Meet nearby dogs and their owners with the Meet My Dog app
Over meeting new people? How about dogs? You can make a profile for you and your pup, set up puppy play dates, and see who’s around to hang out at the dog park. Fido will thank you for finding him a new four-legged friend, and you might even meet a new two-legged friend and fellow dog lover while you’re at it. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Peanut
Becoming a new parent is no small feat, but having other moms to mentor you can make it easier. With Peanut, you can meet other moms online and seek their guidance. The app lets you join groups and communities of women throughout all stages of motherhood±whether they’re new moms, women trying to conceive, or pregnant women expecting a child. You can listen as others share their tips, offer your own advice, and even dive into personal topics like IVF, adoption, or nursing. (iOS, Android, free).
Meetup
One of the original ways to connect with people online and meet in person (before the age of dating and friendship apps), Meetup lets you create online groups in order to organize in-person-and these days, virtual-events. With over 3 million monthly active users, it’s easy for people with shared interests to come together online and organize events to enjoy together in real life. Ready to join a Meetup community? Search for groups and events in categories like health and wellness, food and drink, film, careers, or book clubs. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Atleto
With the Atleto app, you can find your next Doubles Tennis partner or pick an opponent for a one-on-one matchup. Use it to connect with athletes in your area and find new friends based on their go-to sport, current skill level, and location. It’s especially ideal for students on college campuses looking to host a game or form a recreational sports team. (iOS, Android, free).
Next Door
Next Door is the hyperlocal neighborhood app that lets people share local tips, buy or sell unwanted items, and connect with local businesses, but it’s also a great way to get to know your own neighbors. The only way to get into your online neighborhood community is to show proof of where you live, so all neighbors’ addresses and identities are verified. Find a lost dog, local fix-it person-or your next neighborhood friend. (iOS, Android, free).
Yubo
Yubo is the video livestreaming app geared toward teens and young adults ages 13-25. Young people can connect with each other from all over the world and meet new friends by joining livestreams with up to 10 people at a time. Unlike other social media platforms, this one doesn’t involve having followers, so you can eliminate the pressure of racking up your follower count and just worry about being you. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Skout
Skout aims to bring back the magic of serendipitous meetings by letting you scout for new friends online-both near you and around the world. The app lets you search for people by preference and proximity and makes it easier for you to get to know each other before meeting in person. Chat, share photos, broadcast yourself live, and even send virtual gifts. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
LMK
LMK is a social app that helps you make new friends in a number of ways-and one of those ways will make you think you’ve landed on Clubhouse. Instantly chat with people who share similar interests, drop in on Audio Rooms to talk to groups of like-minded individuals, or participate in polls and fun Q&As on Snapchat to get to know each other. No matter which way you choose, the end goal is the same: meet new friends online. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).