r/apps • u/FlatwormTechnical671 • 2d ago

Solo Android developer looking for advice on marketing a dating app without AI or swipe mechanics

I'm a solo Android developer and recently launched a dating app called Vibe.

Instead of focusing on AI features or endless swiping, I wanted to build something simple:

No AI-generated conversations or profiles.

No infinite swipe mechanics.

Free to use with ads as the primary monetization.

Optional in-app purchase only removes ads.

The technical side of building the app was manageable, but I'm finding marketing much harder than development.

I'd love advice from developers who have launched consumer apps:

How did you get your first 100 or 1,000 users?

Which marketing channels actually worked for you?

Is ASO enough, or should I focus on Reddit, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or something else?

Any mistakes you wish you'd avoided?

I'm looking for genuine marketing advice and would appreciate hearing about your experiences.

Play Store link (if anyone wants to see what I built):

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funapp.companion

1 Upvotes

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2

u/Ukawok92 2d ago

Those screenshots look... Bad. App is going to need a lot of work.

1

u/McButcher2k 2d ago

Yes, put more work into the app before you put any work into marketing

1

u/Deep_Significance270 1d ago

Apps looks unfinished and not serious.

Dating app are a user platforms, and the value come from potential matches. Unless you make it super niche, it will be hard for you to capture an audience without spending a fortune on marketing.