Making Friends Goes Digital As Platforms Gain Popularity!

Making new friends as an adult has never been easy, but it’s becoming even more challenging in a world shaped by remote work, digital routines, and shrinking social circles. As a result, more people are turning to technology; not for dating, but simply to connect. That shift is now shaping a growing category of friendship-focused apps.

 

TL;DR

 

• Friendship apps are rising as loneliness drives demand for real-world connections.
• New apps use AI and curated events to make meeting people easier.
• Platforms like Bumble BFF and Meetup are evolving with niche, local experiences.

Loneliness and social isolation are becoming more visible concerns, so much so that the U.S. Surgeon General called it a public health crisis in 2023. As a result, more people are turning to platforms that make it easier to connect and build friendships.

Unlike traditional social networks, these apps are clear about their purpose that everyone is there to make friends. This removes the awkwardness of starting conversations, whether online or in person.

The demand is also showing in numbers. Appfigures estimates that local-focused friendship apps have generated around $16 million in U.S. consumer spending this year, along with 4.3 million downloads in 2025.

As interest grows, the space is expanding with a mix of established platforms and newer entrants.

222

An iOS-only platform that organizes curated, in-person meetups. Users are grouped based on personality tests and invited to events like wine bars or comedy clubs. A vetting process ensures compatibility, and participants can even bring a plus-one.

Clyx

This app leans into event discovery by integrating data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok. It helps users find events, see which ones their contacts are attending, and connect with others on-site. Currently, it operates in Miami and London.

Les Amís

Targeted at women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ users, Les Amís uses AI to match people based on shared interests. It encourages participation in local activities like book clubs and workshops, with matches released weekly.
 

Bumble BFF

Originally launched in 2016 and spun off as a standalone app in 2023, Bumble BFF has become one of the more established names. Its recent redesign focuses more on group interactions, reflecting users’ growing interest in expanding social circles.
 

Meetup

A veteran in the space since 2002, Meetup continues to connect people through interest-based groups and events, from hobbies to professional networking.

Meet5

Focused on users over 40, Meet5 promotes group activities like hiking and concerts. It has quickly gained traction in the U.S. following its European success.

Pie

Pie uses an AI-driven quiz to group users into small event-based meetups. Participants can interact via group chat before meeting in person, making introductions more comfortable.

Timeleft

Built around weekly dinner meetups, Timeleft matches users with small groups of strangers and facilitates conversation through built-in icebreakers and post-dinner gatherings.

Washed Up

Launched in 2026, this app helps users discover local events and join small group “plans,” making it easier to attend activities with others instead of going alone.

Wyzr Friends

Another platform targeting users over 40, Wyzr Friends focuses on activity-based connections, encouraging people to meet through shared interests like movies or outdoor activities.

Mmotion

This app blends location tracking with social discovery, allowing users to find nearby people, join interest groups, and explore new venues together.

Synchrony

Designed for neurodivergent adults, Synchrony includes features like AI-assisted communication tools and identity verification to create a safer, more supportive environment.

While many of these platforms are still limited to select cities, their expansion plans suggest growing confidence in the category. What’s clear is that the stigma around meeting people online has largely faded. In its place is a more intentional approach to building friendships that mirrors how people date, but with connection, not romance, as the goal.