Making Friends as an Adult Is Hard—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Moving to a new city, starting a new job, or just realizing that your social circle has shrunk can be isolating. In childhood, friendships formed naturally—through school, sports, and neighborhood hangouts. But as adults, things change. Many of us find ourselves spending most of our time at work or handling life’s responsibilities, leaving little room for meeting new people.
In an ideal world, we’d all have hobbies that introduce us to like-minded people—joining a tennis league, an art class, or even a book club. But let’s be real: not everyone has the time or energy to do that, and going to a bar alone hoping to make friends isn’t exactly the most reliable strategy. That’s where Non-Dating Apps come in.
Best Non-Dating Apps for Making Friends in 2024
1. Bumble For Friends (BFF Mode)
Bumble isn’t just for dating anymore. Bumble For Friends is a dedicated platform within the app that allows you to swipe right on potential friends instead of romantic partners.
How it works: Users create a profile, add their interests, and swipe on people they’d like to connect with. If both people swipe right, they can start a conversation and meet up in real life.
Best for: New city residents, introverts, and those looking for one-on-one connections.
Why it’s great: It’s widely used, making it easy to find potential friends in your area.
2. Nextdoor – Connect with Your Neighbors
Nextdoor started as a local neighborhood forum but has evolved into a great tool for meeting people in your community.
How it works: The app connects you with people living in your neighborhood. You can join discussions, attend local events, and even set up meetups.
Best for: Parents, homeowners, and anyone looking for community-based friendships.
Why it’s great: It creates a sense of local belonging and encourages real-life connections.
3. Friender – Interest-Based Friend Matching
Friender operates similarly to a dating app but only for friendships. It focuses on matching people based on shared activities like hiking, gaming, cooking, or sports.
How it works: Users list their interests, and the app finds potential friends based on mutual activities.
Best for: Active people who want to meet friends with shared hobbies.
Why it’s great: It eliminates awkward small talk and ensures you already have something in common.
4. Meetup – Group Activities for Every Interest
Meetup remains one of the most powerful Non-Dating Apps for making friends. Whether you’re into tech, art, fitness, or travel, there’s likely a Meetup group for it.
How it works: Users join local or virtual groups based on shared interests and attend events or outings together.
Best for: People who prefer socializing in group settings rather than one-on-one meetups.
Why it’s great: It’s perfect for introverts and extroverts alike, with tons of hobby-based gatherings.
5. Hey! Vina – A Friendship App for Women
Often called the “Tinder for female friendships,” Hey! Vina is a women-only app designed to help ladies make meaningful connections.
How it works: Users take quizzes to determine compatibility and match with other women who share similar values and interests.
Best for: Women looking for deep, long-term friendships rather than casual acquaintances.
Why it’s great: It encourages in-person meetups and suggests activities based on mutual hobbies.
6. Yubo – Social Networking for Gen Z
For younger users, Yubo offers a social media-style approach to meeting new people online before transitioning into real-life friendships.
How it works: Users can join live streams, participate in group chats, and connect with people based on shared interests.
Best for: Gen Z, gamers, and social media-savvy individuals.
Why it’s great: It’s a fun and relaxed way to meet new people virtually first before meeting in person.
7. Amica – Deeper, Meaningful Friendships
Amica is one of the newer Non-Dating Apps that focus on values-based friendships rather than just shared activities.
How it works: The app matches people based on their personality, values, and life goals, ensuring deeper connections.
Best for: People looking for meaningful friendships, not just casual hangouts.
Why it’s great: It prioritizes quality over quantity and fosters genuine, lasting friendships.
Spicy Uno – The Perfect Game for Making New Friends
When meeting new people, having a shared activity can help break the ice and make interactions feel more natural. One of the best ways to bond with new friends is through a lighthearted game, and Spicy Uno is a perfect choice.
What is Spicy Uno? It’s a fast-paced, high-energy twist on the classic Uno card game, featuring special house rules that add excitement and unpredictability. Unlike traditional Uno, Spicy Uno rules include fun challenges, rule reversals, and interactive elements that make it a fantastic social game—perfect for new friendships, parties, and casual meetups.
Why Spicy Uno is a Great Way to Connect
- Instant Icebreaker – Games naturally lower social barriers, making it easy for people to engage and interact without the awkwardness of forced small talk.
- Encourages Laughter and Fun – Spicy Uno’s unpredictable rules lead to hilarious moments, creating inside jokes and shared experiences—key ingredients for friendship.
- No Gaming Skills Required – Unlike video games or strategy board games, Spicy Uno is easy to learn and doesn’t require prior experience. Anyone can join in and have fun.
- Perfect for Group Meetups – Whether you’re using a Non-Dating App to meet people or hosting a small gathering, Spicy Uno gives a fun reason to hang out without pressure.
- Can Be Played Anywhere – All you need is a standard Uno deck and the Spicy Uno house rules, making it an easy go-to activity at coffee shops, bars, or game nights.
How to Use Spicy Uno to Make New Friends
If you’re looking for ways to turn online connections into real-life friendships, suggesting a Spicy Uno game night is an effortless way to do it. Whether you’re setting up a casual get-together through Bumble For Friends, a Meetup group, or simply hanging out with coworkers outside of work, playing a game takes the pressure off and lets friendships form naturally.
So next time you’re trying to connect with new people, grab a deck of Uno, introduce the Spicy Uno rules, and watch the friendships unfold!
Why Having a Social Circle Beyond Work Is Essential
Your job might provide some social interaction, but relying only on work relationships for friendships can be risky. What happens when you switch jobs or work remotely? Studies show that having close friendships outside of work leads to increased happiness, lower stress levels, and even a longer lifespan.
Friends provide emotional support, introduce you to new experiences, and give you a sense of belonging. Having a group of people to share your highs and lows with is one of the key factors in long-term mental well-being. And with the rise of Non-Dating Apps, meeting new friends has never been easier.
The Growing Market for Non-Dating Apps
For years, online platforms were almost exclusively designed for romantic connections—Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and countless others dominated the space. But recently, there’s been a massive surge in Non-Dating Apps dedicated solely to forming friendships, networking, and hobby-based meetups.
The global social discovery app market is now valued at billions of dollars, with apps like Bumble For Friends, Meetup, and Nextdoor gaining massive traction. These apps are specifically designed for platonic connections, catering to people who want real friendships without the pressures of dating.
If you’re looking to expand your social circle in 2024, check out these top Non-Dating Apps that can help you meet genuine friends in your area or even around the world.
The Future of Non-Dating Apps
The social networking landscape is shifting, and Non-Dating Apps are quickly becoming the go-to solution for meeting new friends. With the world becoming more digital and people moving to new cities for work, education, and adventure, these apps fill an important gap.
If you’ve been struggling to expand your social circle, it might be time to give one of these Non-Dating Apps a try. Who knows? Your next best friend could be just a swipe away.
