As people look for ways to make new friends, here are the apps promising to help

The U.S. Surgeon General labeled loneliness and social isolation a public health crisis in 2023.

Appfigures says local-focused friendship apps have generated roughly $16 million in U.S. consumer spending so far this year.

The apps have seen about 4.3 million downloads in 2025.

222 is an iOS-only events app that pairs strangers via a personality test, invites them to nearby public events like wine bars and comedy clubs, and vets participants who are notified on the day of the event.

222 allows a plus-one and charges a $22.22 curation fee or a monthly subscription at the same price; Bumble BFF began as a 2016 feature, became a standalone app in 2023, and recently underwent a significant redesign with an increased emphasis on facilitating.