How to get onto Raya: The private dating app used by celebrities

RAYA is a dating app for the rich and famous, sparking curiosity among many.

Find out why Raya has become the go-to platform for celebrities seeking romance, networking, and new connections.

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What is a Raya and when was it launched?

Raya is a private, membership-based social network application designed for dating, networking, and making friends.

It is often referred to as the Tinder for celebrities due to its high-profile user base, which includes celebrities, influencers, and industry professionals.

Raya was launched in March 2015 by Daniel Gendelman.

It gained popularity for its exclusivity, requiring prospective members to go through a rigorous application process, including an endorsement from an existing member, and an anonymous committee review.

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How do you qualify for the Raya dating app?

Qualifying for the Raya dating app involves an application process that highlights its exclusivity.

Prospective users must first download the app and submit an application, providing personal information, photos, and details about their career and social media presence.

A referral or endorsement from an existing Raya member significantly increases the chances of acceptance, though it is not strictly required.

Each application is reviewed by an anonymous committee, which has around 500 members worldwide, that evaluates various factors, including the applicant's influence, career achievements, and social media following.

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A substantial social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram, is a major factor, with a significant number of followers and engagement being highly valued.

It is rumoured that the minimum number of followers required is 5,000, with an ideal count being 250,000 or more.

Applicants who meet these criteria and pass the review process are granted membership, allowing them to access Raya's community for dating, networking, and socializing.

Raya said: "Prospective members may download the app and submit an application.

"Once submitted, applications are placed in queue and reviewed continually.

"An applicant's status can change from 'waitlisted' to 'accepted' at any time."

However, users won't be told that their application has been rejected.

Is Raya a dating app for celebrities?

Raya is often referred to as a dating app for celebrities due to its high-profile user base, which includes celebrities, influencers, and industry professionals.

However, it is not exclusively for celebrities.

Which celebrities have used Raya?

Raya is frequented by the rich and famous.

Among those rumoured or confirmed to have used the app are celebrities like Lewis Hamilton, Lizzo and Ben Affleck (before he married J-Lo)

Here's a look at some other celebrities who have been linked to Raya.

Demi Lovato

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Demi Lovato has been a longtime user of online relationship sites.

In her documentary, Simply Complicated, Demi revealed that she chose Raya after her split from Wilmer Valderrama in 2016.

Since then, Demi has used the app whenever she was single.

However, in 2020, she faced an issue when she tried to rejoin after deleting her profile.

She told : “I just deleted it out of respect to the person I was with, then we broke up and I went to get back on but I couldn’t.

“And I was like, ‘You know what? It’s fine. I don’t need to be on this because I think I’m supposed to be alone right now.’”

Channing Tatum

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Channing Tatum reportedly joined Raya following his split from singer Jessie J.

In December 2019 his profile read: “And yes, I used to be a stripper.”

It is also said that his profile song was Brown Sugar by D’Angelo.

Olivia Rodrigo

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Olivia Rodrigo admitted in 2021 that she was on Raya but did not like it.

She told : “I had Raya for a second, and it was so vomit.

“Like, I could not.”

In December 2023 Olivia confirmed that she is dating actor Louis Partridge.

Joe Jonas

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Before marrying Sophie Turner, Joe Jonas was seen on the dating app.

In June 2022 Joe confirmed this during a , saying: “That rumor is true. I mean, who wasn’t?”

Ben Affleck

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Ben Affleck's presence on Raya has garnered attention in the media.

He reportedly joined the exclusive dating app after his split from actress Jennifer Garner.

There were various reports and rumours about his activities on the app, including matching with users and even engaging in conversations that became publicised.

Simone Biles

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Simone Biles matched with her husband Jonathan Owens on Raya.

The footballer did not know who she was when they matched.

Drew Barrymore

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Drew Barrymore shared her experience with Raya during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, likening it to "looking through an Us Weekly."

She admitted: "I did terribly too.

"I got stood up, and I didn’t match with anyone.

"And my friends gave me this sort of bloated sense of false confidence.

"They were like, ‘You should try it. You will do great.’

"It was a car wreck."

Kiernan Shipka

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Kiernan Shipka shared that despite her busy schedule leaving little time for dating, she's a big fan of Raya.

She told in 2019: "Meeting people has always been kind of a funny situation for me, growing up not going to school, but knowing everyone who went to the schools in LA.

"It’s good, I’ve found ways."

Kiernan also mentioned that she tried online dating app before saying about Raya: "I've used online dating before.

"Raya for life. Love it. God bless Raya."

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How much does it cost to be on Raya?

If you're lucky enough to be welcomed into the app, a membership is $9.99 or £5.99 per month.

But like its largely free counterparts, Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, users can pay extra for in-app purchases, such as extra likes.