Connecting with new people was once as simple as plopping down next to someone on the playground. But as you grow older, it’s a whole different story. Between busy schedules, long commutes, and a clearer idea of the kind of people you want around you, making friends as an adult can feel more complicated than ever.
Sure, you might bond with coworkers, gym buddies, or the occasional book club member, but what if those natural interactions just aren’t happening? That’s where modern technology steps in. These days, there are dozens of apps specifically created to help you meet others with shared interests, whether you're looking for someone to binge-watch shows with or a lifelong confidant.
If you’ve been feeling like something’s missing in your social circle, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. These apps are designed to help people just like you find new friends who get it. Whether you’re after meaningful companionship or a casual buddy for weekend activities, you’ll find there’s someone out there looking for the exact same thing.
These friend-finding apps are tailored to help you meet others who love the same weird indie band, obscure hobby, or hiking trail as you do. Maybe you’ve relocated to a new city and aren’t sure where the locals hang out anymore. These apps not only alert you to interesting upcoming events, but also give you a chance to connect with other attendees before the event even starts.
Let’s be honest—meeting people through an app can be awkward at first. But so is walking into a room full of strangers. With a little patience and the right app, you could find a new best friend living just a few blocks away—and it all starts with a tap.
1 – Bumble BFF
Most people know Bumble as a dating app, but what many don’t realize is that it offers an entire section called Bumble BFF, designed exclusively for finding platonic friendships. It functions similarly to the dating version—you create a profile with photos and a short bio, then swipe through other users in your area who are also looking for friends.
When two users swipe right on each other, they have 24 hours to start a conversation before the match disappears. It's a quick way to break the ice, and it works whether you're seeking a new friend to go to yoga with, someone to grab brunch with on Sundays, or just someone to chat with after work. The best part? You're matched with people who are also actively looking for meaningful connections, not just casual acquaintances.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
2 – Hey! Vina
Sometimes, life shifts you away from the vibrant group of girlfriends you once had. If you're craving that same energy again, Hey! Vina might be your new favorite app. Created by women, for women, Hey! Vina helps you discover like-minded ladies in your area through a fun personality quiz. You’ll answer prompts about how you like to spend your downtime, your guilty pleasures, and more.
Once your profile is set up, the app will show you potential matches, which you can swipe through just like a dating app. But the goal here isn’t romance—it’s real friendships. You can also explore themed communities within the app, such as groups for new moms, travelers, creatives, and more. It's like joining a digital brunch club with unlimited invitations.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
3 – Atleto
If you’re someone who thrives in active environments and prefers bonding over shared workouts, Atleto is the app for you. It’s designed specifically for athletes and fitness lovers who want to meet up for sports, training, or casual fitness events.
Whether you're looking for a running partner, a pick-up basketball crew, or someone to spot you at the gym, Atleto lets you search by sport and location. You can rate your partners after each activity, join local fitness events, or even host your own group workouts. It's more than just fitness—it’s a way to meet people who care about the same things you do, without the small talk at the water cooler.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
4 – Meetup
Meetup has become a go-to tool for people wanting to expand their social horizons—and for good reason. The app connects you with local events and interest-based gatherings ranging from book clubs and hiking groups to tech meetups and wine tastings. It’s perfect whether you’re new in town or just eager to meet others who share your passions.
You can browse by category, see who else is attending, and RSVP right in the app. There’s something incredibly organic about showing up to a casual gathering where everyone’s there to meet someone new. You don’t even have to go alone—bring your current friends and double your network.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
5 – GroupMeet
GroupMeet blends the format of traditional dating apps with a strong group dynamic twist. After creating your profile and swiping through potential matches, GroupMeet places you in curated groups of five users who’ve matched with each other. It’s a cool way to meet multiple people at once—perfect if you want to quickly grow your social circle.
And you’re not stuck with just one group—you can join up to ten at a time. Whether you’re into book discussions, hiking weekends, or laid-back game nights, GroupMeet helps you meet new friends in a way that feels relaxed and easy to jump into.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
6 – Yubo
Meeting new people through apps can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark—but Yubo makes the process feel a little more secure. Designed with social discovery in mind, Yubo goes beyond messaging by allowing users to start live video chats right from within the app. That means before you meet someone in person, you’ll already have a feel for who they are through face-to-face interaction—digitally, at least.
This visual connection helps ease anxiety, especially if you're cautious about who you meet. You can browse users nearby or from around the world, and chat in themed livestreams covering everything from music to mental health. For anyone hesitant to jump back into social settings, Yubo is a low-pressure gateway into a friendlier online experience.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
7 – Meet My Dog
Let’s face it—dogs are not only loyal companions, they’re also amazing social icebreakers. Meet My Dog is a hyper-niche, location-based app that lets dog owners connect through their furry friends. After you sign up and register your pup, the app shows you nearby dog lovers who are also looking to connect—either for dog walks, park playdates, or just some casual conversation during your morning stroll.
It’s a fun and friendly way to meet new people organically, with your dog as the conversation starter. Think of it as a social network for dog owners—minus the awkwardness of randomly chatting someone up at the park.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
8 – Friender
Where some apps focus on bios and profile pics, Friender goes straight to the heart of what really connects people—shared interests. When you set up your account, Friender asks you to rank your enthusiasm for a wide variety of activities, from hiking and painting to playing board games or grabbing coffee.
It then matches you with others whose hobbies and preferences closely align with yours, increasing the odds of forming real, lasting friendships. You can use it to meet just one person or expand your group of contacts based on very specific things you actually enjoy doing.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Price: Free
9 – Peanut
For mothers—whether you’re pregnant, parenting toddlers, or managing teens—Peanut offers a comforting space to build friendships with others who truly get it. The app connects you with nearby moms (or moms-to-be), offering you an instant network of peers to share experiences with.
You can chat about parenting topics, ask for advice, organize group meetups or playdates, and even create specialized communities around mutual interests. It’s especially useful if you’re new to a city or simply looking to broaden your support network in a way that’s authentic and meaningful.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
10 – Nextdoor
You probably don’t know the names of your neighbors beyond the next two doors—and that’s exactly what Nextdoor wants to change. This hyper-local app connects you with others who live in your immediate area, giving you the chance to be part of the real-life community that often goes unnoticed.
Beyond simple introductions, you can use Nextdoor to stay updated on local events, ask for recommendations, find out what’s going on in the neighborhood, or even organize meetups. Whether you're new to the area or just want to reconnect with your surroundings, it's a simple but powerful way to make the place you live feel more like home.
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Get it for iOS: App Store
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Get it for Android: Google Play
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Price: Free
No matter your lifestyle, location, or comfort level, there’s an app out there that can help you meet people who make you feel seen, heard, and welcome. Whether it's a friendship that grows out of a shared workout, a dog walk, a mom’s group, or even a swipe on a screen, what matters most is showing up—digitally or in person—and giving connection a real chance.