Friendship Apps See Rapid Growth Amid Loneliness Crisis

[tradelikepro]

Loneliness is now recognized as a public health crisis in the U.S., with remote workers and younger adults especially affected.

A growing number of apps are stepping in to help people form platonic connections. Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble BFF are among the leading platforms facilitating local friendships.

According to Appfigures, these apps have generated $16 million in U.S. consumer spending and 4.3 million downloads so far in 2025.

The appeal? Users know everyone on the platform is looking for friendship, making it easier and less awkward to start meaningful conversations.

[Nahid Hossen]

Loneliness being treated as a health crisis shows how serious the issue has become. Apps like Timeleft and Bumble BFF are modern solutions to an age-old problem.

[Abdul Khan]

Remote work has benefits, but it also makes social isolation worse. Platforms that help build real friendships could be just as important as fitness or mental health apps.