Raya isn’t your typical dating app—it’s a highly selective, invitation-based platform known for exclusive members, creative professionals, and high-profile personalities. If you’re wondering how to create a Raya account in 2025, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, share insider tips, and ensure your application stands out.
Table of Contents
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What Is Raya & Why Is It Exclusive?
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How to Download and Apply for a Raya Account
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Step-by-Step Raya Application Process (2025)
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Secrets to Getting Accepted—Profile Tips That Matter
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Instagram Optimization: Your Ticket to Membership
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What Happens After You Apply?
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Real User Experiences: Waiting, Referrals & Acceptance Rates
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High-Authority Perspective on Admissions and Community
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Final Thoughts: Is Raya Worth Your Effort?
1. What Is Raya & Why Is It Exclusive?
Raya was launched in 2015 as a private dating community for global connectors—celebrities, entrepreneurs, creatives, and social influencers. Unlike mainstream dating apps, Raya only allows accepted applicants to join, which is why it’s often described as “the Soho House of dating apps”. Membership is seen as a badge of prestige, fostering privacy and genuine connections over the typical swipe culture.
The exclusivity also means the app is available only on iOS—no luck for Android users, for now.
2. How to Download and Apply for a Raya Account
Creating a Raya account starts with three absolute essentials:
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An Apple device (iPhone, iPad)
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Your Instagram profile (public, well-curated)
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Time, patience, and a standout application
Downloading The App
Simply search for Raya in the App Store and hit download. This is your entry point—there’s no way to sign up via the website for regular users.
3. Step-by-Step Raya Application Process (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the Raya sign-up process:
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Open the App and Tap “Apply for Membership”: You’ll be prompted to start your application.
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Enter Your Mobile Number: Use a real phone number, as you’ll need to verify with a code.
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Complete Your Profile Details:
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Name, age, location, profession/career
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Instagram handle (required—this is key)
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Optional: referral invitations (see below)
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Submit and Wait: After hitting submit, your application enters the waitlist.
Key Requirements
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A unique, authentic story (explained further in Section 4)
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Ideally, endorsements or referrals from existing Raya members (not required, but a major boost)
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Cohesive and attractive digital footprint (Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
4. Secrets to Getting Accepted—Profile Tips That Matter
Raya doesn’t provide a checklist for approval, but successful applicants consistently share the following strategies:
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Showcase Uniqueness: Illustrate creative achievements, unique lifestyles, or professional impact. Artists, designers, tech leaders, and those with niche passions stand out.
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Quality Over Quantity: Focus on profile quality and narrative rather than high follower counts.
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Referrals: If you know someone with a Raya membership, get them to vouch for you—this carries extra weight but is not mandatory.
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Consistency: Your bio, professions, and Instagram should tell a cohesive story and look legitimate.
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Positive Social Proof: Ensure public profiles are free from controversial or negative content.
Top Profile Tips
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Use high-quality, creative photos (avoid generic mirror selfies)
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Describe your work and interests authentically
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Highlight collaborations, awards, or features if relevant
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Keep all public social media profiles up to date
5. Instagram Optimization: Your Ticket to Membership
Your Instagram account is crucial—Raya’s review committee will check it closely. Here’s how to optimize:
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Make it public before applying
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Clean up your feed: remove old, off-brand content that doesn’t fit your desired persona
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Showcase creative projects, hobbies, industry-related posts, and social engagement
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Try to boost your follower count, but don’t obsess—engagement and authenticity often matter more than raw numbers
Many reports say even non-celebrities with as few as 1,000 followers have been accepted, so focus on your story.
6. What Happens After You Apply?
Once your application is submitted:
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Your profile enters Raya’s waitlist.
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Applications are reviewed by a committee of existing members—sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly (anywhere from days to months, or occasionally longer).
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If accepted, you’ll be notified via SMS/email and prompted to complete payment for your membership ($24.99/month for basic or $49.99/month for premium in 2025).
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If declined, you are not charged and can reapply after a period.
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No guarantees: The process is highly selective, with reported acceptance rates as low as 8%.
7. Real User Experiences: Waiting, Referrals & Acceptance Rates
Many applicants share stories of long wait times, mystery, and a lack of feedback. Having a referral reliably increases acceptance chances (but buying one online is risky and often a scam). The “blind committee” review means even successful influencers sometimes get rejected, and regular creative professionals are accepted on their story alone.
Famous applicants report weeks on the waitlist, while others are accepted within hours—there’s no fixed rule.
8. High-Authority Perspective on Admissions and Community
Raya’s Terms of Service and official policy state:
“All applications are considered; however, Raya reserves complete control and sole discretion regarding who is granted membership.”
If you’re looking for an authoritative breakdown of the acceptance strategy, see Garbo.io’s detailed review—which covers application steps, referral tips, and security insights for aspiring members.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it hard to get approved for Raya?
Yes, approval rates are around 8%—much stricter than Ivy League colleges.
Do you need a referral to get accepted?
No, but referrals greatly increase your chances.
Is it possible for regular people to get in?
Yes, but it helps tremendously to have a compelling story, a creative career, or strong digital presence.
How long does the application take?
Anywhere from a few days to several months.
What are the membership fees?
$24.99/month for basic access; $49.99/month for premium in 2025.
What makes a strong Instagram profile for Raya?
Public profile, consistent branding, creative posts, good engagement.
Read More: How Much Is Raya Per Month? The Real Cost of Joining the World’s Most Exclusive Dating App
10. Final Thoughts: Is Raya Worth Your Effort?
Creating a Raya account in 2025 is a unique challenge—much more than just entering your email address. It’s a process that tests your creativity, reputation, and digital persona. While not everyone gets accept, those who do join a curate community of innovators, influencers, and likeminded talents.
If your goal is quality connections, not quantity, and you’re ready to invest in a standout application, Raya can be highly rewarding. For further reading and the latest advice on creating a winning profile, Garbo’s Raya review is a must-read for aspiring members
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