The Best Apps for Making New Friends
▼ Summary
– Loneliness and social isolation have become a significant public health issue, leading to increased demand for new ways to form platonic connections.
– The reduced stigma of online dating has paved the way for a new wave of apps specifically designed to help people build friendships and local communities.
– These friendship-focused apps have generated substantial consumer spending and millions of downloads by providing a less intimidating alternative to initiating conversations in person.
– The apps vary in their approach, with some focusing on group meetups, others on AI-driven personality matching, and many encouraging participation in local events.
– Notable examples of these apps include Bumble BFF, Meetup, and newer entrants like 222 and Timeleft, each catering to different demographics and social needs.
The search for genuine platonic connections has intensified in recent times, with many individuals actively seeking new avenues to build their social networks. Factors like remote work, which reduces casual office interactions, and the natural evolution of adult life have fueled this desire for community. The normalization of digital introductions, largely thanks to dating apps, has paved the way for a new category of platforms dedicated solely to friendship. These apps provide a comfortable and clear environment for building local communities, removing the ambiguity of whether someone is looking for romance or just a new friend. Industry data indicates significant growth in this sector, with numerous friendship-focused apps generating millions in revenue and attracting millions of downloads this year.
A variety of applications now cater to this demand, offering structured ways to meet people who share similar interests. Here is a look at some of the leading options available today.
222
This iOS-exclusive platform organizes in-person social events by matching groups of strangers according to their personality test results. The app sends invitations to local happenings at venues like wine bars or comedy clubs. After a vetting process, selected participants receive a notification on the day of the event. A helpful feature for those with social anxiety is the option to bring a plus one. The service operates on a model of a $22.22 curation fee per event or a monthly subscription for the same price.
BFF
As an offshoot of the popular dating app Bumble, BFF is a well-established player in the friend-finding space. Originally a feature within the main app, it became a standalone application in 2023. The platform has recently undergone a major redesign that places a stronger emphasis on organizing group meetups, aligning with user preferences for expanding their social circles. The basic app is free to download on iOS and Android, with a premium subscription offering additional perks like seeing who liked your profile.
Clyx
Focusing on group-based social networking, Clyx helps users discover local events by pulling data from sources like Ticketmaster and TikTok. A unique aspect of the app is its ability to sync with your contact list, showing you which events your existing friends plan to attend. It also suggests other users you might want to connect with at these gatherings. Currently, Clyx is available in Miami and London, with expansions to New York City and São Paulo planned for the future.
Les Amis
Tailored for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals, Les Amis uses AI to match people based on shared interests and promotes involvement in local activities like pottery classes or book clubs. New matches are delivered every Monday, giving users the week to chat and arrange get-togethers. The app is active in several European cities and has launched in Austin and New York, with more U.S. cities slated for addition. It operates on a paid membership model, with costs varying by location.
Meetup
A veteran in the space, Meetup has been connecting people around shared hobbies and professions since 2002. The platform allows users to find and RSVP to events, join interest-based groups, and even create their own gatherings. Members can communicate through group chats and share photos and updates from their meetups.
Meet5
This community-building app, which recently expanded to the U.S., specifically targets users over 40. It facilitates group activities such as picnics, concerts, and hiking. In a short period, it has gained considerable traction, amassing hundreds of thousands of downloads stateside.
Pie
A newer entrant to the market, Pie uses an AI-driven quiz to assess compatibility among users who RSVP to an event. The algorithm then forms small groups of six people, who are added to a private chat within the app to interact before meeting in person. Pie is currently available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Timeleft
This platform specializes in organizing weekly dinner dates with strangers. An algorithm matches users into groups of five based on age, gender, and personality. Participants learn minimal details about their dinner companions the night before the event. The dinners are held on Wednesday evenings at a preselected restaurant, complete with icebreaker games, and are often followed by an after-party at a nearby bar. Users pay a ticket fee upfront and are responsible for their own meal and drinks.
Wyzr Friends
Designed for adults aged 40 and older, including empty nesters and divorcees, Wyzr Friends is an activity-based app. Users can express interest in potential friends and arrange in-person activities centered on common interests, such as going to the movies or hiking. The app is available in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
(Source: TechCrunch)
