Raya is the dating app that feels like a secret club you’ll never get into unless you have a famous friend to vouch for you. Since 2015, it has been the go-to place for celebrities and influencers who want to swipe without the general public watching their every move. And the stories coming out of it are pure pop culture gold.
Some celebrities found love on Raya. Nick Kroll met his wife Lily Kwong there in 2018 proving that even in the VIP section of dating apps, true connection is possible. Others had less romantic experiences. Olivia Rodrigo called the app“so vomit”and deleted it almost immediately. Matthew Perry and Ben Affleck both faced public scrutiny just for having profiles. And the app’s verification process is famously mysterious, with John Mayer and Chris Rock personally vouching for friends like Andy Cohen. Sean Evans from Hot Ones reportedly still has an active profile as of 2026.
The appeal of Raya is obvious: a curated, private space to date without the noise of regular apps. But it also creates a very small, circular dating pool where you keep seeing the same faces every few months. Would you want an invite to Raya if you could get one? Or does the exclusivity make it more trouble than it’s worth? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.