As People Look For Ways To Make New Friends, Here Are The Apps Promising To Help
Loneliness is becoming a growing public health concern, and more people are turning to technology to solve it. As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help foster genuine connections beyond romance.
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The U.S. Surgeon General even declared loneliness a public health crisis in 2023, highlighting its impact on mental and physical well-being. Remote workers missing office chatter, young adults building new social circles, and those seeking like-minded communities are increasingly relying on friendship apps.
Why Friendship Apps Are On The Rise
The stigma once tied to meeting people online has largely disappeared, thanks to years of widespread dating app use. Now, a new wave of platforms is emerging—not for dating, but for platonic connections.
According to Appfigures, friendship apps have generated around $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. so far in 2025, with nearly 4.3 million downloads. This growth reflects how much people crave community in a digital-first world.
The Big Players In Friendship Apps
Unlike walking up to strangers in a café or gym, these apps make it clear that everyone is there for the same reason: friendship. That shared intent lowers the awkwardness of starting conversations.
Some of the most talked-about apps include:
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Bumble BFF – An offshoot of Bumble, built specifically for friendships.
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Meetup – A long-standing favorite for hobby-based group events.
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Timeleft – Gaining popularity with curated meetups and interest-driven connections.
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Meet5 – Known for small group dinners that foster meaningful bonds.
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222 – A newer app experimenting with unique social formats.
Building Communities, Not Just Contacts
The key promise of these platforms is authenticity. They’re not about adding random names to your contacts list—they’re about helping you find real people with shared values, hobbies, and goals.
By clearly defining the purpose—friendship, not dating—apps reduce the pressure and make meeting new people feel natural. Whether you’ve just moved to a new city, started working remotely, or want to expand your circle, there’s an app designed to make that easier.
The Future Of Digital Friendships
As loneliness continues to be recognized as a public health challenge, the demand for friendship apps is only set to grow. The platforms that thrive will be the ones that focus on creating safe, engaging, and community-driven spaces.
In 2025, as people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help lead that shift—turning online interactions into lasting, offline friendships.
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