Is there a website to meet just friends?

In today's digital age, meeting new people and forming friendships has never been easier. Whether you're new to a city, looking to expand your social circle, or simply want to connect with people who share your interests, there are numerous platforms designed specifically to help you meet just friends—no strings attached, no pressure for romantic relationships. This article will explore some of the best websites and apps to meet new friends and how they can help you find like-minded people in a safe and friendly environment.

1. Bumble BFF: A Friend-Finding Option of the Popular Dating App

While Bumble is primarily known as a dating app, it has a unique feature called Bumble BFF designed specifically for people who want to make friends. This feature allows users to swipe right on potential friends based on shared interests, hobbies, and lifestyles, without the romantic undertones.

How it works: Bumble BFF works similarly to the dating side of the app. You create a profile where you list your interests, hobbies, and what you’re looking for in a friend. You then swipe right on profiles of others who appeal to you, and if both users swipe right, a match is made. From there, you can chat and see if you have common interests.
Why it’s good for making friends: Bumble BFF is a low-pressure, easy-to-use platform for finding friends. It’s especially useful for people new to a city or those looking for platonic connections.

2. Meetup: Connecting Around Shared Interests and Activities

Meetup is a platform that facilitates real-world connections by helping people find local groups and activities based on shared interests. Whether you’re interested in hiking, book clubs, gaming, or language exchange, Meetup has a vast array of groups that organize events in person or online.

How it works: You create a profile and search for meetups based on your location and interests. You can join groups or RSVP to specific events that align with what you're looking for—anything from a casual coffee meet-up to a fitness class or a gaming night.
Why it’s good for making friends: Meetup is ideal for people who prefer face-to-face interactions. By attending events in real life, you get to meet people in a relaxed, no-pressure environment, making it easier to bond over common interests.

3. Friender: Designed Specifically for Making New Friends

Friender is an app created with the goal of helping people meet new friends. Unlike most social apps that focus on romance, Friender is purely dedicated to forming platonic connections. The app connects people with shared interests and hobbies, encouraging users to meet new friends in a low-pressure environment.

How it works: Similar to other apps, Friender uses your profile and preferences to match you with potential friends. You can filter your matches by activities you enjoy, like hiking, traveling, reading, or other interests.
Why it’s good for making friends: Friender focuses solely on friendship and allows you to filter your search based on shared activities. This makes it easier to meet people who genuinely match your lifestyle and interests.

4. Peanut: A Platform for Women to Make New Connections

Peanut is a social app designed primarily for women to connect with others in similar life stages. Originally focused on motherhood, Peanut now has features that cater to a broader range of women looking to meet others for friendship and support.

How it works: Peanut works much like a social networking app, where you can create a profile and swipe through potential matches for friendship. The app focuses on creating bonds based on common experiences and interests, such as parenting, health, or lifestyle.
Why it’s good for making friends: If you're a woman looking to connect with others, especially in similar stages of life (e.g., parenting or career), Peanut provides a supportive, judgment-free space to meet others.

5. Nextdoor: Building Community Connections

Nextdoor is a neighborhood-based social networking app designed to connect people in local communities. While it’s often used to discuss local issues, share recommendations, and keep up with neighborhood events, it also offers a way to meet new people and make friends within your area.

How it works: Nextdoor connects you with people in your neighborhood or nearby areas. You can join conversations about local events, neighborhood news, and activities, or create a post about meeting people for casual get-togethers, like going to the gym, grabbing coffee, or attending a local event.
Why it’s good for making friends: If you’re looking to build relationships in your immediate area, Nextdoor is an excellent tool. It’s a great way to connect with people locally and participate in community events.

6. Skout: A Global Friend-Finding Network

Skout is a global social network that helps people meet new friends from all around the world. While it also has dating features, Skout is widely used by people who are just looking to connect with others in a friendly, platonic way.

How it works: Skout lets you connect with people nearby or from different parts of the world. You can create a profile, chat with others, and explore user profiles to find people with similar interests. The app includes a variety of social features, including live chat and location-based search.
Why it’s good for making friends: Skout provides a vast, global community, so if you’re interested in meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, this platform can be a great option for making new friends.

7. Facebook Groups: Socializing Through Interests and Hobbies

Facebook isn’t just for staying in touch with family and friends—it also offers a great way to meet new people through Facebook Groups. There are countless groups dedicated to nearly every interest, activity, and cause, making it a rich environment for meeting like-minded people.

How it works: You can search for Facebook Groups related to your hobbies, such as fitness, cooking, art, travel, or music. Once you join a group, you can participate in discussions, share posts, and meet people through comments or private messages.
Why it’s good for making friends: Facebook Groups allow you to engage with a wide range of people, fostering connections through shared passions and discussions. It’s easy to find local groups, too, if you prefer to meet people nearby.

8. Tandem: Language Learning and Cultural Exchange

If you're interested in learning a new language or practicing one you already know, Tandem offers a fantastic opportunity to meet people and make friends from around the world. The app connects you with language partners for both language exchange and cultural exchange.

How it works: Tandem pairs you with language learners who are fluent in the language you’re learning and vice versa. You can chat via text, voice, or video calls, and learn from each other while making new friends.
Why it’s good for making friends: Tandem provides a unique opportunity to meet people who share a common goal—language learning. The conversations often evolve beyond just language exchange into deeper, more meaningful friendships.

9. Yubo: A Social Network for Teens and Young Adults

If you're a teenager or young adult looking to meet new friends, Yubo is a social platform specifically designed for people in that age group. Yubo allows users to connect with others based on shared interests and engage in live-streamed social activities.

How it works: Yubo lets you create a profile, swipe through potential friends, and participate in live streams or video chats with others. It’s an interactive app that emphasizes connection and friendship-building, rather than romantic relationships.
Why it’s good for making friends: Yubo focuses on helping young people make new friends in a fun and safe environment. It’s especially helpful for those looking for casual interactions and group activities.

Conclusion: Making Platonic Connections Online

Finding friends online is easier than ever thanks to a wide range of platforms that cater specifically to people looking for platonic relationships. Whether you prefer meeting people locally, connecting through shared interests, or chatting with people from around the world, there’s a platform that can help you meet new friends. Platforms like Bumble BFF, Meetup, and Friender focus solely on friendship, while others like Nextdoor and Facebook Groups help you meet people in your community or based on common interests.

The key to success is finding the platform that aligns with your goals, being open to new experiences, and taking the time to build genuine connections. No matter how shy or introverted you might feel, there’s always a space where you can meet others and develop meaningful friendships.