Raya was founded in 2015 by Daniel Gendelman, a tech entrepreneur, with the goal of creating a private, members-only dating app for creative professionals.
To join Raya, applicants must be referred by an existing member and then approved by an anonymous global committee.
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The acceptance rate is estimated to be around 8%.
Raya users are required to link their Instagram account, which is then reviewed by the committee to assess the applicant's "creative influence" and "global connectivity."
The app has a unique aesthetic, using a dark background with a slideshow of members' Instagram photos set to mood music, creating an exclusive, almost secretive vibe.
While Raya is often referred to as the "Illuminati Tinder," the app denies having any specific requirements related to wealth, status or profession.
However, the majority of users are celebrities, influencers and other high-profile individuals.
In 2021, Raya introduced a new feature called "Raya Places," which allows members to connect with each other based on their location and interests, rather than just for dating.
Raya has been used by various celebrities, including Channing Tatum, John Mayer, Demi Lovato, and even former President Barack Obama's daughter, Malia.
The app operates on a subscription model, with a standard membership costing $7.99 per month and a Raya+ membership costing $29.99 per month.
Raya has a strict policy of discretion, and users are prohibited from taking screenshots or sharing information about other members.
Violating this rule can result in immediate expulsion from the app.
In 2020, Raya faced criticism for allegedly blacklisting users who posted about their experiences on the app, leading to accusations of exclusivity and elitism.
Despite its reputation, Raya's user base is relatively small, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 members worldwide.
The app's algorithm is designed to prioritize connections based on mutual friends, interests, and "creative energy" rather than just physical appearance or location.
Raya has been compared to other exclusive dating apps, such as The League and Luxy, but it remains one of the most well-known and sought-after platforms in the world of elite, high-profile dating.
The app has been praised for its focus on privacy and discretion, which appeals to users who value their anonymity and want to avoid the public scrutiny that can come with dating as a celebrity or public figure.
Raya has also been criticized for its perceived elitism and lack of diversity, with some arguing that it reinforces existing social hierarchies and perpetuates the exclusion of marginalized groups.
Despite these criticisms, Raya has continued to grow in popularity, with some reports suggesting that the app has become a powerful networking tool for creatives and entrepreneurs in addition to its dating function.
The app's algorithm is designed to match users based on their interests, values, and creative pursuits, rather than just physical attributes or location, which some users have found to be a refreshing change from more traditional dating apps.
Raya has been compared to a "digital dinner party," with members encouraged to engage in thoughtful, substantive conversations and to use the app as a platform for professional and creative collaboration as well as romantic connections.
The app's exclusivity and secrecy have led to a sense of mystique and intrigue, with some users describing the experience of being accepted into the Raya community as akin to joining an exclusive club or society.
While Raya may not be for everyone, its unique approach to dating and networking has resonated with a specific demographic of high-profile, creative individuals who value privacy, discretion, and a sense of exclusivity.