In a world where the digital economy is highly developed, friendships are no longer limited by national boundaries. Whether you’re moving to a new city, traveling alone, or just want to connect with like-minded people, 1v1 online video apps are an effective way to meet new people and enjoy meaningful conversations. Say goodbye to awkward friend requests – these 10 best apps to make friends online are designed to help you build real friendships message by message.
What Makes a Great Friendship App?
Before diving in, here are 5 key things we looked for:
- Real People: Active, verified user bases
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interface & onboarding
- Shared Interests: Tagging and match-by-hobby features
- Safety: Reporting tools, content moderation
- Diverse Communities: International or local, introvert- and adult-friendly
Top 10 Apps to Make Friends Online in 2025
1. Hoop
Best for: Teens, Gen Z, and Snapchat users
Hoop is a social application for young users around the world. Users can browse profiles from all over the world, send friend requests to users of interest, and obtain their Snapchat usernames after the other party accepts, thereby expanding their social circles on Snapchat and making new friends.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Snapchat
- Simple operation and youthful visual style
Cons:
- Security and privacy management require special attention
- Lack of a deep communication mechanism, tends to be shallow interaction
2. Bumble For Friends
Best for: Women, professionals, and expats
Originally a dating app, Bumble BFF lets users switch into “friend” mode. Swipe-based, gender-inclusive, and especially popular in urban areas.
Pros:
- Friendly UI
- Encourages meaningful bio writing
- Great for finding friends in new cities
Cons：
- Matching efficiency is unstable
3. Fachat
Best for: Global users, casual chat seekers, and video-based socializers
Fachat is a video chat social app that connects strangers from around the world for real-time, face-to-face conversations. With a focus on lighthearted interaction and cross-cultural exchange, it’s ideal for users looking to meet new people beyond their local circles.
Pros:
Easy-to-use video chat interface
Great for spontaneous global interactions
Fun, gamified features to enhance engagement
Cons:
Language barriers may affect conversation quality
Risk of inappropriate behavior from some users
4. FRND
Best for: Young adults in India, audio-first social seekers
FRND is a friendship and dating app focused on audio conversations rather than photos. Popular in India, it allows users to join group chats and 1-on-1 audio rooms, making bonding feel more natural and less appearance-based.
Pros:
- Unique audio-first approach
- Localized for Indian users
- Safer environment with moderated interactions
Cons:
- Limited to certain regions
- Less appeal for users who prefer text or visual profiles
5. Yubo
Best for: Gen Z and live streaming lovers
Yubo lets you make friends via livestream rooms and swipe-based connections. Popular among teens and young adults.
Pros:
- Live interaction
- Age filters
- Gamified experience
Cons:
- Safety is occasionally controversial
- Auditing and content supervision are relatively loose
6. Meetup
Best for: Group-based activities & events
Find and join interest-based events in your city or virtually. Perfect for hobbyists, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
Pros:
- IRL event options
- Professional and social categories
- No swiping—just events
Cons:
- Event quality varies by organizer
- Limited number of events in smaller cities
- Limited functionality for free users
7. Tinder
Best for: Young adults, casual connections, and travelers
Tinder is one of the most popular swipe-based apps, originally designed for dating. It also offers a Tinder Social and Tinder Explore experience, which some users leverage to make friends or travel connections. Known for its simplicity and global reach.
Pros:
- Massive user base worldwide
- Simple and intuitive swipe interface
- Useful for meeting people while traveling
Cons:
- Strong association with casual dating
- Limited features for purely platonic connections
8. Tandem
Best for: Language exchange & international friends
Learn languages through real conversation with native speakers. But beyond that, many users form lasting friendships.
Pros:
- Built-in translator
- Voice/text options
- Language + culture exchange
Cons:
- Some users chat with people in the name of language learning
- Content supervision mechanisms vary
9. MeetMe
Best for: Extroverts, streamers, and people seeking casual chats
MeetMe is a free social app developed by The Meet Group Inc. that helps users discover new, like-minded people nearby, chat in real time, and build real social connections through live streaming.
Pros:
- Integrated live streaming features
- Easy to start conversations with nearby users
- Active and diverse global community
Cons:
- User experience can feel cluttered
- High presence of fake or inactive profiles
10. Badoo
Best for: Social explorers, casual connectors, and global users
Badoo is a long-standing social app that combines dating, friendship, and people discovery features. With location-based matching and photo-driven profiles, it appeals to users looking for both romantic and platonic connections in a casual, global environment.
Pros：
- Large international user base
- Multiple discovery modes (swipe, live, nearby)
- Emphasis on verified profiles for safety
Cons:
- Strong dating app reputation
- User intent can be unclear (dating vs. friendship)
How to Choose the Right App for You
| You are… | Recommended Apps |
| Youth / Student Group | Yubo、Hoop、FRND |
| Adults looking for friends/workers | Bumble For Friends、Meetup、Tandem、Fachat |
| Looking for a date / dating | Tinder、Badoo、MeetMe |
| Cultural Exchange / Language Learners | Tandem、Meetup |
Final Thoughts
Best apps to make friends in 2025 are more than just swipe-and-chat platforms—they’re bridges between cultures, hobbies, and human stories.
Now we want to hear from you:What’s your favorite friendship app? Have you met someone special online? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss.
FAQ：
- What are the top 10 best apps to make friends online in 2025?
Hoop、Bumble For Friends、Fachat、FRND、Yubo、Meetup、Tinder、Tandem、MeetMe and Badoo.
- What is the best app for making new friends?
Bumble for Friends, Hey! VINA, Wink, and plenty more promise to help people make friends online. Many work just like dating apps: you build a profile that includes photos and a bio, then swipe through other people’s profiles until you find someone who seems like a potential match.
- Are there any other apps like Bumble BFF?
Apps like Friender and Peanut allow you to swipe through different profiles of potential contacts, start conversations through the app, and meet up offline for dates.