Raya is the private, application-only dating app that celebrities made famous. It is real, it works in big cities, and it is very hard to get into.
The deciding factor is the committee. You apply, you wait, and you may never be accepted. If you do get in, you pay a monthly membership for a smaller, curated pool of people who also passed the screening.
Want a more direct route to casual dating? Try WannaHookUp — my current top pick.
- Official App Store listing: description, ratings and in-app prices.
- Raya membership terms and community guidelines.
- Recurring user feedback on waitlist times.
- Prices are US App Store prices and vary by country.
Straight reviews. Clear expectations. Platforms with a realistic route to real conversations and dates.
Raya Review: Quick Answers
Is Raya legit?
Yes. Raya is a real, invite-style membership app run by Raya App Inc. It is a genuine dating and networking community, not a fantasy-chat site, and it holds a 4.0 rating from around 16,000 reviews on the US App Store.
How do you get on Raya?
You apply inside the app. A global committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, and Raya itself says a decision can take anywhere from days to months. A referral from an existing member and a strong, active Instagram account help. Many applicants are never accepted.
How much does Raya cost?
The app is free to download, but you pay once you are accepted. The US App Store lists memberships from $24.99 a month, with longer plans up to $155.99. Extras include Direct Requests from $4.99, 30 extra likes for $10.99 and a “Skip the Wait” boost for $7.99 that moves your application up the queue. Prices vary by country.
Is Raya on Android?
No. Raya is iPhone only.
What Raya Actually Is
Raya launched in 2015 as a private community for people in creative and media industries, and it still trades on that exclusivity. Members use it for three things: dating, making friends and professional networking. The famous-faces reputation is real, but most members are ordinary professionals in big cities who passed the committee.
Once inside, you get Daily Recommendations, a Map that shows members nearby, and a Directory for networking. Profiles are slideshows of photos set to music, which is why a good Instagram matters so much.
Can You Realistically Meet People on Raya?
Yes, if you live in a big city and you get accepted. Raya is strongest in places like New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris. Outside the big hubs, the member pool is thin, and you can pay a monthly fee to see very few people.
The real problem is getting in. Rejection or an open-ended wait is the most common experience, and Raya does not tell you why. If you need dates this month, Raya is the wrong tool.
Raya Pricing
- Download: free (iPhone only)
- Membership: from $24.99 a month, with 6- and 12-month plans
- Skip the Wait: $7.99 to speed up your application review
- Direct Requests: $4.99 for one, up to $49.99 for twelve
- Extra likes: 30 for $10.99
Memberships renew automatically through your Apple ID until you cancel in your iPhone subscription settings.
Safety and Privacy
Raya is stricter than most apps. Screenshots are discouraged, members who share profiles outside the app get removed, and the committee vets who gets in. That makes it one of the more private dating apps, but it does not verify identity the way a bank would, so take normal first-date precautions.
Who Raya Suits
- City professionals with a strong social or creative profile
- People who want a smaller, curated pool instead of endless swiping
- Members who also want networking and friends
It does not suit Android users, people outside major cities, or anyone who wants quick, casual dates.
Final Verdict: Is Raya Worth It?
Raya is a legitimate, high-end dating app, but most people never get past the waitlist. If you are accepted and live in a big city, the quality of the pool is excellent for the price. If you are still waiting, do not sit on your hands: use the apps that actually let you meet people now, starting with my top dating and hookup apps.
Compare Better Dating Apps for Your Area
Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. SteveJabba.com may earn a commission if you join through them, at no extra cost to you. This review is based on official platform information and publicly available user feedback checked in October 2026.
Read how SteveJabba reviews dating sites, including how official terms, pricing, verification and user feedback are assessed.