In recent years, people are increasingly finding new ways to form platonic connections, as loneliness and social isolation have become more common.

In 2023, US Surgeon General The problem went so far as to be labeled a public health crisis. Remote workers, who miss the day-to-day interactions found in an office, and young people looking to build their own adult social circles based on shared interests and engagement, are among those looking for meaningful friendships.

Thanks to online dating apps, the stigma associated with finding connections online has largely disappeared. It has welcomed a new wave of apps focused on fostering friendships and building local communities.

More than a dozen local-focused friendship apps have collectively generated about $16 million in user spending in the U.S. so far this year, according to Apple’s estimates. Some notable examples include Timelift, Mate 5, and Bumble’s BFF. Furthermore, these apps have received around 4.4.3 million downloads in 2025 so far.

The apps aim to provide a less awkward solution than, for example, approaching a stranger at the gym or local cafe and trying to strike up a conversation. These platforms clearly indicate that everyone using the app is looking for the same thing—friendship, not romance—is much less intimidating than striking up a conversation.

From the big players like MeetUp to the newer players like 222, there are plenty of apps that cater to the growing demand for meaningful friendships. We have compiled a list of them for you to try.

222

App 222 There is one iOS only A social events platform that facilitates in-person meetings by connecting a group of strangers based on their personality test results. The app sends invitations to nearby public social events, such as wine bars and comedy clubs. A vetting process is then in place, and selected participants are notified on the day of the event. A bonus for those who feel socially awkward: You’re allowed to bring a plus one.

The service charges a 22.22 curation fee or monthly subscription for the same price.

BFF

The dating giant Bumble Among the more established players to enter the friendship space, it launched its friendship feature in 2016, followed by a standalone app in 2023. The friend-making app recently underwent a major redesign, with an emphasis on facilitating group meetups, and catering to users’ desire to expand their social circles.

BFF is available for free download iOS And Android Devices

clyx

clyx Group-based social networking is another emerging app in the landscape, with a strong focus on discovering local events. The social platform helps users find community events by integrating data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TechTalk. Additionally, Clix allows users to upload their contact lists, helping them see which events their friends plan to attend. The app also includes a feature that recommends other users to join these events.

So far, Clix operates exclusively in two cities: Miami and London. However, it plans to expand to additional areas in the near future, with New York City and São Paulo on the list. Available on the app App store And Google Play Store.

Les Ames

Les Ames is a friendship app designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals that leverages AI to match users based on similar interests and encourages participation in local events, such as pottery classes, book clubs, and wine tastings. Matches are made every Monday, allowing users to meet and plan meetings over the weekend.

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

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

meeting

Local event discovery platform Since 2002 helping millions of users connect with others who share similar interests. Users can RSVP to events. Join groups that serve a variety of hobbies, professions, or social causes. And create their own groups and events. They can also chat with group members and post updates and photos from gatherings.

Matt 5

This European Community Building App Recently launched in the US, targeting users over the age of 40 who want to meet new people in their area and participate in group activities such as picnics, concerts and hiking. In particular, in a short period of time, about 7777,000 Americans have been downloaded so far. App store And Google Play Storeaccording to the estimate of Epigraphus.

Pie

Pie Another one of the new social apps in the market. It features an AI-driven quiz designed to predict which users are compatible with each other. Everyone who RSVPs to a Pie event takes a short personality assessment, and the algorithm organizes participants into six groups, which are then added to a group chat within the Pie app, allowing them to interact with each other before the event.

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

Timelift

Timelift is a relatively new platform that helps you organize weekly dinner dates with groups of strangers. The app uses a special algorithm to match you with others, taking into account your age, gender and personality. Users are matched with four other people, but only learn minor details about them the night before, including their professions and zodiac signs.

Dinner takes place on Wednesday at 7:00pm at a selected restaurant.To help everyone break the ice, the app offers a game with conversation starters. After dinner, there is a party at a local bar.

Customers can book dinner online or through App. In terms of pricing, it varies by country and restaurant. Customers pay for tickets at the front and are responsible for covering their own food and drinks.

WYZR friends

WYZR friends is an activity-based friendship app designed for adults 40 and older, catering to empty nesters, divorcees, and other users looking to connect with like-minded individuals. Users can thumb up or down potential friends and arrange personal activities based on shared interests, such as going to the movies or hiking.

It is available iOS And Android Devices in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mexico.

Milli Motion

Milli Motion is a newly launched friendship app that combines social discovery with location tracking to help users connect with people nearby and find new bars and restaurants in their area. After joining, users can participate in interest-based groups—such as hiking, basketball, or art—view a map of active users, and send messages to nearby people. The app also highlights new places on the map, making it easy to find a restaurant or venue to try.

MM Motion is currently only available to users in New York City iOS and Android devices. Users must first submit an application for consideration.

This story was updated after publication.