Whether you're celebrating Internet Friend Day or nervously thinking up ways to make new friends for the first day of school, these ideas are bound to help some new friendships form. Especially since there are a lot of people who would rather stare at the screens of their phones than interact with another person, many of these campaigns are targeted to get people talking or working together. With things like bracelets, bottle caps and apps to help break the ice, it's a lot easier to generate a conversation.
To put friendships to the test, there are great apps like 'Say the Same Thing,' or pranks that you can stage like Carlsberg's, which proves just how far one friend is willing to go for their companion.
34 Ways to Make New Friends
From Friendship-Forming Benches to Teamwork Vending Machines:
Laura McQuarrie — Sep 3, 2014 — Life-Stages
34
Friendship Bracelet Tattoos
These Temporary Tattoos are Perfect to Symbolize Your Relationship
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Hi-Tech Friendship Bracelets
Bond by Kwamecorp Keeps Long Distance Relationships Connected
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Secret Social Chat Apps
This Exclusive Social Network App Only Works In Applebee's Restaurants
31
Online Friendship-Testing Stunts
Greg Benson Goes Out to Visit His Real Life Facebook Friends
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Location-Based Social Chat Apps
Skout is a Mobile App for Expanding One's Social Circle
29
Adult Play Areas
The Ball Pit by SoulPancake is a Comfortable Space to Meet People
28
Friendship-Forming Benches
An 8 Year-Old Boy Creates Buddy Bench for Lonely Classmates
27
Friendship-Testing Beer Ads
This Carlsberg Commercial Puts Friendships to the Test
26
Friendship Encountering Bracelets
The Affinity Bracelet is an Unorthodox Way to Make New Friends
25
Group Date Matchmaking Apps
Smeeters Helps Arrange "Explosive" Meetings Between Groups of Friends
24
Startup Networking Apps
Lunchcruit Builds Professional Connections Through Sit-Down Meals
23
Female Friendship Platforms
Yes New Friends is a Toronto-Based Matchmaking Service for Women
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Casual Friendship Apps
The Wiith App is a Tinder-Inspired platform for making new friends
21
Cooperative Bottle Caps
This Coca Cola Happiness Campaign Requires Two to Open a Coke
20
Friend-Making Festival Bracelets
The Tomorrowland Music Festival Bands Create New Facebook Friends
19
Friendship-Focused Social Updates
'Share a Tweet' Campaign Splits 140 Characters Between Friends
18
Travel Networking Apps
The 'Mesmo' App Helps Travelers Build Connections Based on Common Interests
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Teamwork Vending Machines
The Coca-Cola Friendship Machine Rewards Amiability With Double the Pop
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Friendship-Forming Apps
The 'Bumble BFF' App Helps Dating App Users Make New Friends
15
LGBT Friendship Sites
This Matchmaking Website Pairs Straight Women with Gay Men
14
Effacing Social Apps
Sobrr Encourages Living in the Moment by Deleting Content After 24 Hours
13
Matchmaking Travel Apps
Friendship App Rendezwho Matches You With One Person Anywhere In the World
12
Friend-Finding Technology
The Highlight Social Discovery App Makes Finding New Pals a Snap
11
Catty Social Networking Apps
The MeowChat App Combines Social Networking, Dating and Cartoon Cats
10
Friendship-Powered Vending Machines
The Milka Vending Machine Releases Treats When Hands are Held
9
Male-Targeted Hookup Apps
The BRO App is Designed for Straight Men Looking for Companionship
8
Food-Based Networking Apps
This App Encourages Users to Dine with Strangers
7
Multi-Office Networking Apps
The Biru-Tomo App Helps Connect Friends Within Office Buildings
6
Social Virtual Reality Platforms
Oculus Social Lets You Join Friends in Virtual Reality
5
Colleague Comparing Apps
The Knozen App Allows You to Rate Your Co-Workers
4
Digital Friendship Devices
MagnetU Uses Your Online Interests to Help You Meet Real-World Friends
3
Prearranged Group Dating Services
Grouper is a Group Dating Site That Arranges a Fun Night Out
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Friendship-Testing Apps
'Say the Same Thing' App is Played Until Two People Say the Same Word
1
Professional Play Date Services
Floh Gives Socialites a Non-Awkward Way to Make Friends
Related Ideas
Shareable Value Meals
The Bestie Bundle by McDonald's Canada Includes Friendship Bracelets
Typographic Matchmaking Games
Monotype's Font Connection Game Platfully Finds 'Your Type'
Spontaneous Summer Picnics
Absolut Vodka & Sprite's HANGOUT-OF-HOME Inspires Unplanned Gatherings
AI-Powered Dating Advice Apps
The 'Pookie Tool' App Supports the Dating Needs of Gen Z
Lego-Centric Apps
The 'Brick My World' App Turns Reality into LEGO Creations
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Kid-Powered Imagination Campaigns
Lunchables' A.I. vs K.I. Proves Kids' Limitless Creativity
Beer-Branded Music Sharing Devices
The Conceptual 'Hei-Five' Connects Strangers Over Music
Conversation Starter Crisps
Beavertown's Spicy Cheese Chips Support Talking About Mental Health
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Healthy Habit Smartphone Accessories
The 'FIKA' Smartphone Enclosure Concept Helps with Relaxation
Upcoming Anti-Loneliness Apps
Phori Is an AI-Enhanced Chat App to Help Introverts with Loneliness
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Two-Person Seesaw Benches
Movember's A Problem Halved Bench Inspires Mental Health Conversations
AI Mental Health Companions
MYND Provides Personalized Guidance, Meditations & Support
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Sitcom Smartphone Accessories
The FRIENDS x CASETiFY Collection Marks the Show's 30th Anniversary
AI Companionship Necklaces
Friend Listens, Responds and Shares Life Experiences with Wearers
Togetherness Seltzer Campaigns
White Claw's Grab Life By The Claw Targets the Loneliest Generation
Mindfulness-Promoting Walking Clubs
Self Space's Walk Club is an Exercise in Mindfulness
AI Dating App Assistants
WooWell is an AI Dating Keyboard to Help Users Find Love
Pasta Box Tickets
Barilla Turned Pasta Boxes into "Togetherness Tickets" on World Pasta Day
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
Adorable Character Merchandise Offers
The Line Friends Store Launched Black Friday Deals
Matchmaking Dating Apps
The 'Cheers' Dating App Incorporates Friend into the Experience
Fandom-Friendly Campaigns
WhatsApp & Netflix Unite for a Squid Game Fandom Celebration
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Phone Breakup Newsletters
The Guardian's 'Reclaim Your Brain' Newsletter Helps Reduce Screen Time
Festive Cream Cheese Campaigns
You’ve Got a Friend in Philly Acknowledges Holiday Highs & Lows
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Meetup-Encouraging Social Networks
The 'Mozi' Private Social Network Facilitates IRL Meetings
AI Party Planning Assistants
PartyKit Ensures The Little Details are Taken Care of
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces
Flash Pack Launches the 'Friendship Corner' in New York
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
In-Game Connectivity Updates
Roblox Unveils a New Party Feature for Group Play and Voice Chatting
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Screen Time Reduction Apps
BePresent Gamifies Limiting Phone Usage with Daily Challenges
Book-Shaped Toolkits
The Hot Girl Toolkit by Mandy Supplies Women with Seven Must-Have Tools
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Community-Focused Movie Screenings
'Join or Die' Screenings Aims to Foster Real-Life Connections
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
AI-Powered Historical Chat Apps
Hello History Facilitates Conversations with Influential Figures
Distraction-Blocking Apps
The 'FlowBuddy' App Helps Users Cut Down on Screen Time
Accessible Mental Health Trainings
Maybelline Brave Talk is an Empowering Five-Step Online Program
Travel Buddy Finders
TripBFF Finds and Connects Users with Other Travelers for Rewarding Journeys
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
Convenient Online Greeting Cards
Happy Tree Cards Makes Online Cards a More Collaborative Process
Friendship-Focused Election Campaigns
Flash Pack Has Introduced The Friendship Bus
Social Connection Campaigns
Beavertown Brewery's Is This Seat Taken? Campaign Unites Strangers
Language App Pop-Ups
Duolingo Hosted an Interactive Street Society Event in Soho
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Friendship Management Apps
SoonCall Helps Manage Friendships with Reminders and Catchup Tracking
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
AI Student Chat Apps
Student Life with Zapshot Enhances Communication with Artificial Intelligence
Detail-Providing Dating App Features
Tinder Share My Date Shares Info with Curious Friends
Collaborative Social Networks
Peatch Makes it Easier for People to Connect and Work Together
Enhanced Video Chat Platforms
WhatsApp is Elevating its Video-Call Functions with Screen-Shares
Spontaneous Chat Room Meetups
RandCall Offers 1V1 Calls with Other Young People
Conversational AI Partners
Sayfli is a Compassionate AI Friend For Those Who Need a Listening Ear
In-Car Conversation Cards
Kelley Blue Book's "Car-fessional" Cards Inspire Family Connection
Interest-Based Action Plans
Curiosity Quench is an App Transforming Passions Into Actionable Plans
Social Fitness Partnerships
Jimbo Connects Fitness Lovers so Its Easier to Find Sports Partners
Digital Brainstorming Tools
Card Buddy Serves as an Online Space to Visualize Ideas and Thoughts
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
Friend-Finding Dinners
Timeleft Fights Big-City Loneliness by Matching Strangers for Dinner
Quirky eCard Platforms
Happiepages Has an Online Celebratory Card for Any Occassion
Short Film-Inspired Ads
Apple’s New ‘The Underdogs’ Ad Features Various Apple Products
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
Bill-Splitting Apps
SplitParty Helps Friends Keep Bills Fair and Organized
Handwritten Digital Messaging
Lettre.app Connects Users with Penpals Through Handwritten Messages
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Meaningful Connection Platforms
Livebeam Wants to Connect Like-minded People in an Online Space
Lively Literary Character Apps
Hello Literature Connects Readers to Classic Books with AI
Social Music Experiences
Dila Connects Users by Creating Friendships Through Playlists
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Connective Men's Wellness Apps
'Find a Men's Group' Helps Men Seeking Community and Support
Social Gathering-Scheduling Apps
Tecatita Light Debuts the Convenience-Focused Momentitos App
Endurance Athlete-Specific Social Networks
Front Pack's New Social Network is on Its Website & App
Social Trip-Planning Apps
TripMap Makes Trip Planning Easier with Expense Tracking and More
AI Dating Support
Flirt Like a Pro Uses AI To Create Witty Responses to Romantic Texts
Connective Social Gym Apps
Gym Connect is a Social Network for Fitness Enthusiasts
Community-Oriented Meetup Apps
The 'Flying Pig' App Connects People for Hanging Out
Mental Health Messaging Apps
Koala Messenger is a Place to Share When You Don't Feel Your Best
Effective Productivity Strategies
64Hacks Takes a Community-Driven Approach to Streamline Workflow
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Public Holiday Work Apps
The Public Holidays Slack App Keeps Employees Connected
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Intimate Social Media Websites
Bubbl Widget Builds a Small Online Community of Close Friends
Connection-Fostering Workplace Apps
TeamDay Helps Remote Workers Build Bonds
Personalized Home Screen Characters
Dippy Adds AI Friends to Home Screens To Chat and Enjoy
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
AI Relationship Managers
Better Friend AI is a Personal CRM for Improving Meaningful Connections
Anonymous Letter Sending
Letters is a Charming Tool Allowing People to Send Letters in Secret
Social Workout Apps
FITCHAIN Helps you Find Fitness Friends to Stay Accountable
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
Connective Travel Apps
Fairytrail is For Those Who Value Travel and Meaningful Connections
Inclusivity-Centric Back-To-School Campaigns
Sistema Launched a Back-To-School Survey
Custom AI Charades
This App Can Generate Fun Categories and Ideas Within Minutes
Competitive Math Games
Relay Lets Friends Compete Against One Another in Mental Math Challenges
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Digital Community-Branded Product Lines
The Girl Math Gang Debuts New Product Offerings
Meaningful Chat Apps
Oom Helps People Connect on a Deeper Level By Skipping Small Talk
Musician-Connecting Platforms
BandMatch Helps People Discover Nearby Musicians to Create Bands
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Chat-Based Language Learning
With FlipChat, You Can Learn a Language While Chatting with Friends
Conversational Journaling Companions
'Thousands Thoughts' Offers a Unique Twist on Reflection
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
Friendship-Focused Job Applications
Kruidvat Offers an Innovative Job Application Process
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Random Coffee Meetup Tools
Alfy is a Random Coffee App for Slack, Boosting Remote Team Connection
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Connective Daily Email Groups
Glory Morning Connects Like-Minded People Via Email
Tailored Networking Message Bots
Linkedin Buddy Ensures Each Request Resonates with the Recipient
Connective Time Zone Apps
Clockwise Helps You Stay In Sync Across The Globe
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
Connective Handy Services Apps
HandyFriend Connects Home Owners With Maintence Workers
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Virtual Meditation Platforms
Meditation Buddies Pairs You with a Partner for Virtual Sessions
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Re-Imagined Adult Party Games
Fluttr Spin the Bottle Features 150 Naughty Challenges
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
No-Network Dependent Browsing Tools
Google Unveils the More Helpful Suggestions Feature
Collaborative Developer Hubs
DevBuddies is an Online Hub for Developers to Work on Projects
Gamified Inspiration Networks
Dailycrowds Gamifies Social Interaction for Motivation and Insights
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships
Important Sharing Apps
The FinhApp Let's You Share Wills or Messages with Loved Ones
Instant Summarization Apps
SaveDay Empowers Users to Engage Deeply with Content
Improv Scene Generators
Instant Improv Suggestions Bolsters Creativity for Performers
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it