As people look for ways to make new friends, here are some apps that promise to help

In recent years, people have been looking for new ways to create platonic relationships, as loneliness and isolation have become more common.

In 2023, a US Surgeon General he came to the conclusion that this issue is a public health problem. Remote workers, those who miss the daily activities found in the office, and young people who are eager to create their own adult chats based on their interests and hobbies, are among the people who are looking for good friends.

Thanks to online dating apps, the stigma associated with finding contacts online is over. This has welcomed new programs that focus on strengthening relationships and building local communities.

According to Appfigures estimates, more than a dozen locally-focused apps will generate nearly $16 million in consumer spending in the US this year. Some notable examples include Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble’s BFF. In addition, these apps have downloaded about 4.3 million so far in 2025.

These apps aim to provide a simpler solution than, for example, going to a stranger at the gym or a local restaurant and trying to strike up a conversation. These platforms make it clear that everyone who uses the app is looking for the same thing – friendship, not romance – which makes it less intimidating to start a conversation.

From big players like Meetup to newbies like 222, there are many apps that help in the development of good friendships. We have compiled a list of them for you to try.

222

Program 222 and a iOS-only a social networking site that facilitates in-person encounters by bringing together a group of strangers based on their test results. Program they send invitations to local social events, such as wineries and comedy clubs. Then there is a screening process, and the selected candidates are notified on the day of the event. Bonus for those with social anxiety: You’re allowed to bring an accessory.

The service costs $22.22 or a monthly subscription for the same price.

BFF

A giant boyfriend Bomb with some of the most established players entering the friendship space, launching its own making friends in 2016, which came out in a stand alone program in 2023. The partnering program has recently been implemented a major overhaulwith a strong emphasis on leading group meetings, meeting the needs of users to expand their social networks.

BFF is available for free download iOS and Android materials.

Clyx

Clyx and another program that is exiting in social networks that have groups, and focus on searching for local events. The social network helps users find public events by combining data from platforms such as Ticketmaster and TikTok. In addition, Clyx allows users to upload their contact lists, helping them see what events their friends are planning to attend. The app also has a feature that encourages other users to connect with them on these forums.

As of now, Clyx operates in only two cities: Miami and London. However, it has plans to expand to additional areas in the near future, with New York City and São Paulo at the top of the list. This program is available at App Store and Google Play Store.

Les Amis

Les Amis and a friendship program Designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ people, it uses AI to match users based on their interests and encourages participation in local events, such as pottery classes, book clubs, and wine tastings. Matches are created every Monday, allowing users to chat and organize meetings during the week.

Available at iOS and AndroidLes Amís serves cities in Europe, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and Stockholm. In the US, the program is available in Austin and New York, with plans to expand to Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.

The program uses a paid membership model that varies by city, with a fee of $70 in New York and €55 in Amsterdam.

Meeting

The event detection platform has been around since 2002, helping millions of users connect with others with similar interests. Users can RSVP to events; Join groups that share hobbies, activities, or activities; and create their own groups and events. They can also chat with team members and post updates and photos from meetings.

Meeting 5

This white man community building program recently in the US, targeting users over 40 who want to meet new people in their community and participate in social events such as picnics, concerts, and hiking. In particular, recently, there have been 777,000 US downloads so far App Store and Google Play Storeaccording to Appfigures estimates.

Cherry

Cherry and some of the new ones social media in the market. It features AI-powered questions designed to predict which users are most likely to engage. Each person who RSVPs to the Pie event takes a brief personality assessment, and the algorithm organizes the attendees into six groups, which are then added to the chat group within the Pie program, allowing them to chat with each other before the event.

Currently, the app is only available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco. Users can download Pie from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Time left

Time left is a new platform that helps you organize weekly dinner dates and groups of guests. The app uses a unique algorithm to match you with others, based on your age, gender, and personality. Users are matched with four other people, but only learn a little about them last night, including their jobs and zodiac signs.

Dinner is held at a designated restaurant on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm To help everyone break the ice, the program offers a conversation starter game. After dinner, there is a party at a nearby bar.

Users can book food online or through the internet app. As for prices, it varies by country and restaurant. Users pay for the ticket up front and are responsible for covering their own dinner and drinks.

Wyzr Friends

Wyzr Friends and a task-based friendship app designed for adults aged 40 and over, offering empty nesters, divorcees, and other users looking to connect with like-minded people. Users can upload or download potential friends and organize personal activities based on their interests, such as going to the movies or hiking.

Available at iOS and Android devices in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mexico.

One

One and a it has just been introduced a dating app that combines location search and social networking to help users connect with people nearby and explore new restaurants and eateries in their area. Once logged in, users can participate in interest-based groups – such as hiking, basketball, or art – view a user map, and send messages to those nearby. The app also highlights new locations on the map, making it easy to find restaurants or places to try.

Mmotion is currently available to users in New York City at iOS and Android devices. Users must first submit a request for consideration.

This article was edited after publication.