Beyond Swiping for Love: 4.3M Downloads Fuel the New 'Friendship App' Economy

Your next best friend might be a swipe away—and it has nothing to do with dating. As loneliness and social isolation become a literal public health crisis, 4.3 million people have turned to dedicated friendship apps in 2025 alone. According to Appfigures, consumer spending on these local-focused social platforms has hit $16 million this year, signaling a massive shift in how we build communities.

A Public Health Crisis Meets a Digital Solution

The stigma of meeting people online is fading, replaced by a desperate need for platonic connection. Remote workers and younger generations are leading the charge, seeking meaningful bonds based on shared interests rather than romance. Major players like Bumble BFF and newcomers like Timeleft are creating "less awkward" environments for strangers to connect. Instead of cold-approaching someone at a café, these apps guarantee everyone is there for the same reason: friendship.

From AI Quizzes to Group Dinners

The variety of platforms is expanding rapidly. 222 uses personality tests to curate in-person events for strangers, charging a $22.22 fee. Timeleft organizes weekly Wednesday dinners for groups of five, while Pie utilizes AI-driven quizzes to group compatible individuals before they meet in person. Even the over-40 demographic is joining the trend, with Meet5 garnering 777,000 downloads in the U.S. market.

• Bumble BFF: Rebranded stand-alone app focusing on group meetups.
• Les Amís: AI-powered matches for women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Mmotion: NYC-based app blending location tracking with social discovery.