This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated and republished in 2020.
Facebook is a very popular social media network site and app, but not everyone likes it. For one thing, Facebook can be exhausting; you can literally spend hours trolling/reading and then realize you haven’t accomplished anything. There is almost too much information to parse.
Perhaps you want a different app that focuses on a certain group of people or genre. There are many social media network apps out there besides the most common ones. Here are 10 best apps like Facebook to meet new people. Find the one that appeals to you the most and get socializing.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a fun social media site with an app for both iPhone and Android. Users treat it like a mini blog. You post photos, videos, or long word posts about anything you like. Usually you are meant to create a mini blog on a certain subject and then make posts about that subject. Other people can follow your Tumblr and all your posts will show up on their feed. You can follow other Tumblr blogs to see them in your feed. The site is well-known for its humorous users.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Tagged
Tagged is touted as a social media app to meet new people, play games, and send messages. Many people like the “keep it real” feel to the app. The app also works as a dating or meetup app, and you can be linked to people near your location. Looking for something to do on a Saturday afternoon? Download the app and see if you have a match close by!
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Telegram Messenger
Telegram is a multi-platform messaging service that works like WhatsApp. The app is cloud-based allowing you to access your messages from several devices at once. It also offers end-to-end encryption and interacts with advertisers differently (in terms of data) making it one of the more secure social networking apps. Since the app is cloud based, you can share an unlimited number of photos, videos and files. You can also create groups, make calls, and perform the same functions as with any other social media app. Self-destruction timers are a feature unique to Telegram. The timers allow you to permanently remove a message after a certain amount of time.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Reddit is a social media forum which offers intelligents discussion on just about anything – news, culture, films, etc. There are also specialized forums or topics called subreddits. Reddit differentiates itself from other social sharing platforms by using a crowd-sourcing concept to determine content visibility. Users submit links, pictures, and text, which receive a vote from others using the platform. The best content rises to the top, while content with less votes becomes less visible.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
TapeReal
TapeReal is a new social media network that allow you to record thoughts and conversations as memories. Formerly called Tapebook, the app touts itself as the “fastest way to record, publish, and share audio/video content online”. The idea is that by recording your thoughts, you are creating your legacy. You can publish your tapes directly to TapeReal and share them everywhere. The app is currently only available for the iPhone and iPad. This up and coming app will surely catch on quickly, so get ready to record your legacy!
(iPhone, iPad)
Instagram is a social media platform that uses photos and videos to connect users. The platform is intended to be entirely visual which is why it has become so popular. It is also entirely mobile centric, and the mobile experience keeps users coming back. Similar to Twitter, users can follow people and also be followed. The app is extremely simple to use and is not bogged down with excessive features and functionality.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Askfm
Askfm is a social networking forum in which users can post anonymous questions and comments to another user’s profile. You can literally ask anything. Questions generate discussion which, in turn, generate more questions. The app encourages posting on other social media sites like Facebook and Tumblr. Users can also follow other users anonymously or opt to turn the anonymity feature off.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Meetup
Meetup is an app that takes social media offline and into the real world. Use the app to find groups that like a certain subject that live near you. These groups set up meetups to actually get together offline to talk about that subject you all love. You can browse for groups or make your own. You have no limits to what the group can be about. You all just need to love the same thing. Taking social networking to the real world isn’t something Facebook provides. If you are new to a city and want to meet like-minded people with whom you share interests, Meetup is the app for you! Meetup can be used to build your career too, as you can find meetup groups for support and direction.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Goodreads
Goodreads is designed as social media for book lovers. It’s main focus is to help you find new books to read, but it has many other social networking features. As an author, you can promote your own book and do contests. Join the forums to discuss novels like you would at a book club. Check out or build your own lists of favorite books to share with others. You will meet book lovers from all over when using this app.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
Stash2Go (Ravelry on the Go)
Stash2Go is an app for people who love to knit and crochet. The focus is mostly on finding new patterns to make, but you can use it to meet others that enjoy the craft as much as you. Users can share their favorite patterns or pattern makers and you can follow what they share. You can also keep a needle inventory and upload your own patterns and offer them for sale or for free.
Ravelry is a brand started some time ago for knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists. While there is no Ravelry app, there is a website and lots of mobile apps that work with Ravelry so you can knit and craft on the go. You must join the website first to see any of the patterns on the mobile app, but it’s free so it will only take a few minutes to check it out. There are other apps that integrate with Ravelry as well, but Stash2Go seems to be the best , so many users don’t mind the $7.99 app price. If you do mind the price, try the free Stash2Go Lite version which is the same app with reduced functionality.
(iPhone, iPad, Android)
These are the 10 best apps like Facebook to meet new people. No matter your age or your likes you will find an app that fits you the best. Check them all out and see which one you enjoy and has all the features you want in a social media network.
