This Ethiopian Dating App Allows Users to Livestream Content Amid Romantic Pursuits

An Ethiopian expat has developed a dating platform that allows users to live stream content and receive gifts, blending social media with dating services. Habtok looks to become a major player in the dating app market with a fresh suite of tools that bridge romance, content, and monetization. The app also allows users to earn income in local currency by live streaming content as well as enabling in-app calls with matches.

Ermias Kebede, an Ethiopian IT professional living in London, England decided to explore developing a dating app a year and a half ago after reading an article on this very website. Surprised by some figures in the story, he conducted thorough research on the local industry dynamics.

“I quickly noticed the market potential “, Ermias told Shega.

A year of development and testing would follow by Ama Technology, before Habtok finally made into Google and IOS app stores. Less than a month in, the app has attracted over 3,000 users actively interacting with its package of offerings.

Ermias believed that he could give users a unique experience by seamlessly merging social media and location-based dating solutions. 

Prospective users can register on the platform using their email or phone number, which automatically rewards them with 250 coins. The coins serve as the primary currency in the Habtok sphere, enabling users to send direct messages or give them out as rewards. The Platform is linked to the Chapa Payment Gateway, which is integrated into nearly all major financial institutions in the country.

Privacy is among the top priorities for Habtok’s founder, who developed the app using Firebase, Google’s Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform. He says robust safety protocols are in place to ensure all chats and interactions are completely private. Ermias also noted that users can strictly engage with the social media aspect of the platform without interacting with the dating features.

“Anonymity is guaranteed for those who want it,” he says

The live streaming feature has already begun attracting an influx of customers who are enticed by the opportunity to earn income in local currency. Most international social media platforms don’t allow monetization for Ethiopian content creators. While it is in its early stages of growth, Habtok is set to compensate live streamers soon based on their watch hours, with the platform charging commissions.

“Users find more than love on Habtok,” says Daniel Elias, the Company’s General manager. He pointed out that the compensation strategy is not restricted by the number of viewers or overall subscribers.

Several dating apps have attempted to cater to the unique dating needs of Ethiopians over the past few years with varying degrees of success. Some apps like Lomi have tried to digitize traditional dating ceremonies, while others like Ethiomarriage have experimented with matching prospects based on shared backgrounds. Others like Konjo, Bunna, and Tidar Felagi have also tried to offer their take on the dating app industry. However, most Ethiopian dating apps struggle to scale beyond a certain degree due to a combination of limited penetration into rural areas and prevailing social customs.

Furthermore, apps like Tinder and Bumble have carved up a slice of the market share from local alternatives. Market research shows that the global dating app industry was valued at around $9.5 billion in 2022, with annual compounded growth forecasted at around 7.4%.