The 2025 Shift from Dating to Friendship-First Apps

A noticeable shift is happening as what once began as a hopeful pursuit of romance transforms into a heartfelt quest for genuine connection. Among Gen Z and younger millennials, it’s clear that app fatigue is becoming a common struggle, and the weariness surrounding dating is even more profound. Many users on dating apps are now seeking solace in forming platonic friendships, with recent surveys indicating that 21% of them are finding these meaningful connections. They’re increasingly viewing these platforms as safer and more sustainable alternatives for forming bonds. (Source: Dating Apps Double as Friendship Tools, 21% Replace IRL Friends)

This transition is justifiable. The endless cycle of swipes and superficial matches can be mentally exhausting. In response, a new wave of “friendship-first” social apps is emerging to fulfil a more profound emotional yearning. These platforms foster connections by prioritising shared interests, emotional safety, and relaxed introductions, rather than the pressure of romantic intent. By mid-2025, even established apps are recognising the need for change. Bumble’s updated BFF mode now combines individual friend matches with community features, acknowledging that the desire for connection extends far beyond romance. (Source: Bumble’s CEO isn’t giving up on helping people make new friends)

For BeFriend, this isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about aligning with what people truly value. As our collective expectations for social connections evolve, apps that emphasise authenticity, safety, and the beauty of platonic friendships will resonate the most. Let’s delve into how this shift is transforming the landscape and discovering the most significant opportunities for platforms dedicated to nurturing friendship over romance.

Why safety matters: moderation, ID checks, AI filtering.

A truly safe chat app does more than merely encrypt messages; it thoughtfully crafts every aspect of the user experience to foster trust, accountability, and a sense of control for users. At the heart of this safety are three essential pillars:

Robust moderation: By combining the strengths of AI-powered filters and dedicated human oversight, we can create a supportive environment that addresses everything from harassment to more subtle boundary violations. Automated tools can identify patterns and flag concerning content efficiently, while skilled moderators apply context and nuance to their reviews. Platforms must maintain clear community guidelines, keep them updated, and transparently apply consequences, all while offering avenues for appeals to ensure fairness. (Source: Live Chat Moderation Guide; 6 essential community guidelines for mobile content moderation)

Identity verification (ID/age checks):  Verifying user identities is a compassionate step towards reducing abuse that thrives on anonymity and fostering more accountable interactions. Many apps are beginning to require a real ID or age proof to access full features, especially for the safety of younger users. However, it’s vital to ensure these systems are designed with privacy and security in mind; past incidents, like the Discord breach where sensitive user photos were compromised, remind us of the importance of guarding our users’ data. (Source: The Guardian, Hack of age verification firm may have exposed 70,000 Discord users’ ID photos )

Accessible reporting tools & escalation: Empowering users is a key element of safety. Straightforward and user-friendly reporting interfaces, categorised violation options such as harassment or hate speech, and features that allow users to block or edit content are crucial. Rapid escalation paths also play an essential role. (Source: 

Nine Effective Chat Moderation Best Practices; Source:  How to Create a Content Moderation Policy That Works) Moreover, platforms should cultivate a “community flagging” system, where users can report issues, creating a collaborative feedback channel that strengthens the community.

These three pillars do more than create a “safe chat app”; they nurture a sense of trust, making users feel valued, protected, and in control of their interactions. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at how the top teen chat apps in 2025 embrace (or struggle with) these vital principles.

Top 10 Teen Chat Apps in 2025 (Including BeFriend, Wizz, Yubo & More)

The social app ecosystem in 2025 is rapidly diversifying, and for teens seeking safe, low-pressure ways to connect, a new class of chat and friendship apps is rising. Below are 10 of the most talked-about players in this space, along with what sets them apart (and what to watch out for).

• TeenChat / Teen-Chat.org

TeenChat (or Teen-Chat.org) has been a supportive space for teens, providing a welcoming environment for those aged 13–19. With its focus on free public and private chat rooms, the platform allows users to engage in live text-based conversations, share posts on “walls,” and share photos. The platform aims to create a friendly atmosphere while actively discouraging dating behaviour to ensure a safe experience for everyone. 

• Strengths: A nostalgic chat-room experience, user-friendly simplicity, and an age-appropriate community. 
• Caveats: Some limitations in verification and transparency regarding moderation may concern users.

• Wizz

Wizz offers a unique, swipe-based interface that encourages users to “meet new people,” striking a balance between social discovery and casual chatting. It’s well-regarded in app rankings, showing promise as a way for individuals to connect. 

• Strengths: Increased visibility and the excitement of fast discovery. 
• Caveats: It’s essential to prioritise strong moderation and identity checks to keep everyone safe.

• Yubo

Yubo (formerly known as “Yellow”) has grown into a beloved teen social app, attracting around 85 million users by 2025. With features like live streaming, group chats, swiping-based matching, and community interests, it has become a vibrant space for connection. The app invests in safety with advancements such as face-recognition, age estimation and both AI and human moderation. 

• Strengths: A rich array of features, a large user base, and a commitment to safety. 
• Caveats: Its popularity means it faces increased scrutiny, and any moderation lapses could affect users’ trust.

• BeFriend

BeFriend is focused on nurturing friendships, allowing users to build platonic connections without the pressure of dating. Many view it as a comforting alternative to more romance-focused apps like Wizz. 

• Strengths: Clear branding that promotes non-romantic interactions, fostering a relaxed atmosphere. 
• Caveats: A smaller network compared to larger players like Yubo may limit connection opportunities.

• Hoop
• Hoop is marketed as a thoughtful extension of Snapchat, creating opportunities for users to discover and connect with Snapchat profiles that interest them. It’s often seen as a strong alternative to Wizz, allowing for quick discovery while maintaining social connections.
  • Strengths: Seamless integration with existing social platforms makes it easy to use. 
  • Caveats: However, its reliance on external platforms could limit control over safety measures.
    
• MeetMe 
• MeetMe has long been a trustworthy name in social networking, offering regional matchmaking, chat, and live streaming services. While it has a broad user base and experienced infrastructure, the platform needs to maintain strict moderation as it transitions away from its dating-app roots.
  • Strengths: A diverse and engaged community, supported by a stable framework. 
  • Caveats: Its background may raise concerns, underscoring the need for vigilant moderation.
• Kik 
• Kik has evolved from a general messaging app to a space where many young people connect, both with friends and new acquaintances. Despite the ease of anonymous signup, users should be aware of the challenges related to moderation.
  • Strengths: Quick and easy entry, along with the option for anonymity. 
  • Caveats: This anonymity does come with higher risks of abuse and less stringent verification.

• Azar
• Azar offers a playful approach to social connections through randomised video chat, allowing users to connect by region, gender, or interests. This spontaneous format can be appealing to those seeking new friendships through video interactions.
  • Strengths: An engaging, immersive video experience that reaches a broad audience. 
  • Caveats: The nature of video chatting necessitates a strong focus on content moderation and safety.

• Skout
• Skout merges location-based discovery with chatting, live streaming, and social feeds, making it a popular choice for users looking to connect on a global scale while still enjoying local connections.
  • Strengths: The ability to discover friendships near and far with various features. 
  • Caveats: Striking a balance between openness and safety is crucial, especially for younger users.

• Fizz
• Fizz is an exciting newcomer designed for Gen Z, emphasising genuine and spontaneous connections. The app aims to foster authentic interactions that resonate with younger sensibilities.
  • Strengths: Trend-conscious and aligned with the values of young people today. 
  • Caveats: It’s still building its user base, and its moderation processes are evolving. 

This compassionate approach aims to highlight the strengths of each platform while addressing the potential concerns with empathy. 

BeFriend’s Edge: Rigorous Verification, Zero Dating Pressure & Smart Safety Filters

Now, here comes the most important. In a sea of social apps that still flirt with romance, BeFriend stands apart by designing exclusively for platonic connection, and backing that philosophy with three key levers of trust. First, every profile is verified using multi-factor methods (e.g. selfie checks, document validation, or live liveness scans) to reduce fake accounts, bots, and impersonation. Research across social platforms confirms that robust verification significantly lowers spam, trolling, and identity fraud. (Source: The Importance of Dating App User Verification and Safety in Modern App Development)

Second, BeFriend intentionally eliminates any dating functionality or prompts. By removing swipes, romantic filters, and matching cadence tension, the platform removes the psychological pressure that drives misuse. Instead, the app focuses purely on interest-based discovery, providing a smooth and safe experience for users, along with guided icebreakers.

Third, BeFriend weaves in intelligent safety filters and moderation at every touchpoint. Content is screened via AI classifiers, while human moderators review edge cases. Users encountering inappropriate behaviour have in-app reporting, blocking, and appeals. The logic is simple: safety must be seamless, not optional. (Yubo, for example, has layered age verification using real-time selfies with liveness checks in partnership with Yoti. Source here: Yubo’s New Age Verification Feature Helps Keep You Safe)

By combining verification, no-dating architecture, and embedded safety filters, BeFriend doesn’t just promise a safer chat space; it delivers one tailored to the real needs of teens seeking authentic friendship.

Tips for staying safe while chatting online (A guide for teens and the parents who care about them)

As online friendships become more common, it’s essential to prioritise digital safety equally. For teens using social apps or parents striving to stay informed, here are five essential rules to help protect yourself and foster healthy online connections:

1. Protect Your Privacy: 

Avoid oversharing personal information. Don’t use your full name, phone number, birthday, school, or location in usernames or bios. Nicknames or partial identifiers work better and serve as the first line of defence against identity-based targeting.

2. Be Cautious with Friend Requests: 

If someone you don’t know wants to move the conversation from a public forum to a private chat or calls for a video chat, take a moment to pause. Many anonymous apps can facilitate unsafe one-on-one interactions, so it’s wise to be cautious.

3. Regularly Check Privacy Settings: 

Regularly review who can message you, add you as a friend, or view your profile and photos. Limiting access to “friends only” provides more control over your online presence.

4. Utilise Block and Report Tools: 

If you face bullying or harassment, use the block and report functions immediately. Save evidence by taking screenshots or keeping chat logs, as this may be necessary if you need to escalate the issue to the platform or local authorities.

5. Maintain Open Communication with Trusted Adults: 

Parents need to be aware of the apps their teens are using and what they are discussing. Encouraging open and judgment-free conversations can help prevent issues from escalating.

These tips are crucial for both teens and parents because online friendships can be significant and empowering when safety is incorporated into the experience. Apps like BeFriend demonstrate this by ensuring verified profiles, strict content moderation, and transparent reporting tools. Safety online isn’t about inducing fear; it’s about enabling freedom through awareness and control.

Our Final Thoughts: Safety Builds Trust, and Trust Builds Real Connection

In 2025, social discovery entails more than simply finding people; it involves connecting with the right individuals in fostering and supportive environments. Genuine connections online thrive in environments where users feel respected, safe, and free to express who they truly are without fear. That’s why aspects like privacy awareness and active reporting are so crucial now more than ever.

At BeFriend, we understand that safety is not merely an addition; it’s the very foundation of meaningful friendships. By carefully verifying every profile, alleviating the pressures often found in dating apps, and integrating innovative moderation tools, we’ve reimagined a chat app that genuinely caters to teens and young adults. Our vision is one that is transparent, inclusive, and, above all, human.

When safety is prioritised, authenticity naturally blossoms, creating the perfect conditions for genuine friendships to flourish. BeFriend is not just another social app; it’s a compassionate and welcoming space where you can connect with people who truly understand you. We invite you to learn more about our Safety Promise and discover how BeFriend is committed to protecting every connection you make.

FAQ: Teen Safety, Friendship Apps & BeFriend

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