Raya (app)

Raya is a private, membership-based, social network application for iOS, that launched in 2015. Originally a dating app, Raya has added features to promote professional networking and social discovery. In the spring of 2024, Raya’s parent company released a second app, Places, into beta. Places is a subscription-based discovery tool for travel and hospitality and is currently available by invitation only.

Raya and Places each offer various subscription options. Raya’s current one-month subscription is $24.99 USD. Places’ current one-month subscription is $4.99 USD.

History

Raya was conceived by Daniel Gendelman in 2014 and went live in February 2015. The app is available on Apple devices.

Format

Users link their profile to their Instagram account, add personal information, including their background, profession, and interests, and must create a photo montage for their profile. After creating a profile, users interact and connect with the global Raya community through features such as a map and member directory.

Access

Raya is not advertised and grows solely by word of mouth. After downloading the app, users submit an application to join the community, which may include referrals from Raya members. All applications are reviewed by Raya’s community team, which takes into account referrals and other factors and solicits input from a committee of long-time community members. Only a small percentage of applicants are admitted, while the rest are added to a waitlist for further review and consideration. As of 2023, the waitlist exceeded 1.5 million applicants.

Privacy

Raya includes a number of features focused on its members’ privacy. If a user screenshots a profile within the app, Raya warns the user that they may be removed from the platform, and repeated screenshots lead to termination of the user’s account.

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