Making New Friends in 2025: Top Apps Promising Real Connections
Loneliness is a rising public health issue—especially for remote workers and young adults. Here's an expert roundup of trending friendship and social apps promising safer, smarter ways to build actual communities. This post reviews platforms like 222, Bumble BFF, Clyx, Les Amís, Meetup, Meet5, Pie, Timeleft, and Wyzr Friends, plus key features and cities they serve. Source: TechCrunch, September 26, 2025
In a world where loneliness and isolation are an increasing concern, especially for remote workers and young adults, tech platforms are stepping up to create new ways to meet friends and build community. In 2025, the stigma of online friendship is fading—as millions turn to specialized apps designed solely to foster real, platonic connections.
Why the Boom in Friendship Apps?
Social wellness goes digital
- The U.S. Surgeon General labeled loneliness a public health crisis in 2023, pushing new urgency for solutions.
- Appfigures shows over a dozen local-focused friendship apps have generated $16M in U.S. consumer spending this year, with 4.3M downloads.
- Everyone using these apps is seeking friends—not romance—making outreach much less awkward.
Review: Top Friendship Platforms in 2025
What's hot, who's it for?
- 222: iOS-only, groups based on personality, local social events, plus-one welcome
- Bumble BFF: combo of dating and friendship, recent redesign for group meetups, premium features available
- Clyx: finds events via Ticketmaster & TikTok, see where friends are, operating in Miami & London
- Les Amís: AI-matched friendships tailored for women and LGBTQ+, paid membership, popular in large cities
- Meetup: classic social event platform, millions of members, host or join hobby-based groups
- Meet5: over-40 focus, group activities like hikes and concerts, rapid U.S. growth
- Pie: AI-powered quiz matches, group chats for events, limited to a few U.S. cities
- Timeleft: organizes weekly dinner events, algorithm matches groups, after-parties to help break the ice
- Wyzr Friends: activity-based, for age 40+, thumbs up/down to connect, meet for movies or hikes
Conclusion: Building Better Social Circles with Tech
The future of connecting
- Friendship apps increasingly focus on local communities rather than broad, amorphous networks.
- Algorithms, events, and matching features are evolving to overcome social anxiety and build real, lasting connections.
- Expect continued growth and innovation, serving every age group and life stage.
Source: TechCrunch, September 26, 2025
If you're looking to build new real-world connections, there's never been more choice—or better tech tools to make it happen!
What's Your Reaction?
