How to Get on Raya in 2026? A Simple Guide

If you’ve heard whispers about Raya, including its mysterious application process, celebrity users, or elite reputation, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll break down what makes Raya the most exclusive dating app around, explain how to get on the dating platform, and give you practical tips to improve your chances of getting accepted.

What Is Raya?

Raya is a private, membership-based online dating platform often described as “the Soho House of dating apps.” The Raya community attracts creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and influencers who value meaningful connections and a polished, high-quality user base.

Unlike other dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, or The League, Raya isn’t open to everyone. You can’t just download and start swiping. You must apply, get reviewed by a global committee, and, if accepted, pay a membership cost to join.

According to The New YorkPost and Women’s Health, the acceptance rate may be around 8%, with most applicants placed on a waitlist that can last months. The New York Times has even compared the app’s exclusivity to an A-list members club.

Eligibility Requirements for Raya

While Raya’s website doesn’t publish exact selection criteria, applicants generally need to show a mix of professional credibility, social media presence, and referrals.

Professional Achievements

Raya favors people with creative or entrepreneurial backgrounds, including actors, musicians, designers, founders, or artists with distinctive careers. However, you don’t need to be an A-list celebrity to join. The goal is a diverse, interesting people network that includes everyone from NYC photographers to LA filmmakers.

Social Media Influence

Your Instagram handle is required during the application. The committee reportedly checks your follower count, engagement, and authenticity of posts and not just vanity numbers. Polished, high-quality photos and genuine content go further than staged selfies. Having professional platforms like LinkedIn aligned with your creative work can also strengthen your case.

Referrals and Recommendations

If you know an existing member, ask for a referral. It’s not a guarantee, but it strengthens your application. Even with referrals, many users wait weeks or months for review because of the extensive waitlist, which is rumored to exceed 100,000 applicants.

Preparing Your Application

You can’t control every factor, but you can optimize your profile before applying.

Crafting Your Profile

Use high-quality photos that feel authentic, not over-edited. Each profile includes a short slideshow set to music, so choose images that tell your story, including aspects about your travel, work, creativity, and lifestyle. Avoid large group shots and casual selfies that don’t reflect your personality.

Highlighting Your Achievements

Show your best self. Mention press coverage, creative milestones, or collaborations. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist in New York or an independent founder in LA, highlight what makes you unique.

Connecting Your Social Media

Raya requires your Instagram handle. Review your posts before applying — remove outdated content, improve captions, and post something fresh. Authentic engagement matters more than having massive Instagram followers.

How To Get on Raya: Step-by-Step

Here’s how the current Raya application process works:

1. Download Raya (iOS only). Available in the App Store.
2. Complete the application. Provide your name, occupation, age, short bio, and Instagram handle.
3. Polish your profile. Add five high-quality photos that capture your lifestyle, personality, and achievements.
4. Optional referral. Ask an existing member to vouch for you within the app.
5. Wait for review. The global committee evaluates applications by hand. Some users wait days; others remain on the waitlist for months.
6. Pay your membership. Once accepted, you’ll subscribe to join the Raya community.

If accepted, you’ll officially join one of the most selective dating apps in the world.

What Raya Looks For

Raya doesn’t use a public checklist. Evaluation is subjective, balancing your career story, digital footprint, and social vibe. Here are some of the factors they may consider:

• Creative background. Actors, designers, entrepreneurs, and interesting people with distinct passions.
• Authentic online footprint. Thoughtful posts and meaningful interactions, not empty follower counts.
• Community fit. Users who enhance its community with genuine creativity or purpose.
• Referrals. Recommendations from other members and a credible social media presence.
• Discretion. No screenshots or leaks of private conversations are allowed.

Because human reviewers handle every application, even qualified users sometimes remain on the waitlist.

What It Costs To Join Raya

Being part of an exclusive dating app isn’t cheap, but many say it’s worth it.

• Standard membership cost. $24.99 per month.
• Raya+ membership. About $49.99 per month, offering extra likes, profile boosts, and visibility to more users.
• No free tiers. Everyone, including women, pays for access.

The cost reflects its exclusivity, and many say it’s comparable to a Soho House membership or other elite social circles.

Why People Still Seek Raya

Despite the membership costs, people continue joining Raya for its high-quality user base and private atmosphere.

Members say the appeal goes beyond dating; it’s about access to a network of A-list creatives and influencers who treat the app like a social hub for professionals in areas like NYC, LA, and more.

Famous members have included Demi Lovato, Channing Tatum, and Ben Affleck, but the app isn’t just for celebrities; it’s for people with ambition and a sense of purpose in their dating life.

The app also bans screenshots, which helps preserve privacy and respect within the Raya community, which is a feature that distinguishes it from Tinder, Bumble, and other online dating platforms.

Your Path To Joining Raya

Joining Raya takes patience and effort, but it’s achievable. Refine your social media presence, improve your profile, and build genuine relationships with other users. The app values authenticity and creativity over follower numbers alone.

If months go by without news, you can reapply. Some successful members were accepted after their second or third attempt. The exclusivity is part of the allure, and for many, that’s exactly what makes it worth it.

If you’d rather skip the waitlist and meet curated, relationship-ready matches through personal matchmaking, try Tawkify. Unlike swiping apps, Tawkify matchmakers personally introduce compatible singles for more meaningful first dates.

Find your person today with Tawkify Matchmaking — a smarter way to connect without the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about how to get on Raya? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions.

How to get on Raya as a normal person?

Anyone can apply. You don’t need celebrity status. Instead, you can be accepted with an engaging profile, clear career focus, and authentic social vibe.

Is it hard to get on Raya?

Yes. With only a small percent of applicants accepted, it’s among the most selective apps in online dating.

What qualifications do you need for Raya?

This dating platform values creative backgrounds, strong social media presence, and referrals. There are no formal qualifications — just personality and polish.

How much does it cost to join Raya?

The standard membership cost is $24.99/month, and a Raya+ membership is $49.99/month for extra likes and premium visibility.

Is Raya harder to get into than Harvard?

Not technically, but the exclusivity level makes it feel like the Harvard of dating apps.

Do women have to pay for Raya?

Yes, all Raya members pay equal membership costs, regardless of gender.

Do you have to be attractive to get on Raya?

Attractiveness helps, but creativity, personality, and originality weigh more heavily.

Do celebs actually use Raya?

Yes, Demi Lovato, Ben Affleck, and Channing Tatum are among rumored users.

Who gets accepted into Raya?

People with strong social media presence, genuine referrals, and creative or professional backgrounds stand the best chance.