Wizz has changed the way people connect online, reaching over 16 million active users and securing its place among the top 10 social apps in the US and UK. Many users now look for alternative platforms due to safety concerns.
Our guide helps you discover the best platforms to make friends with people of all ages who share your interests.
What Makes Wizz Popular for Making Friends
Wizz stands out in the social discovery world by connecting users with similar interests in real time. Users have shared more than 20 billion conversations on the platform, making it their go-to choice for meaningful friendships.
Key features that attract users
The app connects users who are online at the same time. This instant interaction sparks immediate conversations instead of delayed responses and creates engaging social experiences.
Wizz takes a different path from traditional social networks by avoiding likes and popularity-based rankings. Users can build genuine connections without the pressure of social metrics or content performance.
The platform's profile system has these engaging elements:
Customizable bios with photos
Interest-based stickers
Favorite music selections
Emoji-based personality indicators
Super Chat and Bulk Chat make connections even better. Super Chat keeps conversations visible by putting messages at the top of recipients' chat lists. Bulk Chat lets users reach out to 100 people at once.
The platform matches users with peers in their exact age group (plus or minus one year). This age-appropriate matching creates more relatable interactions. On top of that, it uses Yoti technology for biometric age verification to build trust.
Why people prefer Wizz for socializing
Young users' core needs drive the app's success. Teens choose Wizz to:
Overcome Social Challenges
Handle social anxiety
Build confidence
Find support during moves
Make new friends
The platform builds communities through nano-influencers rather than major celebrities. These smaller influencers feel like friends who share interests instead of distant stars.
User feedback shapes the platform's growth. Select user groups test each new feature before wider release. Features that don't click with the community get removed quickly to match user priorities.
Wizz means more than social networking to its users. Parents say their children find new interests and hobbies through their app connections. Gaming enthusiasts and manga fans connect based on what they love.
User stories show how well Wizz helps build meaningful relationships. Many users find close friends and create lasting bonds beyond the digital world. Shared interests and real-time chats naturally start conversations and break down social barriers.
The platform stays completely free, so money never stops anyone from joining this global community. This open access, combined with solid features and safety measures, has helped Wizz grow to 1.5 million daily active users.
Best Apps Like Wizz for Different Age Groups
The right social networking app largely depends on your age and what you need. A recent study reveals that 92% of American teens go online every day. This makes age-appropriate platforms a vital part of safe social connections.
Apps for teens (13-17)
Yubo stands at the top of teenage social networking. The platform keeps two separate communities - one just for ages 13-17 and another for adults. With its 15 million users, Yubo gives teens:
Group chats and live streams
Communities based on interests
Interactive games
Video calls with peers their age
Another popular choice is Wink with 8 million users. The app comes packed with:
Profile swiping features
Systems to verify identity
Audio and video calls
Fun icebreaker games
Hoop has grown to 10 million users and puts teen safety first with:
Carefully monitored chat rooms
Ways to personalize profiles
Links to other social media
Strict community rules
Apps for young adults (18-25)
Young adults between 18-25 follow broader digital trends in their social networking choices. TikTok ranks as the top social network for 38% of U.S. teens. This trend shapes how new apps target this age group.
Bumble BFF shines with features like:
Smart matching based on interests
Friend suggestions near you
Tools to plan group meetups
Ways to build professional networks
MeetMe helps people connect through:
Live activity feeds
Local event suggestions
Group chats about shared interests
Easy photo and video sharing
Apps for professionals (25+)
People over 25 want networking platforms that mix social connections with career growth. These apps blend professional development with friendship building.
Shapr sets itself apart with:
Matches in your industry
Connections based on work interests
Daily suggested contacts
Easy meeting scheduling
LinkedIn has grown beyond just career networking. Users now enjoy:
Groups based on interests
Ways to build professional communities
Event planning tools
Places to share knowledge
Different age groups respond differently to these platforms. Research shows that 56% of teens check the internet multiple times daily. Young adults spend up to 7 hours monthly on social apps.
Each app uses unique safety measures that fit its users' age group. Teen apps have stricter content rules, while professional platforms focus more on checking credentials. This age-specific approach creates safer and more relevant spaces for users at every life stage.
Safety Features in Friend-Making Apps
Friend-making apps put user safety first through reliable verification systems and privacy controls. Utah leads the way as the first state that requires age verification before downloading apps.
Age verification systems
Friend-making apps now use multiple layers of age verification to keep users safe. Wizz works with Yoti, an AI system that looks at selfies to check user age. Human moderators step in to review photos if the AI check fails.
These apps combine several verification methods to create a safer space:
Profile checks with extra photos
Links to social media accounts
Live video checks to confirm identity
The current systems still face some hurdles. Users can sometimes get around age limits by:
Entering fake birth dates
Using someone else's photos
Setting up multiple accounts
Platforms have responded with tougher measures. TikTok created a special version for users under 13 that limits what they can do. YouTube turned off autoplay for younger users and stops sending notifications at night.
Privacy controls
Friend-making apps let users control their privacy through many settings that protect their data and personal details. The most important privacy features include:
Settings to control who sees your profile
Limits on message requests
Controls for personal information access
These platforms keep different types of user information:
Simple profile details
Device information
Location data
How people use the app
Apps help protect user privacy through several safety measures. Users can:
Control how apps track their activity
Choose how long data stays stored
Pick their ad settings
Social networks face more questions about data protection. Research shows personal information can still be at risk from:
Hackers
Data theft
Security problems
Friend-making apps now give users detailed privacy options. People can:
Choose who sees their location
Set who views their profile
Decide who sends them messages
Apps that compete with Wizz often come with tools for parents. These features let parents:
Watch their child's friend list
Check privacy settings
Set content limits
Each platform handles privacy controls differently. Some apps like Wizz keep data collection small by:
Getting only needed information
Keeping data for shorter times
Limiting who can access user data
New changes show apps moving toward stronger privacy protection. Platforms now set the highest privacy settings by default for users under 18. This creates a safer online world for young users while keeping the app working well for everyone.
Video Chat Apps Similar to Wizz
Video chat platforms have changed the way we connect with friends around the world. These apps let us build meaningful relationships through face-to-face interactions, whether we're having casual conversations or learning new languages.
Global video chat platforms
JusTalk stands out from apps like Wizz with its detailed video chat features. The app supports HD-quality video calls even on slow networks and lets you chat with up to 200 people at once. Users can make their conversations better with:
Interactive doodling tools
Mini-games during calls
Photo and location sharing
Group chat management options
Azar has become a popular choice that focuses on cultural exchange and casual talks. Young adults between 18 and 35 make up most of its users. The live video feature connects people worldwide instantly and helps them share knowledge in a variety of fields.
Marco Polo takes a different path with its one-way video messaging system. Users send video messages called "polos" that others can watch when they want. This works great for friends living in different time zones.
Emerald Chat has several features that make it unique:
Random matching algorithms
Text chat alongside video calls
Interest-based connections
Anonymous interaction options
Language learning video chat apps
Tandem leads the way in language exchange through video chat. The app connects millions of learners with native speakers worldwide. Users get access to:
Text, voice note, and video call options
Easy-to-use messaging features
Language correction tools
Translation assistance
HelloTalk makes language learning better with new features:
Individual and group video chats
Livestreams with expert teachers
Voice rooms for casual practice
Community discussion spaces
A Pennsylvania college language teacher created The Mixxer to focus on live speaking practice. The platform:
Connects directly to WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom
Provides free conversation starters
Emphasizes unscripted video calls
Aids direct language exchange
Interest-based video communities
Polyglot Club has grown into a vibrant community with over 100,000 members. The platform gives users:
Real-life event coordination
Public chat rooms
Built-in video chat features
Text correction services
Discord has grown beyond gaming to serve groups of all types. Users can access:
Text, voice, and video communication
Community organization tools
Collaboration features
Social interaction spaces
Hay brings fresh ideas to video chatting:
Real-time translation capabilities
Region and interest-based filters
AI moderation systems
High-quality video connections
Bigo Live helps users connect through live streaming. The platform excels at:
Local community building
International reach
Live interaction features
Community engagement tools
ChatRandom specializes in spontaneous connections with:
Worldwide video calls
Instant messaging capabilities
Easy navigation
Hobby-based matching
These platforms put user safety first with advanced features. Hay uses AI moderation and spam protection to keep interactions authentic and secure. Tandem creates a supportive space where millions of users teach each other and build lasting friendships.
Location-Based Friend Finding Apps
Smartphones have created a new era in local friend discovery. GPS-enabled apps now make it easier to connect with people nearby. These location-based platforms use your device's built-in features to help you find potential friends and activities in your area.
Local friend discovery features
Jagat guides the state-of-the-art in location-based social networking with more than 10 million users globally. The app's accessible interface lets users:
Track friends' up-to-the-minute activities
Find nearby social opportunities
Connect with people who share similar interests
Organize local meetups
Glancee brings a different approach by looking at hidden connections. Users get notifications about nearby people who share mutual friends or interests. This feature becomes valuable to:
Find friends in new neighborhoods
Learn about shared connections
Build local social circles
Grow professional networks
Banjo puts emphasis on spontaneous meetups and alerts users when friends are close by. The app's smart algorithms analyze extended permissions through various social platforms to suggest connections based on:
Social graphs
Common interests
Shared friends
Location patterns
Highlight boosts local discovery by showing profiles of nearby users who have the app installed. The platform works like a sixth sense and reveals:
Hidden connections nearby
Common interests with people around you
New friendship possibilities
Local community insights
Event-based meetup apps
Meetup remains a pioneer in event-based social networking since 2002. The platform excels at connecting people through:
Interest-based local groups
Hobby-specific gatherings
Skill-sharing sessions
Community-driven activities
Whova transforms event networking through its multi-modular approach. The platform provides:
Individual-specific event agendas
Interactive venue maps
Document sharing capabilities
Live polling features
Eventzilla makes event discovery simple. Users get benefits from:
Social media campaign integration
Up-to-the-minute ticket tracking
Attendance monitoring
Revenue analytics
Pathable boosts event experiences through:
Gamification elements
Attendee forums
Individual-specific scheduling
Meeting coordination
Nextdoor has grown into a major player with 88 million members across multiple countries. The platform specializes in:
Hyperlocal connections
Neighborhood networking
Community event organization
Local business discovery
We3 brings a fresh approach by matching people in groups of three. This method:
Cuts down one-on-one awkwardness
Aids group dynamics
Encourages natural conversations
Creates inclusive interactions
BeFriend targets local area connections. The app combines:
Profile swiping functionality
Instant messaging
Video call capabilities
Location-based matching
These platforms make user privacy and safety a priority. Glancee lets users control who sees their location information. Jagat's data shows most active users check the app 3-4 times daily to connect with close friends after work or school.
The success of these apps changes by region and user density. Meetup's participation levels can vary by a lot between large cities and smaller communities. Platforms like Nextdoor keep consistent engagement through their focus on immediate neighborhood connections.
Apps Better Than Wizz for Specific Interests
Wizz works well for general social networking, but new platforms have emerged that cater to specific interests. These apps will give a better experience with features that appeal to enthusiasts of all types.
Gaming communities
Several platforms work better than Wizz for gamers who want to find friends. GameTree leads this category with a fresh take on connecting players. The platform's detailed personality test will give a perfect match with compatible gaming partners to encourage relationships beyond just playing games. This matching system has created countless memorable gaming experiences and lasting friendships.
GamerLink has spent seven years perfecting its LFG (Looking for Group) features. The result is a solid platform to find quality teammates. With support for over 400 games on major gaming platforms, GamerLink helps connect casual and competitive players. The app's voice chat works especially well for team games like Fortnite, Destiny, and Call of Duty, where good communication can determine victory or defeat.
Discord started with gaming but now serves many interest groups. The platform stands out with:
Text, voice, and video communication options
Community organization tools
Collaboration features
Social interaction spaces
These features have made Discord the primary hub for gamers who want to build lasting connections in their favorite gaming communities.
Hobby-based platforms
Hobby-specific social networks have changed how enthusiasts connect and share their interests. Goodreads has grown to over 150 million members. Book lovers can:
Find new books through personal recommendations
Connect with other readers
Share reviews and reading progress
Join virtual book clubs
Ravelry, available through various third-party apps, has grown to more than 9 million users. This knitting-focused network gives fiber artists:
Pattern sharing and discovery
Project tracking tools
Community forums for technique discussions
Virtual yarn shopping experiences
Letterboxd has seen explosive growth from 1.8 million users in March 2020 to over 14 million by summer 2025. Movie fans can:
Log and review watched films
Find new movies through curated lists
Connect with fellow movie buffs
Follow favorite actors and directors
These hobby-based platforms create a more focused experience than general social networks. Users spend more time on these apps because they feel cozy and can connect through shared interests. This shows a move toward more meaningful online interactions based on common passions.
Sports and fitness friends
Athletes looking for workout partners have better options than Wizz. Strava, popular with runners and cyclists, has grown its user base by 20% in the last year. The app succeeds because it lets users:
Track and share routes
Organize group activities
Create friendly competitions
See immediate performance data
Boo matches sports enthusiasts based on both personality and shared interests. The app offers:
Filters for specific sports and activities
Personality-based matching algorithms
Options to find gym buddies or sports event companions
Local community building features
GymPal helps fitness enthusiasts solve a common problem – finding the right workout partners. The app includes:
Matches based on fitness goals and experience
Tools to schedule gym sessions
In-app messaging
Integration with popular fitness tracking apps
Studies show that people who make a friend at the gym are 40% more likely to keep their membership. This proves social connections play a vital role in long-term fitness success.
WellSquad takes fitness friend-finding further by matching users based on:
Compatible fitness goals
Favorite activities
Motivation levels
Geographical location
The app aims to build a fitness community like Strava's running and cycling groups to help users achieve their health goals together.
These specialized platforms show how niche social networking continues to grow. They create stronger connections than general apps like Wizz by focusing on specific interests. As people look for more authentic online interactions, these interest-based communities will keep growing and changing the digital world of social connections.
How to Choose the Right Friend-Making App
The right friend-making app depends on your priorities and social goals. Digital platforms that make meaningful connections easier have helped 75% of Americans feel satisfied with their friend circles.
Understanding your social needs
Your social objectives matter a lot. A 2021 survey showed that almost half of Americans weren't happy with their friend count. You need to know exactly what you want. To name just one example, see if you want:
Regular in-person meetups
Virtual connections across time zones
Activity-based friendships
Professional networking opportunities
Your personality type plays a significant role in choosing an app. Some platforms, like Boo, use personality theories to create deeper connections. This helps introverts who might struggle with traditional social situations.
Comparing app features
The core team elements to review in apps like Wizz include:
Communication Options
Text-based messaging
Voice chat capabilities
Video call features
Group conversation tools
Safety Measures
Age verification systems
Privacy controls
Content moderation
Data protection protocols
User Experience
Interface design
Matching algorithms
Profile customization
Activity tracking
Bumble BFF draws young women who have moved or graduated recently. The platform works like dating apps but focuses only on platonic connections.
Reading user reviews
User feedback gives you a clear picture of how apps work in real life. Here's what to look for in reviews:
Active User Base: Timeleft's data shows that 60% of their users are women, mostly in their 30s and early 40s. This information helps you find apps that line up with your ideal friend group.
Success Stories: Star ratings don't tell the whole story. Research shows that close friendships need about 200 hours of interaction. Look for platforms that help you have consistent, meaningful conversations.
Feature Effectiveness: Reviews about specific features matter. Timeleft's Wednesday dinner meetups in 275 cities show their steadfast dedication to ground connections.
Friend-making apps work best when users commit fully. Of course, matching with potential friends is just the start - both parties need to put in effort to keep conversations going and meet up.
Your budget matters when picking an app. Basic features often come free, but you might need to pay for premium functions. Think over whether paid features fit your friendship goals and budget.
Different cultures use social platforms in unique ways. The app you choose should strike a chord with your cultural background and priorities. This becomes extra important if you want international connections or move to new areas.
Future Trends in Friend-Making Apps
The digital world of friend-making apps is changing faster than ever. AI and VR lead the way in bringing new breakthroughs. These technologies reshape how we connect, interact, and build relationships in today's digital age. Let's look at what's coming next for apps like Wizz and similar platforms.
AI-powered matching
AI has changed the game for friend-making apps and how they connect users. Smart algorithms now analyze user profiles and interactions to create better matches based on shared interests, values, and emotional compatibility. This move toward AI-driven matchmaking makes the user experience better by a lot.
Machine learning customizes the matching process uniquely. The AI learns your priorities as you swipe, like, and pass on different profiles. This personal touch makes future matches better by learning from your feedback. You'll waste less time on mismatches and find compatible friends faster.
AI algorithms have gotten smarter at studying user behavior. To name just one example, apps now track the topics, images, and links users participate in to understand their interests and passions. The algorithm might suggest connecting two users who often look at content about entrepreneurship or art.
More than that, AI studies users' language patterns, tone, and sentiments to understand personality traits, values, and emotional states. This deeper insight creates more precise matchmaking. The app might pair two users if their language shows they're both empathetic and optimistic.
But AI algorithms have their limits and biases. These technologies need to address concerns about privacy, ethics, and potential misuse. Developers audit their algorithms to prevent unfair discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
AI will play an even bigger role in friend-making apps soon. Tinder plans to launch new AI-powered features for discovery and matching next quarter. Though it's mainly for dating, these advances will likely shape all social connection apps.
AI makes friend-making platforms better beyond just matching. Smart chatbots check on lonely users and offer support. This feature helps if you have social anxiety or are new to a community.
Virtual reality social spaces
VR changes everything about digital social interactions. These platforms create immersive spaces where users meet, interact, and build relationships that feel more real than regular online chat.
VRChat, Cluster, and VIVERSE lead this trend. Users can be different avatars and join various activities. These virtual worlds offer interactions that regular online platforms just can't match.
VR social spaces excel at hosting events that bring together people with shared interests. Virtual raves, concerts, language classes, and comedy shows are just the start. Users bond over shared experiences, just like they would in person.
These platforms create themed worlds around popular interests, hobbies, or fandoms. These special environments help break the ice. Users start conversations easily with other fans.
Games in VR spaces work great for making friends. Worlds like escape rooms, Murder 4, Among Us, and No Time Two Talk need teamwork and communication. These conditions help form bonds naturally.
VR communities extend beyond the virtual world. Many groups have Discord servers for connecting outside VR. This mix of VR and regular social media helps build relationships that exceed any single platform.
VR technology keeps getting better. Future updates might let users "feel" virtual handshakes or hugs. This would blur the line between digital and physical connections even more.
VR social spaces face some challenges too. Privacy issues, harassment risks, and moderation needs are problems developers must solve as platforms grow. VR hardware costs and access remain obstacles, though these should improve with time.
The potential to revolutionize social connections remains huge. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg wants to connect a billion people in virtual reality. This big goal shows how important VR could be for social networking's future.
Combining AI and VR might create even better friend-making tools. Picture AI avatars helping users navigate virtual spaces, or smart algorithms suggesting VR events based on your interests.
These mature technologies might change how we see online friendships. VR's immersive nature and AI's smart matching could make digital relationships feel as real as in-person ones.
In a nutshell, friend-making apps have a bright future ahead. AI and VR technologies promise more engaging, personal, and immersive social experiences. Challenges exist, but ongoing breakthroughs suggest tomorrow's social networking tools will offer amazing ways to make meaningful connections in our digital world.
Conclusion
Social connection apps have changed the way people connect with others today. Wizz stands at the top of these platforms, while other apps provide unique features that match different user needs. People looking for the right platform should consider safety first, along with user experience and common interests. The future looks promising as AI and VR technology will create more engaging ways to build real friendships in the digital world.
FAQs
Q1. What are some popular alternatives to Wizz for making friends online?Â
Some popular alternatives to Wizz include Yubo, Bumble BFF, MeetMe, and Hoop. These apps offer various features for connecting with new people based on shared interests, location, or age groups.
Q2. How do friend-making apps ensure user safety?Â
Friend-making apps typically employ multiple safety measures, including age verification systems, privacy controls, content moderation, and data protection protocols. Many also offer customizable visibility settings and message request limitations.
Q3. Are there friend-making apps tailored for specific interests or hobbies?Â
Yes, there are numerous apps catering to specific interests. For example, GameTree and GamerLink are designed for gamers, Goodreads for book lovers, Strava for runners and cyclists, and Ravelry for knitting enthusiasts.
Q4. How are AI and VR changing the landscape of friend-making apps?Â
AI is enhancing matchmaking algorithms to create more meaningful connections based on user behavior and preferences. VR is introducing immersive social spaces where users can interact in virtual environments, attend events, and engage in shared activities.
Q5. What should I consider when choosing a friend-making app?Â
When selecting a friend-making app, consider your social needs, the app's features (such as communication options and safety measures), user reviews, and the active user base. Also, think about whether you're looking for local connections or global friendships, and if the app aligns with your interests and age group.