How to Build a Gay Dating App with ZEGOCLOUD

Want to build a gay dating app? You'll need good planning and the right tools. ZEGOCLOUD gives you the right real-time communication tools you need to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community. This guide shows you how to add key features like chat and video calls to your app. You'll learn the basic steps for setting up the app and helping users connect with each other.

We know privacy matters in dating apps, so we'll show you how to keep user data safe. We'll cover all the essential elements that make a dating app work well. Whether you're a developer starting your first project or a business owner looking to enter the market, this guide will help you create one of the best gay dating apps in 2025.

How to Build a Gay Video Call App

ZEGOCLOUD makes it easy to build engaging video call features for gay dating apps. Our services are designed to create intimate, secure, and high-quality video connections between users. Whether you're building a new dating app or adding video capabilities to an existing platform, ZEGOCLOUD's Express Video SDK provides everything you need for meaningful online connections.

In this section, we'll be using ZEGOCLOUD's Express Video SDK to add crystal-clear video calling features to your gay dating app. This will allow your users to move from text-based chats to face-to-face conversations seamlessly and securely.

Key Features of ZEGOCLOUD Express Video:

• High-quality video calls: ZEGOCLOUD offers crystal-clear video and audio quality for smooth, natural conversations. Our low-latency technology ensures real-time communication without awkward delays, making virtual dates feel more personal and engaging.
• Reliable connectivity: Our global server network ensures stable connections worldwide. The SDK automatically handles poor network conditions, maintaining call quality even when network conditions aren't ideal.
• Privacy controls: Built-in features allow users to easily control their camera and microphone. Users can quickly toggle their video or mute themselves, ensuring they always feel in control of their privacy.
• **Screen sharing capabilities: **Users can share their screens during calls, perfect for sharing photos, watching content together, or showing off their favorite online content during virtual dates.
• Cross-platform support: Support for both mobile and web platforms ensures your users can connect from any device, making dating more accessible and convenient.

Prerequisites

Before we start, let's make sure you have everything you need:

• Sign up for a ZEGOCLOUD developer account.
• Obtain your AppID from the ZEGOCLOUD admin dashboard.
• Have Node.js installed on your machine.
• Ensure your project is set up to use npm for dependency management.
• Basic knowledge of JavaScript or TypeScript development.
• A modern browser that supports WebRTC.
• Make sure your device is connected to the internet.

1. Create a New Project

Before integrating the video call functionality, you need to set up your project structure.

Create a project folder with the following structure:

project-folder/
├── index.html
├── index.js

Add HTML and JavaScript Files:

• index.html will contain the basic structure for the video call interface.
• index.js will hold all the logic for initializing and managing the SDK.

Example: This code will be used in our index.html to provide the basic user interface for your video call app:

    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Gay Dating Video Call</title>
    <style>
        #video-container {
            display: flex;
            justify-content: space-between;
            padding: 20px;
        }
        .video-wrapper {
            width: 48%;
            position: relative;
        }
        video {
            width: 100%;
            height: 400px;
            background-color: #000;
            border-radius: 12px;
        }
        .controls {
            margin-top: 20px;
            text-align: center;
        }
        button {
            padding: 10px 20px;
            margin: 0 5px;
            border-radius: 20px;
            border: none;
            background: #ff4d7d;
            color: white;
            cursor: pointer;
        }
        button:hover {
            background: #ff3366;
        }
    </style>


    <div id="video-container">
        <div class="video-wrapper">
            <video id="localVideo" autoplay muted></video>
        </div>
        <div class="video-wrapper">
            <video id="remoteVideo" autoplay></video>
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="controls">
        <button id="toggleCamera">Toggle Camera</button>
        <button id="toggleMic">Toggle Mic</button>
        <button id="endCall">End Call</button>
    </div>
    <script src="index.js"></script>

2. Install the Required SDK

Install the necessary SDK for video calls using npm:

npm i zego-express-engine-webrtc

If you encounter permission errors on macOS or Linux, use sudo:

sudo npm i zego-express-engine-webrtc

3. Import the SDK

In your index.js file, import the Zego Express Engine for video calls:

import { ZegoExpressEngine } from 'zego-express-engine-webrtc';

Alternatively, you can use require if you're working in a non-module environment:

const ZegoExpressEngine = require('zego-express-engine-webrtc').ZegoExpressEngine;

4. Initialize the SDK

Create a new file called index.js in your project folder and add the following code to initialize the Zego Express Engine:

const appID = 123456789; // Replace with your actual AppID
const server = 'wss://your-server-url'; // Replace with your actual server URL
// Initialize the ZegoExpressEngine instance
const zg = new ZegoExpressEngine(appID, server);

5. Set Up Video Call Logic

Add this code to your index.js file to handle the video call functionality:

const localVideo = document.getElementById('localVideo');
const remoteVideo = document.getElementById('remoteVideo');

async function startVideoCall() {
    try {
        const userID = 'user_' + new Date().getTime();
        const token = 'your_token_here'; // Replace with your token
        const roomID = 'dating_room_' + Math.floor(Math.random() * 1000);

        // Log in to the room
        await zg.loginRoom(roomID, token, { userID, userName: userID });

        // Create and play the local video stream
        const localStream = await zg.createStream({
            camera: {
                video: true,
                audio: true
            }
        });
        localVideo.srcObject = localStream;

        // Publish the local stream
        await zg.startPublishingStream(`${roomID}_${userID}`, localStream);

        // Set up controls
        setupControls(localStream);

        // Listen for remote stream updates
        zg.on('roomStreamUpdate', async (roomID, updateType, streamList) => {
            if (updateType === 'ADD') {
                const remoteStream = await zg.startPlayingStream(streamList[0].streamID);
                remoteVideo.srcObject = remoteStream;
            }
        });
    } catch (err) {
        console.error('Error starting video call:', err);
    }
}

// Set up control buttons
function setupControls(localStream) {
    const toggleCamera = document.getElementById('toggleCamera');
    const toggleMic = document.getElementById('toggleMic');
    const endCall = document.getElementById('endCall');

    let isCameraOn = true;
    let isMicOn = true;

    toggleCamera.onclick = async () => {
        isCameraOn = !isCameraOn;
        await zg.mutePublishStreamVideo(localStream, !isCameraOn);
        toggleCamera.textContent = isCameraOn ? 'Turn Off Camera' : 'Turn On Camera';
    };

    toggleMic.onclick = async () => {
        isMicOn = !isMicOn;
        await zg.mutePublishStreamAudio(localStream, !isMicOn);
        toggleMic.textContent = isMicOn ? 'Mute Mic' : 'Unmute Mic';
    };

    endCall.onclick = async () => {
        await zg.destroyStream(localStream);
        await zg.logoutRoom();
        zg.destroyEngine();
    };
}

// Start video call when page loads
window.onload = () => {
    startVideoCall();
};

6. Handle Cleanup

When the user leaves the page or ends the call, make sure to clean up resources:

window.onbeforeunload = async () => {
    // Log out from the room
    await zg.logoutRoom();
    // Destroy the Zego Express Engine
    zg.destroyEngine();
};

Additional Security Considerations

Token Management

• Generate unique tokens for each user session.
• Set appropriate token expiration times.
• Never expose your AppID or Server Secret in client-side code.

Room Management

• Create unique room IDs for each call session.
• Implement room passwords or access controls.
• Limit the number of users per room to two for private calls.

User Privacy

• Always request camera and microphone permissions.
• Provide clear UI indicators when devices are active.
• Allow users to easily disable video/audio.

6. Testing Your App

• Open your project in a web server (local development server or hosted).
• Open the app in two different browsers or devices.
• Enter the same room ID in both instances.

For additional information and advanced features, please refer to the ZEGOCLOUD Express Video documentation.

Conclusion

With these steps completed, you now have a working video call feature in your gay dating app. Testing your implementation is crucial - make sure to check video quality, try different devices, and test how the app handles poor internet connections. Remember to add user reporting features and clear privacy policies to keep your community safe.

As you grow your app, consider adding features like message chat during calls, virtual gifts, or profile picture displays. Keep gathering user feedback to improve the experience. The LGBTQ dating app market is growing, and with ZEGOCLOUD's video technology, you're well-positioned to create an app that stands out. Take your time to polish the interface and prioritize user safety as you launch your app.

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