Make Friends. By Bumble.
Bumble BFF takes the swiping mechanic that made Bumble famous for dating and points it squarely at platonic friendship. You build a profile around your interests and vibe, swipe through people nearby, and when you both match, you can chat one-on-one or join interest-based Groups. The 2025 relaunch (built on acquired platform Geneva) added community features like group chats, posts, and video calls — turning it from a matching app into something closer to a local social network.
How it works
Download the standalone BFF app (separate from the Bumble dating app) and create a profile with your interests, a bio, and photo prompts that show your personality. Verify your identity with a selfie. Browse profiles of people nearby and swipe right on anyone you'd want to be friends with. If you both swipe right, you're matched and can start chatting. Beyond 1:1 matches, you can join or create Groups based on shared interests — think book clubs, running groups, or brunch crews. Groups have their own chat, posts, and even video calls to help you plan IRL hangouts.
Who it's for
Anyone who just moved to a new city and wants to build a social circle from scratch. People in their 20s and 30s who've outgrown college friendships and want to meet like-minded locals. Extroverts who want a big pool of potential friends and don't mind initiating conversations. Anyone who's comfortable with swiping mechanics and wants a free, no-friction way to find their people.
What works
Completely free with no paywalls — every feature is accessible without paying. Massive user base from Bumble's brand recognition means more potential matches nearby. Groups and community features go beyond 1:1 matching into real friend circles. Photo verification on every profile reduces catfishing and spam. Interest tags and photo prompts make profiles feel more personal than a generic bio.
What doesn't
The swiping mechanic still feels borrowed from dating — some people find it awkward for friendship. Conversations can fizzle fast since there's no built-in reason to actually meet up. The 2025 relaunch is still relatively new, so Groups can feel empty in smaller cities. No structured events or activities — you have to organize meetups yourself.
Søren's Take
Bumble BFF has the biggest advantage any friendship app can have: name recognition. Almost everyone has heard of Bumble, which means the user base is enormous. The 2025 relaunch with Groups is a smart move — pure 1:1 swiping for friends always felt slightly off, and the community layer gives you a reason to keep coming back. The fact that it's entirely free is remarkable. The catch? It still lacks the structured, get-you-out-of-the-house push that apps like Timeleft provide. You'll need to be proactive about turning matches into real-life hangouts.
