are not allowed to take screenshots of the site, and will be sent a warning, or booted off the site altogether if this rule is broken.
And if you show off about famous matches on social media, you risk being booted off the site as well.
Unfortunately, many regular people who have managed to infiltrate the app have described it as a bit of a disappointment, as not many celebrities even use it any more.
TikToker Audrey Peters revealed in a TikTok posted back in 2022: "Celebrity-socialites don't use this anymore because they used it in 2015 when it came out."
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Back in 2022, Ben Affleck revealed that he hadn't been an active member for years, whilst Drew Barrymore described her time on the app as a "train-wreck" after being stood up by a restaurant owner.
However, TikToker has claimed she matched with Lewis Capaldi, Love Island's Dr Alex George and Game Of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, so it seems there is still hope!
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