In recent years, people have been increasingly looking for new ways to form platonic connections, as loneliness and social isolation have become more prevalent.
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General labeled this issue a public health crisis. Remote workers, who miss everyday interactions found in an office, and younger individuals eager to create adult social circles based on shared interests, are among those seeking meaningful friendships.
Thanks to online dating apps, the stigma associated with finding connections online has largely faded. This acceptance has fostered a new wave of applications aimed at building friendships and local communities.
According to estimates from Appfigures, local-focused friendship apps have collectively generated approximately $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. in 2023. Notable examples include Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble’s BFF. Additionally, these platforms have seen around 4.3 million downloads in the U.S. so far this year.
These apps aim to provide a less awkward solution than, for instance, approaching a stranger at the gym or local café. They indicate that every user is looking for friendship, not romance, making it less intimidating to initiate conversations.
From major players like Meetup to newer ones like 222, there is an extensive selection of apps catering to the growing demand for meaningful friendships. Below we compile some of the most promising tools you might want to try.
222
Image Credits:222 (screenshot)
The app 222 is an iOS-only platform facilitating in-person meetups by pairing a group of strangers based on personality test results. The app sends invitations to local social events, like wine bars and comedy clubs. A vetting process takes place, and selected participants are notified on the event day. A key feature for socially anxious individuals: you can bring a plus-one.
The service charges a $22.22 curation fee or a monthly subscription for the same price.
BFF
Image Credits:Bumble
Dating giant Bumble has branched into the friendship space, launching its friend-finding feature in 2016, which morphed into a standalone app in 2023. The app has undergone a significant redesign, emphasizing group meetups to cater to users’ desires for social expansion.
BFF is available for free download on iOS and Android devices.
Clyx
Image Credits:Clyx
Clyx is another emerging app that focuses on group-based social networking. The platform helps users discover local events by integrating data from Ticketmaster and TikTok. Users can upload their contact lists to see which events their friends plan to attend and receive recommendations for other users to connect with at these gatherings.
Currently, Clyx operates exclusively in Miami and London, but has plans to expand to additional cities, such as New York and São Paulo. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Les Amís
Image Credits:Les Amis
Les Amís is a friendship app tailored for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It uses AI to match users based on shared interests and encourages participation in local events such as pottery classes and book clubs. Matches are revealed every Monday, allowing users to chat and arrange meetups later in the week.
Available on iOS and Android, Les Amís is active in cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Stockholm, as well as in Austin and New York in the U.S.
A paid membership model applies, with fees varying by city—$70 in New York and €55 in Amsterdam.
Meetup
Image Credits:Meetup
Meetup, established in 2002, helps millions of users connect with others who share similar interests. Users can RSVP to events, join groups focused on various hobbies or social causes, and even create their own events. They also have the option to chat and share updates or photos from gatherings.
Meet5
Image Credits:Meet5
This European community-building app recently launched in the U.S., catering to users over 40 who want to meet new friends and partake in group activities like picnics and concerts. So far, it has experienced around 777,000 downloads across both app stores.
Pie
Image Credits:Pie
Pie features an AI-driven quiz designed to assess which users are most likely to resonate with each other. Each attendee of a Pie event takes a brief personality assessment, and the algorithm groups six users together, allowing them to interact beforehand in a group chat.
Currently, Pie operates in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco. The app is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Timeleft
Image Credits:Timeleft
Timeleft is a recent platform that helps users organize weekly dinners with groups of strangers. The app uses an algorithm to match participants based on age, gender, and personality. Users meet four others, but learn details like occupations the night before, including zodiac signs.
Dinners occur at selected restaurants on Wednesday evenings, starting at 7:00 p.m. The app also provides ice-breaking games featuring conversation starters, along with an after-party at a local bar.
Users can book dinners through the app, but costs vary by location and restaurant. Each user pays upfront for their ticket, covering dinner and drinks personally.
Wyzr Friends
Image Credits:Wzyr Friends
Wyzr Friends is another activity-focused friendship app tailored for adults aged 40 and older, particularly targeting empty nesters and divorced users. Participants can thumbs up or down prospective friends and coordinate in-person activities based on common interests, such as attending movies or hiking.
It’s available on iOS and Android in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mexico.
Mmotion
Image Credits:Mmotion (Image has been modified)
Mmotion is a newly launched app that fuses location tracking with social discovery, aiding users in finding nearby friends and exploring new restaurants or bars. After joining, individuals participate in interest-based groups, such as hiking or art appreciation, and can view a map highlighting active users nearby.
Currently, Mmotion is available only in New York City on iOS and Android, requiring users to submit an application to be considered.
For further insights on how to explore meaningful connections, click here.
Image Credit: techcrunch.com
