Quick Guide: Best Ways to Make New Friends with Apps
- Explore apps focused on friendship, not just dating.
- Use filters to find people with similar interests.
- Join groups, forums, or communities within apps.
- Be genuine and respectful in initial conversations.
- Avoid sharing personal data right from the start.
Making new friends isn't always easy, especially in times when many prefer digital interactions. Fortunately, there are several free apps to meet new people that make this experience more accessible, safe, and fun. In this guide, we've rounded up the best apps for those seeking new connections, focusing on safety, compatibility, and features that encourage lasting friendships.
Advantages of Using Apps to Make New Friends
Expand your social network
With just a few clicks, you can chat with people from all over the world or in your city.
Find people with common interests
Smart filters and algorithms bring you closer to profiles that match your tastes.
Security and privacy
Major apps have profile verification, reporting, and blocking capabilities.
Ease of use
Intuitive apps with a user-friendly interface for all ages.
Variety of objectives
Some apps focus solely on friendship, avoiding common misunderstandings on dating apps.
Best Free Apps to Make New Friends
1. Bumble BFF (Android, iOS)
Originally a dating app, Bumble offers a BFF feature geared exclusively toward friendships. Users create a profile and select the "BFF" option to connect with people with similar interests. Ideal for newcomers to a city or those looking to expand their social circle.
2. Meetup (Android, iOS, Web)
More than just a messaging app, Meetup is geared toward creating and participating in events based on shared interests—from hiking trails to workshops to book clubs. It's perfect for those who enjoy in-person interactions and seek group friendships.
3. Slowly (Android, iOS)
An app that simulates exchanging letters—literally. Messages take time to arrive, like real mail, encouraging deeper conversations and meaningful friendships. Ideal for those who enjoy engaging in meaningful conversations with people from other cultures.
4. Yubo (Android, iOS)
Aimed at young people, Yubo is a mix of a social app and group livestreams, where you can livestream, interact with new friends, and participate in breakout rooms. It features advanced moderation and security tools.
5. Ablo (Android, iOS)
Ablo connects you with people from anywhere in the world. The difference is real-time automatic translation of messages, which makes it easy to make international friends even without speaking another language.
6. Wink (Android, iOS)
Similar to Tinder, but focused on friendship, Wink lets you swipe on profiles of interest and start a conversation. It's simple and effective for those looking for quick interactions with new friends.
7. Friender (iOS, Android)
Friender only allows connections with people who share at least one interest. With over 100 hobbies to select on your profile, it ensures more targeted and productive interactions.
Interesting Extra Features
- Integrated automatic translation: Apps like Ablo and HelloTalk offer simultaneous translation to connect with foreigners without language barriers.
- Profile verification by selfie: Apps like Bumble and Yubo offer extra security through facial recognition to prevent fake profiles.
- Thematic rooms and communities: Yubo and Meetup allow for group interaction on topics such as art, sports, books, games, and more.
Common Mistakes When Using Dating Apps
- Looking for something beyond friendship on friendship-specific apps: respect the purpose of the platform.
- Sharing personal data too early: avoid address, phone number or documents.
- Ignoring rules of coexistence: rudeness and insistence drive away good contacts.
- Using misleading photos: Keep your profile authentic to attract compatible people.
- Abandoning the app too quickly: friendships take time to mature, keep trying.
Interesting Alternatives
- Clubhouse: voice social network with themed chat rooms.
- Discord: text and audio communities on public and private servers.
- Traditional social networks: like Facebook (groups) and Reddit (friendship subreddits).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Bumble BFF and Friender are great options for those looking for genuine connections based on shared interests.
Yes. Many of these apps have dedicated friendship modes, like Bumble BFF or Wink.
Most have security measures such as profile verification, blocking, and reporting. Always use common sense.
Yes! Ablo and Slowly are ideal for those who want to make friends around the world.
Yes. Apps like Meetup and Discord have themed groups on virtually any topic.
Conclusion
Making new friends has never been so easy and accessible. With right free apps, you can create genuine connections with people nearby or around the world. Experiment with the options, join communities, and discover the joy of sharing interests with new people. 💬🌍
👉 Try the apps mentioned, save this article to your favorites, and share it with friends who are also looking for new connections!
