Best Apps to Make Friends
in 2025

Finding meaningful connections in the digital age can be paradoxical: we are more connected than ever, yet loneliness statistics are rising. According to a 2024 poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely at least once a week, with numbers even higher for Gen Z.
While dating apps have normalized swiping for romance, apps to make friends require a different approach. Below is a breakdown of the best apps to make friends that prioritize personality over appearance:

If photos create barriers and video creates risk, the human voice builds bridges. This is where apps like Wakie stand out.
Why it works scientifically:

• Higher Empathic Accuracy: A study published in the American Psychologist found that people are better at identifying emotions when they only listen to a voice compared to when they watch a video Without visual distractions, the brain focuses entirely on tone.
• Safety & Anonymity: Voice-first platforms filter out visual harassment (flashing) and allow for a psychological reset, enabling users - especially those with social anxiety- to express their true selves without performing for a camera.

Read more: Talk To Strangers and Convert Them Into Friends on Wakie App. Explore why talking to strangers is scientifically good for you and how to do it safely.

If you are into underwater basket weaving or 90s anime, there is a Subreddit for it. It’s the ultimate place to find people with specific obsessions.

Free Originally for gamers, Discord is now a virtual "living room" for study groups and art clubs. It's great for "body doubling" (just hanging out while doing other things).

Free TikTok uses an "Interest Graph" instead of a "Social Graph." The AI shows you people who think like you. Often, the real friendships start in the comment sections of viral videos.

Most "friend finding" apps simply clone the mechanics of dating apps: you upload a curated photo and swipe left or right. However, psychological research suggests this is flawed for platonic connections.

A study on "The Halo Effect" demonstrates that when we see a photo, we subconsciously judge a person's kindness, intelligence, and compatibility based solely on their physical attractiveness. This creates a superficial barrier where potential "soulmates" are filtered out because they don't fit a specific aesthetic.

Furthermore, video-first platforms can cause "Zoom Fatigue." Researchers from Stanford University found that the cognitive load of constantly managing your own appearance on camera ("mirror anxiety") reduces the mental energy available for deep listening and emotional connection.

History shows that apps relying on random video connections often face a grim destiny. A prime example is Omegle, which was forced to shut down permanently after becoming synonymous with predatory behavior. Similarly, apps like Tango Me have faced removal from app stores due to moderation issues. The mechanic of "random video" creates a "Wild West" environment where users are just one swipe away from unsolicited explicit content.

One of the biggest frustrations is encountering users looking for romance. Here is how to filter your experience:

• Be Explicit in Bio: Use clear "stop phrases" like "Strictly platonic," "Happily partnered," or "Here for gaming buddies only."
• Select Interest-Based Apps: Apps that focus on a shared activity (like Reddit for hobbies or Wakie for discussions) naturally filter for functionality over flirtation.
• The "Group Test": Join voice clubs or group voice chat first. People seeking dates usually prefer immediate one-on-one isolation.

Your strategy should depend on your current social needs.

• Apps to make friends near you: Essential for combating physical isolation (gym buddies, coffee). Top picks: Bumble BFF, Meetup.
• Global Friendships: Essential for intellectual stimulation ("your tribe"). If you love niche 90s anime, your best friend might live in a different time zone. Global apps (Wakie, Reddit) offer 24/7 availability.

To maximize your success, treat your profile as a conversation starter.

• The "3-Point Rule" for Bio: Include a Current Obsession, a harmless "Unpopular Opinion" (e.g., "Pineapple belongs on pizza"), and a clear Call to Action.
• Digital Identity: Try using an avatar instead of a photo. This forces others to read your bio rather than swipe based on looks.
• Best Openers: Skip "Hi, how are you?". Instead, ask: "I saw you like [Interest]. What’s your hot take on it?"

Pro Tip: If you're struggling to find the right words once you've made a connection, check out our guide: How to Comfort Someone Over Text: 30+ Therapist-Approved Scripts.

Moving from "app chat" to "real friend" takes work. Professor Jeffrey Hall (University of Kansas) suggests it takes:

• 50 hours -> Casual friend.
• 90 hours -> Friend.
• 200+ hours -> Close friend.

The Key Takeaway: Consistency beats intensity. A daily 15-minute voice check-in is more effective than one long conversation once a month.

🚀 Ready to start? Use our complete 2025 Guide for Genuine Online Connections to build your social circle from scratch.