The new way to make friends

These social apps will show you the new way to make friends.

In this day and age, apps are the way forward – for everything. The digital dating scene is booming, but why stop there? Move over, Tinder, as the friendship social apps are starting to make waves. It’s now easier than ever to make new friends in an instant. Whether you’re looking for a tennis partner, fancy joining a knitting group or would just like to go for a drink at your local pub with some fresh new faces, these social apps will show you the new way to make friends.

Meetup

Bonding over your passion with like-minded people is a fantastic way to make new friends. With almost 30 million members from over 180 countries, Meetup is bringing people together all over the world so that they can find others with similar interests to their own. Whether you enjoy hiking up mountains, want to try your hand at becoming a playwright or would like to learn to cook with other wannabe chefs, Meetup will help you find an existing group to join or give you the tools to create your own.

Free, available for iOS and Android, meetup.com

Atleto

Are you in search of a workout buddy? The Atleto app is all about bringing together everyday athletes so that you never feel the need to exercise alone again. There are over 40 different sports to choose from, including running, basketball and tennis. You can find nearby activities that are already taking place and request to join, or create a new event yourself. You’ll be able to keep in touch with your new acquaintances on the app and continue to build your new network of fit friends while practising the sports you love!

Free, available for iOS and Android, atletosports.com

Meet My Dog

Not only will the Meet My Dog app put you in touch with other dog lovers, but you’ll also get to meet an assortment of lovely dogs at the same time! The app will allow you to easily meet other friendly dogs and their owners in your local area. You can also use it to check out reviews of pet products and local pet services, so that you’re always in the know when it comes to anything dog-related. Set those tails wagging and make some doggy friends!

Free, available for iOS, meetmydogapp.com

Skout

With a community of users spread over 180 countries, Skout is a global social app dedicated to helping people connect in a fun and organic way. You can find and meet new people no matter where you are, whether you’re chilling at your local bar or at a rave. Skout has two separate communities, one for teens and one for adults. You can chat, exchange photos or send virtual gifts to your new friends before meeting them in person. Most importantly, it’s always completely up to you whether you want to make contact with someone.

Free, available for iOS and Android, skout.com

Cliq

Meeting new people as a solo act can be a fairly intimidating prospect. Bring your best buddies together and make new friends as a group with the Cliq app. Find people who are close by and get to know them in a group chat. If you ‘cliq’, you can then take your friendship a step further by meeting in person at a venue suggested by a member of the group. Before you know it, your friendship group may have expanded to include some fantastic new personalities.

Free, available for iOS and Android, letscliq.com