Stefa: Dating club
Stefa wanted a secure and engaging dating app. So, we created a cross-platform solution with features like video stories, event boards, and gamification. With AI-powered fraud detection and scam prevention, the app is both fun and safe.
Client
Stefa aimed to create a truly unique and secure dating app that would stand out among what's already available. They wanted a platform that provided a fun, interactive experience for users and ensured safety. Such issues as fake profiles, inappropriate content, and scams needed to be addressed. Stefa wanted their app to feel fresh, engaging, and most importantly—authentic.
Task
Our mission was to develop a cross-platform dating app that worked on both mobile and web. The app needed to feature an interactive feed of dating posts, video stories, and a gamified experience that kept users engaged. However, the most important aspect of the project was ensuring security and authenticity.
Challenge
The dating app space is flooded with competition, and standing out in app stores is no easy feat. Our biggest challenge was to merge a fun and engaging platform with making sure that it was eligible for app stores. Dating apps face strict policies. That's why we needed to incorporate unique features to differentiate Stefa and comply with store guidelines.
Working with video stories was a feat, too. Ensuring autoplay and sound activation when users swiped through the feed was key. This feature was commonly seen on platforms like TikTok, but it was tricky to implement for both the web and mobile versions. Browser limitations and the need for seamless playback across devices were the reasons.
We also faced a challenge around safety and security. As with any dating app, Stefa had to deal with issues like fake profiles, inappropriate images, and scammer behavior. We needed to create solutions that would filter out inappropriate content and protect users from potential harm. At the same time, the app still needed to feel like a fun and secure space for meeting new people.
The Solution
Unique Social Features
Go Have Fun Feature
The Go Have Fun feature is a win for Stefa. It allows users to post real-time invitations to meet up or hang out. These posts stay active for 8 hours, creating a sense of urgency. Here’s how:
- A user creates a post inviting others to meet, go to a concert, or even grab coffee. These posts would appear in the public event feed.
- Other users comment, choose to connect, and make plans instantly. This encourages spontaneous, real-world interactions like grabbing a coffee nearby.
And it's not only for urgency but for social interaction, both online and offline.
Event Boards and Video Stories
Event boards let users create and browse local events such as trivia nights, social meetups, or parties. The feature adds another layer of community engagement.
Video stories, similar to platforms like TikTok, give users the ability to create personal stories. They autoplay as users scroll through the feed. This encourages more user-generated content.
For example, a user might post a short video story saying, “I’m going to a beach party this weekend. Who’s in?” and others could swipe through, comment, and decide whether to join.
Gamification and Daily Rewards
Gamified elements encourage users to interact more often. The interactions include liking profiles, starting conversations, or joining events.
Thus, users earn points and unlock special features like:
- Hidden photos
- Being able to start a conversation first
- Special visibility in the feed
Advanced Filtration
Since the app gives extensive functionality, we let users filter the content flexibly. Some of the unique filters include:
- Financial support availability. Users can mark in their profile that they are willing to provide financial support and allow search based on this preference.
- Closed photo filter. If a user's profile has only closed photos, the filter will exclude these users from search results.
Enhanced Conversation Management
Users can manage their messages in a custom way, creating folders for better dialogue organization. There is a limit of 10 folders, with default folders like "All," "Favorites," "Black List," and "Deleted.”
Unique Business-Driven Features
Our app needed to show its potential with paid features useful for both users and business owners. We implemented premium services to boost a user's profile visibility and ranking in search results. After a successful transaction, the profile’s visibility is increased. The user is shown at the top of premium listings for 14 or 30 days, depending on the package purchased.
Then, we gave users the option to browse the platform anonymously. Incognito mode caters to privacy-conscious users. We also made it possible for users to verify others via a service that integrates with a bot. The verification service boosts trust and security on the platform. It increases the chances of attracting high-quality users for a safe environment.
Fraud Protection and Security
Modifia implemented an AI-powered system to detect nudity in photos during upload and reject inappropriate images. This prevents explicit content from entering the platform and keeps the app within store guidelines.
Our team also integrated a “danger scale” based on suspicious actions by users. The system flags users who exhibit behaviors that suggest they are scammers. Such things as asking for explicit photos or money. Plus, users who are found on adult websites are blocked from completing their registration.
The AI system also includes a pre-moderation process for photos that may not be clear-cut (e.g., revealing swimsuits). Borderline images are still reviewed before being posted. Thus, the platform is safe from inappropriate content and still flexible for users.
The blacklist is updated regularly to track phone numbers and Telegram IDs tied to suspicious activity. Scammers cannot create new accounts with altered photos or fake information.
Cross-Platform Development
We used Capacitor.js for cross-platform app development (web and mobile experiences). This stack lets businesses cut costs on development and app support. It’s a great choice for apps targeting wide audiences and shorter time-to-market.
Easy Authentication
Finally, we made the registration process as easy as possible with innovative login methods. Users authenticate via WhatsApp and Telegram with a simple click—no need to enter long codes. They simply click to open Telegram, return to the app, and are logged in automatically. The process is quick and user-friendly.
We also developed a Telegram bot for simpler user management. The bot solves such tasks as:
- Registration and authorization
- Password recovery
- Real-time updates on messages
- Profile activity and system alerts
- New profile discovery
- Links to related groups
Results
Stefa’s app quickly gained traction thanks to its unique features and strong focus on security. Users loved the engaging video stories, the ability to interact through “Go have fun” posts, and the gamified rewards system. The three best outcomes included:
- Higher user engagement. The interactive features and gamification led to an increase in user engagement. People were coming back to the app daily for rewards, to check out new stories, and to take part in events.
- App store approval in the lifestyles category. The unique features and strict content moderation systems allowed Stefa’s app to pass through app store approval. It's a great result given that many dating apps struggle to meet guidelines.
- Increased trust and safety. With fraud protection in place, users felt more secure. They knew their photos would be scanned for nudity and that scammers wouldn’t be able to use the platform.
