Most people decide to give dating apps a try at some point - but when you're a mega star, finding love while being in the limelight can bring even more challenges.
While us mere mortals are deciding between Tinder, Hinge and Bumble, famous faces have more exclusive options to try out. Dating app Raya is one of them. According to its app store description, Raya is 'a private community where people come to connect for dating, networking, and friendship'.
It has around 10,000 members and reportedly only accepts eight percent of applicants, making it more difficult to get into than either Oxford or Cambridge universities. Launched in 2015, the app was initially invite-only, but eventually opened up to the creative industries.
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From its app store page, the set-up looks similar to other dating apps, where you can view profile pictures and swipe to match. If you match, you then have the opportunity to chat - but only members of the exclusive app know its full features and how it works.
Among the celebs who've said they have used Raya are American model Emily Ratajkowski, singer Olivia Rodrigo and actress Drew Barrymore.
Former Corrie star Lucy Fallon also met her boyfriend, footballer Ryan Ledson, on the app.
How to join Raya
Can you join Raya? Well, you can sure try - but it has reportedly taken people months and even years to be accepted on to the app. Raya says that prospective members may download the app and submit an application.
From that point, you're placed in a queue and reviewed continually. "An applicant's status can change from 'waitlisted' to 'accepted' at any time," the Raya app description states. Once accepted, members need to buy a one, six or 12 month membership, which will give them access to the app's 'full functionality' and 'entire service'.
According to Elite Dating Managers, the Raya application process depends on two things: your Instagram account and having referrals from existing members. You reportedly need to have a professional-looking Instagram profile and at least 5,000 followers - although even some stars, like American actress and singer Demi Lovato, have been rejected from the app.
Raya can be downloaded from the Apple app store or you can sign up online here. May the odds be ever in your favour!
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