The way we make friends has completely transformed in recent years. With our lives increasingly moving online, it’s now easier than ever to connect with people we’ve never met before. Whether you’ve relocated to a new city or you’re just looking to widen your social circle, friendship apps are making it easier to meet people who genuinely share your interests.
In this 2025 guide, we’re diving into the best friendship apps available in India. These aren’t dating platforms. They’re built around the idea of platonic relationships — helping users build meaningful connections while staying within the guidelines of platforms like AdSense.
Why Friendship Apps Matter in 2025
Gone are the days when making friends was limited to your college, office, or neighborhood. With friendship apps, people across India are finding new ways to:
- Connect after moving to a new city
- Break free from social isolation
- Join hobby-based groups and communities
- Make connections with people who share the same mindset
These apps make socializing more accessible, especially for people who work from home, are introverts, or simply don’t have time to attend events in person.
Quick Comparison: Best Friendship Apps in India
| App | Best For | Platform | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wink | Casual chatting, young adults | Android, iOS | Swipe-to-match, simple UI, verification tools |
| Yubo | Live video hangouts, Gen Z | Android, iOS | Group streams, topic-based chat rooms |
| Meetup | Hobby groups, events | Android, iOS | IRL meetups, shared interests |
| Bumble For Friends | Women-first friendship | Android, iOS | Clean profiles, BFF-only mode |
| Friender | Hobbies and shared interests | iOS | No romantic connections, interest-only matching |
| Huggle | Location-based matching | Android, iOS | Connect with people who go to the same places as you |
| BeFriend | College students & freshers | iOS | Campus-based networking |
Related:
1. Wink: Simple and Casual
Wink is designed for people who enjoy casual conversations with strangers who could turn into friends. Think of it as a lighter, less formal version of social media.
Why it’s great:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Verification for user safety
- Popular among Indian youth for its quick matching system
It’s ideal if you’re looking for something casual but friendly.
2. Yubo: Where Gen Z Hangs Out
Yubo is all about group video chats and shared discussions. Instead of endless scrolling, it encourages interaction through live video rooms where you can jump in, introduce yourself, and hang out virtually.
What stands out:
- Topic-based streams (music, games, anime)
- Focus on safe, non-dating environments
- Great for teens and college students
3. Meetup: Make Friends Through Real Events
Meetup is a well-known app, especially among professionals and hobbyists. It’s the go-to platform for people who prefer forming friendships through actual group events like book clubs, language exchanges, or hikes.
Best features:
- Based on shared hobbies and activities
- Great for making friends in person
- Strong community vibe
It’s a fantastic choice if you want to move beyond screens.
4. Bumble For Friends: Safe and Selective
Bumble is known for dating, but its BFF mode is built for friendships. It’s especially popular among women who want a secure, private space to meet new people.
Why people love it:
- Female-first approach to messaging
- Easy filtering for age, interests, and location
- Friendly, respectful atmosphere
You can toggle BFF mode anytime without using the dating side.
5. Friender: Match By What You Love
Friender doesn’t care how you look. It only matches people based on mutual hobbies. Whether you’re into photography, painting, or even hiking, Friender ensures you match only with people who share your interests.
Highlights:
- 100+ interests to choose from
- Clean, minimal interface
- Great for intentional friendships
It’s perfect if you want deep conversations from Day 1.
6. Huggle: Connect Based on Real Places
Unlike other apps, Huggle connects users based on locations they frequently visit. If you often go to the same cafés, gyms, or public parks as someone else, there’s a good chance you’ll match with them here.
Why it’s different:
- Emphasizes physical locations
- Builds connections based on lifestyle, not selfies
- Great for hyper-local socializing
This is ideal for people who want to meet others nearby but not necessarily through events.
7. BeFriend: For College Communities
Formerly known as Swipr, BeFriend is a newer app focused on helping college students and early-career professionals expand their social network.
What’s useful:
- Campus-specific friend suggestions
- Perfect for students living away from home
- Strong focus on verified, age-matched users
If you’re in your late teens or early 20s, this is a strong pick.
How to Stay Safe While Using Friendship Apps
While these apps are designed with user safety in mind, it’s always good to take extra precautions:
- Use built-in chat tools instead of sharing personal contact info
- Meet in public places if you plan to go offline
- Report and block users who behave inappropriately
- Keep your private life private until trust is built
All apps listed here follow community standards, and many offer content moderation and in-app reporting.
Final Thoughts
The friendship apps listed above show that meeting new people online doesn’t have to mean dating. Whether you’re interested in event-based communities, hobby-specific conversations, or just casual chats, there’s something for everyone.
Most importantly, these platforms let you maintain control of your social experience — connecting you with people when, where, and how you choose.
So if you’re ready to expand your circle, take the first step. Install one of these apps, set up your profile, and say hello to new friendships in 2025.
