Make New Friends: Top Apps to Connect in 2024

In recent years, the desire for genuine platonic connections has surged, driven by increasing rates of loneliness and social isolation. This isn't just a personal struggle; in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General officially recognized this issue as a public health crisis. Remote workers missing daily office interactions and younger adults seeking to build fulfilling social lives based on shared passions are particularly eager to forge meaningful friendships. The need for connection is fundamental, and technology is stepping in to bridge the gap.

The Rise of Friendship Apps: A Growing Market

The stigma surrounding online connection has largely dissolved thanks to the popularity of online dating apps. This shift has paved the way for a new wave of applications specifically designed to foster friendships and build local communities. The market is responding to this demand, with significant investment and user adoption.

According to recent estimates from Appfigures, over a dozen local-focused friendship apps have collectively generated approximately $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. in 2024. Furthermore, these apps have seen around 4.3 million downloads to date. This demonstrates a clear and growing appetite for digital platforms that facilitate real-world connections. The convenience and focused intent of these apps offer a less intimidating alternative to traditional methods of meeting people.

Top Apps to Help You Make New Friends in 2024

From established platforms like Meetup to innovative newcomers, there's an app to suit various preferences and needs. Here's a detailed look at some of the best options available:

222: Social Events with a Personal Touch

222 is an iOS-exclusive social events platform that focuses on facilitating in-person meetups. The app pairs small groups of strangers based on personality test results and invites them to nearby social events like wine bars and comedy clubs. A vetting process ensures quality interactions, and participants are notified on the day of the event. A unique feature allows users to bring a plus-one, easing social anxiety.

The service operates on a $22.22 curation fee or a monthly subscription model.

Bumble BFF: From Dating to Friendship

Dating giant Bumble expanded into the friendship space with its friend-finding feature in 2016, which later evolved into a standalone app in 2023. Bumble BFF has undergone a recent redesign, placing a greater emphasis on facilitating group meetups, catering to users who want to expand their social circles. The app’s familiar interface and established user base make it a comfortable option for many.

Bumble BFF is available for free download on both iOS and Android devices.

Clyx: Discovering Local Events and Connections

Clyx is an emerging app focused on group-based social networking and discovering local events. It integrates data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok to help users find community events. A key feature allows users to upload their contact lists to see which events their friends are attending, and the app recommends other users to connect with at those events.

Currently, Clyx operates in Miami and London, with plans to expand to New York City and São Paulo. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Les Amís: A Safe Space for Women, Transgender, and LGBTQ+ Individuals

Les Amís is a friendship app specifically designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It leverages AI to match users based on shared interests and encourages participation in local events like pottery classes, book clubs, and wine tastings. Matches are made weekly, allowing users to chat and plan meetups. The app prioritizes creating a safe and inclusive environment.

Available on iOS and Android, Les Amís currently serves cities across Europe (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and Stockholm) and select U.S. cities (Austin and New York), with expansion plans to Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles. It uses a paid membership model, varying by city (e.g., $70 in New York, €55 in Amsterdam).

Meetup: The Long-Standing Community Builder

Meetup, established in 2002, remains a leading platform for connecting people with shared interests. Users can RSVP to events, join groups based on hobbies, professions, or social causes, and even create their own groups and events. The platform also facilitates communication between group members through chat and photo sharing.

Meet5: Connecting Adults Over 40

Meet5 is a European community-building app that recently launched in the U.S., targeting users over 40 who are looking to meet new people and participate in group activities like picnics, concerts, and hiking. It has quickly gained traction, with approximately 777,000 U.S. downloads across the App Store and Google Play Store (as of late 2024).

Pie: AI-Powered Compatibility

Pie is a newer social app that utilizes an AI-driven quiz to predict user compatibility. Attendees at Pie events take a brief personality assessment, and the algorithm organizes them into groups of six, adding them to a dedicated group chat within the app for pre-event interaction. This helps break the ice and fosters a sense of connection before the event even begins.

Currently, Pie is available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco, and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Timeleft: Weekly Dinner Dates with Strangers

Timeleft helps you organize weekly dinner dates with groups of strangers. The app’s algorithm matches you with others based on age, gender, and personality. You're matched with four other people, receiving only limited details (occupation and zodiac sign) the night before. Dinners take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at a selected restaurant, and the app provides conversation starters to facilitate interaction. An after-party at a local bar often follows.

Pricing varies by country and restaurant, with users paying a ticket price upfront and covering their own food and drinks.

Wyzr Friends: Activity-Based Friendship for the 40+ Crowd

Wyzr Friends is an activity-based friendship app designed for adults aged 40 and over, catering to empty nesters, divorcees, and others seeking like-minded connections. Users can "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" potential friends and arrange in-person activities based on shared interests, such as movies or hiking.

It’s available on iOS and Android in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mexico.

Mmotion: Location-Based Social Discovery

Mmotion, a newly launched app, combines location tracking with social discovery to help users connect with nearby people and explore new bars and restaurants. Users can join interest-based groups (hiking, basketball, art), view a map of active users, and send messages to those nearby. The app also highlights new venues, making it easy to find places to try.

Currently, Mmotion is available exclusively in New York City on iOS and Android, requiring an application for access.

The Future of Friendship Apps

The market for friendship apps is still evolving, with ongoing innovation and refinement. We can expect to see further integration of AI to improve matching algorithms, increased focus on safety and inclusivity, and expansion into new geographic areas. As loneliness continues to be a pressing issue, these apps will likely play an increasingly important role in helping people build and maintain meaningful connections. The trend towards activity-based friendships, as seen in apps like Wyzr Friends and Pie, is also likely to continue, as shared experiences are a powerful way to forge bonds. Furthermore, expect to see more apps leveraging augmented reality (AR) to enhance in-person interactions and create more immersive social experiences. The future of friendship is digital, but ultimately rooted in real-world connection.