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In today’s digital age, people are constantly looking for ways to connect with others, whether for personal or professional reasons. Social meetup platforms have become a popular solution, offering users a space to discover local events, join interest-based communities, and create meaningful connections. One such platform is Timeleft, which helps users organize and attend meetups, providing an easy and fun way to connect with others. These platforms are increasingly in demand as people seek both virtual and in-person social experiences.
Another great example is Nextdoor, a neighborhood-focused social network that keeps users connected with local events and community activities. In 2023, Nextdoor reported a revenue of around $200 million, mainly through advertising and premium subscriptions. This success highlights the potential for social meetup platforms to thrive in the market, especially with their ability to serve localized and interest-driven communities.
With the online event platform market expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.3% from 2021 to 2028, now is the perfect time to explore building your social meetup platform. The growing demand for these services shows their increasing importance, both for users and businesses alike.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the process of developing a platform like Timeleft, covering the technical aspects, features, and best practices. Let’s begin!
Overview of the Timeleft Platform
Timeleft is a unique social platform designed to help people build real connections through shared dining experiences. Created by Maxime Barbier, the app was born out of a desire to address growing social isolation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional dating apps, Timeleft focuses on fostering meaningful interactions through conversation rather than photos and swiping.
How Timeleft Works
- Dinner Events: Timeleft organizes group dinners where participants are matched based on a personality quiz. The quiz asks about personal interests, dietary preferences, and meal budgets to pair people with similar values and tastes.
- Minimal Information: Before the event, participants receive basic details about their dinner companions—like their job industry and zodiac sign—but not their names or photos. This approach encourages more authentic interactions and takes the pressure off of presenting a curated version of oneself.
- Building Community: After the dinner, Timeleft often hosts social events at local bars, bringing together diners from different groups. This allows participants to continue making connections and expand their social circles beyond the dinner table.
Key Market Takeaways for Social Meetup Platforms
According to SNSinsider, the event management software market is growing rapidly, valued at $7.95 billion in 2023 and expected to reach $24.98 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 13.59% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for efficient tools to manage events, especially as organizations adjust to both in-person and virtual events.
Source: SNSinsider
The rise of hybrid events and the need for seamless user experiences are driving businesses to invest in advanced technologies that help with event planning, execution, and attendee engagement.
As a result, social meetup platforms are gaining momentum. The global increase in internet access and mobile connectivity has made it easier than ever for people to organize and attend events. In addition, rising awareness of mental health concerns, like loneliness, is prompting more people to seek social connections. For example, Meetup saw a 14% increase in event registrations in early 2023 compared to the previous year, showing a clear desire for face-to-face interactions. The use of AI and data analytics on these platforms is enhancing the user experience by offering personalized recommendations and engagement features.
In addition to Meetup, platforms like Eventbrite, which focuses on event promotion and ticketing, and Nextdoor, which helps neighbors connect, are also part of this growing trend. Partnerships are key to expanding reach and improving user experiences. For instance, Attendify integrates with social media sites like Facebook, allowing users to share photos, create polls, and boost engagement during events.
developers, with combined 50000+ coding hours experience
A Perfect Time to Invest in Social Meetup Platform Development
Launching a social meetup platform like Timeleft can be a highly profitable venture in today’s digital and hyper-connected world. As people increasingly seek community engagement and experiences that foster genuine connections, there is a growing demand for platforms that facilitate meaningful meetups.
For example, Eventbrite, a platform for discovering and hosting events, generated about $300 million in 2023 through ticket sales and event management services.
Similarly, Meetup, a well-established platform that allows users to create and join groups based on shared interests, brought in approximately $50 million in 2023, primarily through subscription fees for group organizers and event promotions.
These examples highlight the significant revenue potential of such platforms as more people embrace social gatherings, both virtual and in-person. This growing trend presents a valuable opportunity to capture a diverse user base — from hobbyists and professionals to local event organizers and small businesses.
Moreover, the scalability of a social meetup platform means you can continue expanding its offerings and tapping into various monetization strategies as it grows. You can introduce targeted advertising, feature-specific in-app purchases (such as event promotions or advanced tools for hosts), and even expand globally by adapting to regional preferences. The low overhead of digital operations and the continuous growth of the social networking industry further bolster the potential for success.
Did you know that….
Bumble is shifting its focus to revamp its friendship feature, Bumble BFF, after seeing a slowdown in the dating app market. Under the leadership of new CEO Lidiane Jones, Bumble plans to improve BFF and make it easier for people to form meaningful, platonic connections. Instead of using the traditional swipe-to-like model, the company aims to create a safer, more community-driven space for friendships based on shared interests. This move reflects a growing demand for apps that help people build genuine, non-romantic relationships.
Platforms like this show how a social meetup space can grow and thrive. With the right approach, you can expand offerings, explore different monetization options (like in-app purchases or event promotions), and even go global!
Business Model of the Timeleft Platform
Timeleft is a unique platform created by Maxime Barbier, designed to tackle urban loneliness by bringing people together through shared dining experiences. Launched in 2020, Timeleft connects people based on personality compatibility and provides a way for strangers to meet over communal meals. In just a few years, the platform has expanded rapidly, with events happening in over 80 cities across 18 countries.
Business Model
Timeleft’s business model centers around organizing group dinners where people pay to attend. These dinners are more than just a meal—they’re an opportunity to connect with others in a fun, meaningful way. This sets Timeleft apart from traditional dating apps, as the focus is on community and shared experiences rather than individual matches.
How Timeleft Makes Money
The main ways Timeleft generates revenue include:
- Ticket Sales: Participants pay to join the dinners, which often have fun themes or cater to specific interests.
- Partnerships and Sponsorships: Local businesses and brands partner with Timeleft, creating additional revenue streams.
- Merchandise: In the future, Timeleft plans to sell branded products and services that align with its mission of bringing people together.
Growth and Funding
Timeleft has seen impressive growth since its launch. In its first six months, the platform hosted over 1,600 dinners and connected more than 10,000 people. By early 2024, it had grown to over 700,000 users!
In terms of funding, Timeleft raised $2 million in its first round of investment in 2021. This allowed the platform to develop further and expand its reach.
Plans for the Future
Timeleft isn’t stopping here! The platform has already expanded into major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago, and it’s planning to launch in even more towns across the U.S., Canada, Asia-Pacific, and Eastern Europe.
As Timeleft continues to grow, it’s also working on new features to improve the user experience, though they’ve kept the details under wraps for now.
Development Steps for a Social Meetup Platform like Timeleft
Developing a platform like Timeleft involves a series of focused steps to create an engaging and efficient social experience. Here are the key steps explained in medium-length paragraphs.
1. Define the Platform’s Purpose
The first step is to establish the core purpose of the platform. Whether the goal is to address urban loneliness, foster professional networking, or create casual meetups, a clear vision is essential. This purpose will influence the platform’s features, user interface, and branding.
2. Conduct Market Research
Market research helps identify target users, study competitor platforms, and understand user behavior. This includes analyzing demographics, popular features, and unmet needs in the market. Insights from this research guide the platform’s unique value proposition and the features that differentiate it from competitors.
3. Design a User-Centric Interface
The UI and UX design should prioritize simplicity and functionality. Features like intuitive navigation, quick registration, and seamless event booking enhance the overall user experience. Consistent aesthetics and responsive design ensure accessibility across devices.
4. Build a Robust Matching Algorithm
The matching algorithm is the backbone of a social meetup platform. It should consider factors like user preferences, personality traits, location, and availability. Using advanced technologies like machine learning can improve match accuracy over time, ensuring users have meaningful and enjoyable interactions.
5. Integrate Scheduling and Event Management
Scheduling features allow users to view, book, and manage events effortlessly. Automated notifications and reminders ensure users stay informed about upcoming meetups. Event management tools for organizers, including attendance tracking and location settings, streamline operations.
6. Partner with Local Businesses
Collaborations with restaurants, cafes, and bars are vital for arranging meetups. These partnerships help secure high-quality venues, offering users enjoyable experiences. Local businesses benefit from increased exposure, creating a win-win relationship.
7. Include Gamification Features
Gamification adds a fun and engaging element to the platform. Icebreaker games during events, reward points for participation, or badges for attending multiple meetups motivate users to stay active on the platform. These features enhance retention and create a sense of community.
8. Ensure Data Security and Privacy
Data protection is crucial for gaining user trust. Implement secure protocols such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and compliance with data regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Ensuring user anonymity during the matching process further strengthens privacy.
9. Gather User Feedback and Iterate
Feedback mechanisms, such as post-event surveys and reviews, help identify areas of improvement. Regular updates based on user insights ensure the platform evolves to meet user expectations, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
Cost of Developing a Social Meetup Platform like Timeleft
| Stage | Task | Cost Range |
| 1. Research & Planning | $1,000 – $5,000 | |
| – Market Research | Analyzing competitor platforms, identifying the target audience, and understanding trends. | $500 – $2,000 |
| – Feasibility Study | Evaluating technical and business viability, defining features and functionalities. | $500 – $3,000 |
| 2. Front-End Development | $6,000 – $30,000 | |
| – User Interface (UI) Design | Creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes for a user-friendly interface. | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| – Front-End Development | Building the user-facing part of the platform using React or Angular. | $4,000 – $24,000 |
| App Features (Front-End): | ||
| – User Profiles | Profile creation, photo/video uploads, and privacy settings. | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| – Event Creation & Discovery | Event creation forms, filters, search, and map integration. | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| – Messaging & Communication | Direct messaging, group chats, and notifications. | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| 3. Back-End Development | $7,000 – $40,000 | |
| – Back-End Development | Building server-side infrastructure using Node.js or Django. | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| – Database Design | Setting up a database (PostgreSQL, MongoDB) for user data and event management. | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| App Features (Back-End): | ||
| – User Authentication | User registration, login, and password security. | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| – Event Management | Event creation, scheduling, and RSVP management. | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| – Search & Filtering | Efficient search algorithms and filters. | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| – Notifications & Messaging | Push notifications, email notifications, and in-app messaging. | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| 4. Testing & Quality Assurance | $2,000 – $8,000 | |
| – Unit Testing | Testing individual components of the platform. | $500 – $2,000 |
| – Integration Testing | Testing how different parts of the platform work together. | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| – User Acceptance Testing | Gathering feedback from real users. | $500 – $2,000 |
| 5. Deployment & Maintenance | $2,000 – $7,000 | |
| – Cloud Hosting | Deploying the platform on cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure). | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| – Ongoing Maintenance | Regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches. | $1,000 – $3,000 (Yearly) |
Total Cost Range: $10,000 – $100,000
Factors Affecting the Cost of Developing a Social Meetup Platform
Several variable factors can significantly impact the development cost of a social meetup platform like Timeleft. These include:
- Advanced Matching Algorithms: Sophisticated algorithms to match users based on interests, preferences, and availability significantly impact development time and cost.
- Location-Based Services: Integrating robust location-based features (accurate mapping, proximity-based suggestions, real-time location sharing) adds complexity.
- Community Management Tools: Features for moderators to manage events, handle disputes, and ensure a positive community experience require dedicated development.
- Handling Large-Scale Events: The platform must be able to handle a sudden influx of users and real-time updates during popular events.
Conclusion
Social meetup platforms like Timeleft help people connect, explore new interests, and build meaningful relationships. Businesses can tap into this by creating similar platforms that support community building while generating revenue. Options for monetization include premium features, partnerships with local companies, ads, and hosting paid events. By focusing on users’ needs and fostering a strong community, businesses can create a successful platform that benefits both users and the company.
Looking to Develop a Social Meetup Platform like Timeleft?
At Idea Usher, with over 500,000 hours of coding experience, we can help you create a vibrant social meetup platform like Timeleft. Our team will build a user-friendly platform that connects people with shared interests, encourages meaningful interactions, and boosts engagement with easy event discovery, messaging features, and a lively community feed. Let’s work together to bring your vision of a thriving social hub to life!
developers, with combined 50000+ coding hours experience
FAQs
Q1: How to develop a social meetup platform?
A1: To develop a social meetup platform, start by identifying the types of events and groups your platform will support, like casual gatherings, hobby groups, or professional networking. Design an easy-to-use interface and include features that allow users to create, discover, and RSVP to events. You’ll also need backend systems to manage user profiles, event details, and notifications. Finally, test the platform thoroughly to ensure smooth functionality before launching.
Q2: What are the features of a social meetup platform?
A2: Key features of a social meetup platform include user profiles, event creation tools, event discovery (with search and filters), RSVP functionality, and notifications for upcoming events. Social integration, such as chatting with other attendees, group discussions, and sharing event updates, enhances engagement. Many platforms also include ratings or reviews for events and hosts, and sometimes location-based features to find local gatherings.
Q3: How do social meetup platforms make money?
A3: Social meetup platforms typically generate revenue through premium memberships, which offer benefits like exclusive events, priority registration, or enhanced visibility for event organizers. They may also charge fees for event promotion, ticket sales, or ad placements from local businesses and partners. Some platforms also use affiliate marketing or partnerships to generate additional income.
Q4: What is the cost of developing a social meetup platform?
A4: The cost of developing a social meetup platform varies depending on the complexity of features, design, and the platforms (iOS, Android, or both). More advanced functionalities like real-time chat, event ticketing, or social media integration can increase the cost. The development process also includes factors like the team size, technology stack, and time needed to build the platform, which can all influence the overall expense.
