As loneliness becomes a public health crisis, a new wave of apps is helping people forge meaningful connections and build local communities.

In recent years, the search for meaningful platonic connections has surged as loneliness and social isolation have become increasingly prevalent. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared the issue a public health crisis, prompting a growing number of individuals—especially remote workers and young adults—to seek out new ways to build friendships. Online dating apps have played a significant role in reducing the stigma of forming connections digitally, paving the way for a new generation of apps focused on fostering friendships and creating local communities.

According to estimates from Appfigures, over a dozen local-focused friendship apps have generated approximately $16 million in consumer spending in the U.S. this year, with around 4.3 million downloads recorded so far in 2025. These apps aim to provide a more comfortable and less awkward alternative to initiating conversations in person, by clearly signaling that all users are seeking friendship rather than romance.

Among the notable players in this space is 222, an iOS-only app that facilitates in-person meetups by pairing users based on personality test results. The app sends invitations to public events like wine bars and comedy clubs, with a vetting process ensuring a more comfortable experience for socially anxious users. Users are even allowed to bring a plus-one, which can be a great relief for those who feel hesitant about meeting strangers. The service charges a $22.22 curation fee or a monthly subscription for the same price.

Bumble’s BFF, launched in 2016 and rebranded as a standalone app in 2023, has also evolved to emphasize group meetups. The app has recently undergone a significant redesign, with features that allow users to see who has liked their profile, unlimited swipes, and SuperSwipes. BFF is available for free download on iOS and Android devices, with a premium subscription offering enhanced features.

Other emerging platforms, such as Clyx, are gaining traction by focusing on local events and integrating data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok. Clyx allows users to upload their contact lists to see which events their friends plan to attend and recommends other users to connect with at these events. As of now, Clyx operates exclusively in two cities: Miami and London, with plans to expand to New York City and São Paulo in the near future.

Les Amís is a friendship app tailored for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It uses AI to match users based on similar interests and encourages participation in local events, such as pottery classes, book clubs, and wine tastings. Matches are made every Monday, allowing users to chat and plan meetups later in the week. The app is available on iOS and Android and serves cities across Europe, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and Stockholm. In the U.S., it is available in Austin and New York, with plans to expand to Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles. The app uses a paid membership model that varies by city, with fees of $70 in New York and €55 in Amsterdam.

Meetup, a local event-discovery platform that has been around since 2002, continues to help millions of users connect with others who share similar interests. Users can RSVP to events, join groups that cater to a variety of hobbies, professions, or social causes, and create their own groups and events. They can also chat with group members and post updates and photos from gatherings.

Meet5, a European community-building app recently launched in the U.S., targets users over 40 who want to meet new people in their area and participate in group activities such as picnics, concerts, and hiking. According to Appfigures estimates, the app has seen around 777,000 U.S. downloads so far across the App Store and Google Play Store.

Pie is another newer social app on the market, featuring an AI-driven quiz designed to predict which users are most likely to be compatible with each other. Each person who RSVPs to a Pie event takes a brief personality assessment, and the algorithm organizes attendees into groups of six, who are then added to a group chat within the Pie app, allowing them to interact with each other before the event. Currently, the app is only available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Timeleft is a relatively new platform that helps users organize weekly dinner dates with groups of strangers. The app uses a special algorithm to match users, taking into account their age, gender, and personality. Users are matched with four other people, but they only learn minor details about them the night before, including their occupations and zodiac signs. Dinners take place at a selected restaurant on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. To help everyone break the ice, the app offers a game with conversation starters. After dinner, there is an after-party at a local bar. Users can book dinners online or through the app, with pricing varying depending on the country and restaurant.

Wyzr Friends is an activity-based friendship app designed for adults 40 and older, catering to empty nesters, those who are divorced, and other users seeking to connect with like-minded individuals. Users can thumbs up or down potential friends and arrange in-person activities based on shared interests, such as going to the movies or hiking. It’s available on iOS and Android devices in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mexico.

With the demand for meaningful connections on the rise, these apps are not only reshaping how people form friendships but also addressing a broader societal need for connection in an increasingly digital and isolated world.