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
32
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
30
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
22
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
17
Teamwork Vending Machines
The Coca-Cola Friendship Machine Rewards Amiability With Double the Pop
16
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
2
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
Virtual Video Call Makeup
Microsoft Teams Video Calls Now Offer Maybelline Virtual Makeup
Typographic Matchmaking Games
Monotype's Font Connection Game Platfully Finds 'Your Type'
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
Conversation Starter Crisps
Beavertown's Spicy Cheese Chips Support Talking About Mental Health
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Sea-Inspired Anti-Smartphone Cocktails
The Futago Smartphone-Fasting Sour Encourages Socialization
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
BYO Bottle Drink Stations
The Refilled Refiller Stations Eliminate Single-Use Packaging
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
Excuse-Providing Mock Cans
Like a Magic 8 Ball, Samuel Adams' 'I CAN't' Can is Ready to Shake
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
AI Fact Generators
Snapple is Evolving its Fun Facts with the Snapple fAIct Generator
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Snack-Themed Textbooks
FUNdamental Textbooks by Heinz Make Learning More Playful
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
Gen Z Mental Health Apps
Chill Pill is a Social Media App Centered Around Mental Health
Empathy-Building Play Programs
The Barbie School of Friendship Helps Kids Develop Social Skills
Monetizable Mobile Gaming Apps
'Playbite' Enables Players to Win Gift Cards and Prizes
Togetherness Seltzer Campaigns
White Claw's Grab Life By The Claw Targets the Loneliest Generation
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Online Mental Health Communities
'Side by Side' Offers Online Anonymous Connections for Health
Dog-Friendly Board Games
The Dog’s Best Friend Game Incorporates Enrichment and Training
Cup-Integrated Plates
Pairingware Solves the Struggle of Eating and Drinking with One Hand
Movie-Inspired Dating App Features
Bumble Barbie Compliments Offer a Fun Way to Flirt
Realistic Chat-Based Avatars
Whatsapp Partners with Tems for the 'Say More With Avatars' Campaign
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
AI Dating App Assistants
WooWell is an AI Dating Keyboard to Help Users Find Love
AI Self-Improvement Apps
LeapLife Uses Journaling and Other Features to Reduce Stress
Motivating Journaling Apps
MindUp Encourages Users to Maintain a Daily Mindfulness Habit
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Loneliness-Combating AI Teddy Bears
Adults are Turning to AI Friend Chatbots for Loneliness
Friendship-Focused Party Games
Catch the Vibe is a Battle to Prove Who Knows Their Friends Best
AI-Powered Productivity Apps
The 'BeforeSunset' App Helps with Planning and Time Management
Open-Air Summer Workstations
The Flipz On Summer Chair Supplies Shade and Supports Snacking
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Gamified Video Dating Apps
IRLY is a Dating App by Gen Z for Gen Z
Noise-Canceling Drink Packs
Capri Sun Created Special Juice Packs to Give Parents Peace
Psychology-Based Habit Apps
The 'Doabl' App Helps Users Overcome Mental Barriers
Tech-Enhanced Beaded Bracelets
Soulstones Help People Make Connections and Memories
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Personalized Language Education Apps
TalkPal Uses a Personable Approach to Language Learning
Loneliness-Combatting Grocery Shopping Experiences
Oma's Soep Debuted a Shopping Basket Initiative
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
In-App Recommendation Features
Bumble Boasts the 'Recommend to a Friend' Feature
Festival Friend Matching Apps
Hey! VINA & Absolut are Connecting Coachella Best Festival Friends
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
AI Party Planning Assistants
PartyKit Ensures The Little Details are Taken Care of
Gen Z Anti-Loneliness Funds
Hinge Combats Loneliness for Gen Z - $1M Fund
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Confidence-Promoting Conversation Cards
TableTalk is a Card Deck of Mealtime Conversations
Connection-Focused Health Apps
'Circles' Safely Connects People Struggling with Mental Health
Private App-Based Journals
Apple Launches a New Journal App for iPhone Users to Positively Reflect
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Video Game-Like Chat Platforms
'PFPChat' Gives Online Meetings a More Creative Spin
Playful Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories
The Samsung Eco-Friends Collection Has 55 Products
Social Dating App Features
Tinder Now Supports Collaborative Matchmaking with Friends and Family
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Bartender Collaboration Apps
Drinktank is Changing the Way Brands and Bartenders Collaborate
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
Friendsgiving Event Series
Butterball and Bumble Foster Togetherness with #FindYourTable
Collaborative Shopping Tools
Amazon Debuts the Consult-a-Friend Feature for Collaborative Shopping
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Virtual AI Offices
MetaWork Lets Employees Collaborate Via Digital Avatars
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
Positivity-Focused Social Medias
SLAY is a Social Media App with Gamified Positive Experiences
Peer-to-Peer Conversation Campaigns
JOYBA's Real Tea, Real Talk Supports Mental Health in Youth
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Socially Adept Gaming Robots
This Robot Offers Companionship & Conversation to Lonely Gamers
Celebrity Social Feeds
BeReal Introduces the Celeb-Exclusive 'RealPeople' Feed on its App
Conversational AI Partners
Sayfli is a Compassionate AI Friend For Those Who Need a Listening Ear
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Friendship Cream Cheese Campaigns
The 'You’ve Got a Friend in Philly' Campaign is Charming
Detail-Providing Dating App Features
Tinder Share My Date Shares Info with Curious Friends
Solo Traveler Planning Apps
The ffaroh. App Connects Travelers to Others When Exploring Alone
Digital Brainstorming Tools
Card Buddy Serves as an Online Space to Visualize Ideas and Thoughts
Quirky eCard Platforms
Happiepages Has an Online Celebratory Card for Any Occassion
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
Hyper-Local Gifting Communities
On the Buy Nothing Project App, Everything is Given Freely
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Affordable Family TV Services
Vizio Launches the Frndly TV App Across its Vizio Smart TV Lineup
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
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Phone-Style Counting Toys
Leapfrog's Chat & Count Emoji Phone Mimics a Real Phone to Teach Numbers
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Outdoor Activity Challenges
L.L.Bean is Inviting People Outside for Mental Health Awareness Month
Collaborative Journal Features
Day One Introduces a New Collaborative ‘Shared Journals’ Feature
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Public Holiday Work Apps
The Public Holidays Slack App Keeps Employees Connected
Custom AI Charades
This App Can Generate Fun Categories and Ideas Within Minutes
AI Chat Companions
My AI Offers a New Way for Snapchat Users to Engage Generative AI
Uplifting Mental Health Campaigns
Samaritans is Challenging "Blue Monday" with "Brew Monday"
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Anonymous Letter Sending
Letters is a Charming Tool Allowing People to Send Letters in Secret
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Modern Business Card Scanners
Spreadly Scan Brings Networking to the Modern Age
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Small Group Habit Tracking
Squad Habits Lets Users Join Groups to Stick to Goals
Personalized Home Screen Characters
Dippy Adds AI Friends to Home Screens To Chat and Enjoy
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
Competitive Math Games
Relay Lets Friends Compete Against One Another in Mental Math Challenges
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
Chat-Based Language Learning
With FlipChat, You Can Learn a Language While Chatting with Friends
Urban Communal Dining Events
Toronto's Weekly Communal Table Program is Hosted Under a Highway
Integrated Shortcut AI Features
OpenAI Presents its New Shortcuts Integration Feature
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Connection-Building Prompt Apps
Quiver's Daily Questions Will Connect You to Friends and Strangers
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
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
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
Friendship-Focused Finance Agreements
'Friends Over Money' Let's You Make Agreements with Friends
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Novelty Polling Websites
Funnypoll Gives Users a Quick Laugh in an Often Overwhelming Online Space
Connective Time Zone Apps
Clockwise Helps You Stay In Sync Across The Globe
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships
Improv Scene Generators
Instant Improv Suggestions Bolsters Creativity for Performers
Daily Word Games
Make as Many Rhymes as Possible with 'Freestyle'
Personalized Content Discovery Tools
Bread Allows Users To Discover Social Content and Save it