Safety concerns led to the removal of Wizz from major app stores, even though it had over 16 million active users. This situation emphasizes the urgent need to find safer social networking alternatives.
Our research reveals several Wizz alternatives that help users create meaningful connections without compromising safety. The messaging app industry continues to grow rapidly, with projections showing 3.51 billion users by 2025, making the choice of a secure platform crucial now.
What Happened to Wizz: Understanding the Need for Alternatives
Wizz grew into a bustling social platform that attracted 1.5 million daily active users. The platform’s success story took an unexpected turn in early 2024. The app started as a safe space where young users could meet others their age.
The rise and fall of Wizz
The platform became incredibly popular after the COVID-19 pandemic as people looked to connect digitally during social distancing. Users loved its live texting features, emoji integration, and promise of secure companionship. The app climbed into the top 10 social apps in both the US and UK.
Apple and Google pulled Wizz from their app stores in January 2024. This action followed serious concerns raised by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) about the platform’s safety measures. Two content creators later left a Wizz-sponsored content creation house because they worried about safety issues.
Safety concerns that led to its removal
The Canadian Center for Child Protection found more than 180 cases with Wizz since 2021. These cases multiplied by ten times in 2023. Sextortion made up 91% of these reports and targeted males between 15-17 years old. The Network Contagion Research Institute named Wizz as one of the main platforms cybercriminals used to financial sextortion.
Several critical safety issues emerged:
- Age verification vulnerabilities: Tests showed women in their 20s could create profiles as 16-year-old boys, despite using Yoti’s AI-based age verification system.
- Exposure to inappropriate content: Users reported explicit material, drug-related discussions, and grooming attempts.
- Inadequate monitoring: The platform failed to stop harmful interactions with its moderation system.
The FBI highlighted these issues’ severity, noting that at least 20 minors who experienced sextortion died by suicide since 2021.
Why users are seeking wizz alternatives
Many families started looking for safer options because the platform lacked reliable parental controls. The platform’s default settings showed user locations, which put young users at risk.
Canadian watchdog Cybertip.ca found that Wizz let users share profile information that made sextortion easier. The app’s feature that connected other social media profiles helped predators track potential victims across platforms.
Wizz’s co-founder Gautier Gédoux said they ban about 4,000 users daily (nearly 2% of access attempts), but these efforts fell short. The Network Contagion Research Institute found that some users faced sextortion attempts minutes after joining the app.
Users now look for platforms with stronger security measures after Wizz disappeared from major app stores. Parents and teenagers want platforms that offer complete age verification, reliable parental controls, and active moderation systems.
Friend-Making Apps for Teenagers: Safe Wizz Alternatives
Several platforms now offer safer alternatives to Wizz. These apps put user safety first with reliable verification systems, detailed parental oversight, and strong anti-bullying measures.
Age verification features
Friend-making apps now use sophisticated age verification methods to keep young users safe. Yubo leads the pack as the first social app to verify 100% of its users’ ages. The platform checks faces and estimates ages when users create accounts.
These apps verify ages in several ways:
- Live selfie checks that match photos with birth dates
- Parents must verify email addresses before account creation
- Extra ID checks when AI spots age mismatches
- No users under 13 allowed
Adults can’t create fake profiles with wrong ages anymore. Users need to show more ID if their selfies don’t match their stated age. The apps also keep under-18s and adults in separate groups.
Parental controls
New alternatives to Wizz give parents better ways to watch over their kids. Kidzworld targets children aged 9-16 and keeps strict control without ads.
Parents can:
- Watch their child’s activities through companion apps
- Choose who their kids can talk to
- Set privacy levels and what kids can share
- Limit messages to approved contacts
Grom Social shows how this works well for kids under 13. The platform lets users make friends and send private messages under careful watch. PopJam checks all content before it goes live to keep interactions age-appropriate.
Apps with strong anti-bullying policies
The best platforms now use detailed anti-bullying measures to protect teenage users. These systems work in multiple ways:
Bad language gets filtered out automatically. STOPit stands out by letting users report various problems like bullying, harassment, and bad behavior online.
The apps handle bullying incidents step by step:
- Parents hear about problems right away
- Every report gets checked quickly
- Bullied users get help, including counselor support
- Staff watches for payback against those who report
Discord started with gaming but now brings together all kinds of groups, from music lovers to fashion fans. The platform keeps strict rules and makes it easy to report problems.
These platforms also use smart safety features like:
- Blurring possibly offensive images automatically
- Ways to skip uncomfortable chats
- Profiles that don’t share personal info
- Live content checking during streams
Parents know these dangers well – 62% teach their kids about online risks, and 71% keep an eye on their children’s online activities while respecting their space. These numbers show why choosing the right platform matters.
Safety experts like platforms that use multiple ways to protect users. To name just one example, see JusTalk, which has different versions for kids under 13 and adults. Zigazoo needs parents to approve certain features and builds positive interactions.
Best Apps for College Students and Young Adults
College students need apps that encourage real connections and improve their campus life. Students and young adults have several effective alternatives to Wizz. Here’s a detailed look at these options.
Campus-focused networking apps
Campus App and campusM are changing how students connect within their academic communities. Campus App lets students chat privately with peers in real time and join discussions through public and private community channels.
campusM takes customization to another level by:
- Sending targeted messages based on student groups
- Notifying students about campus news and events
- Working with over 40 core university systems
Den has become a powerful platform and the “#1 social hub for college students”. Students can share thoughts, ask for help, or post campus moments through the app’s “Right Now” feature that creates a live message feed.
Interest-based communities
Students find like-minded connections easily through interest-based networking. Discord stands out because it lets students have ongoing conversations in group chats that mix audio, text, and media sharing.
These spaces help students stay connected, which matters since 75% of students miss face-to-face interactions during online learning.
Slack has grown beyond its business roots into an essential tool for student communication.
Students can use the platform to:
- Create private groups for extracurricular activities
- Have academic discussions outside class hours
- Set up project collaboration spaces
Goodwall offers something different with its social, informal alternative to traditional CVs. Students can network with peers from their school and beyond.
Event discovery features
Finding events is crucial to building active campus communities. Facebook Events attracts over 650 million users monthly, and 100 million use it daily.
Students use the platform to:
- Look for schedule conflicts
- Create campus events others can find
- Organize multiple related activities
Campus App makes events more engaging through:
- Live notifications about upcoming activities
- Targeted content through different channels
- Optimized event management
Time to Enjoy brings a fresh approach by matching work schedules with upcoming events. Students don’t miss social experiences. City Socializer connects users to social groups and organizations that share their interests, making local activities easier to find and join.
These platforms know that event discovery goes beyond simple listings. They include features for:
- Live updates about ticket availability
- Last-minute event changes
- Direct event booking options
These tools make finding and joining campus activities easier than ever. They build stronger community bonds and make college life better through meaningful connections.
Apps Similar to Wizz for Global Connections
Apps have made it easier to make friends worldwide by breaking down language barriers and promoting meaningful connections. These Wizz alternatives provide innovative ways to build global friendships through translation features and cultural immersion.
Language translation features
Azar stands out with its AI-powered translation capabilities. The app instantly converts messages into your native language. This breakthrough feature helps users chat effortlessly with people around the world.
Tandem elevates language exchange by connecting native speakers who want to learn from each other.
The platform provides:
- Text, voice, and video chat options
- In-app correction tools
- Built-in translation assistance
HelloTalk helps millions of users practice over 150 languages through:
- Interactive voice rooms and live sessions
- Transliteration support
- Pronunciation guides
Cultural exchange platforms
Rotary’s Friendship Exchange program shows the power of cultural immersion. Participants can:
- Experience local customs firsthand
- Learn about regional history
- Share traditional meals
- Get involved in community service projects
The program’s effect shows in real stories. Malaysian Rotarians gained new perspectives in the United Kingdom, while Latvian members experienced Mexico’s traditional food and dancing.
Couchsurfing links travelers with local hosts in 200,000 destinations to create authentic cultural exchanges. Trust and community spirit are central values that let visitors experience daily life in different cultures.
Long-distance friendship tools
Teleparty changes how far-away friends spend time together. This free plug-in lets you watch movies in sync across streaming platforms. A chat bar allows instant reactions.
BeReal brings authenticity to distant friendships by:
- Encouraging daily life sharing
- Creating spontaneous interactions
- Opening windows into friends’ routines
Cappuccino brings a fresh approach through daily audio updates. Users can:
- Record personal stories
- Share daily moments
- Create private group podcasts
Discord shines as a flexible platform for keeping international friendships strong with:
- Customizable servers for different friend groups
- Multiple voice channels
- Screen sharing capabilities
Locket Widget adds a personal touch to long-distance connections. Friends’ live photos appear right on your phone screen. This feature makes sharing everyday moments feel natural despite the distance.
Voice features create stronger bonds than text messages. Research proves they reduce awkwardness in conversations. Apps like Capuccino use this insight to make conversations more personal through voice-based features.
Dating-Adjacent Apps: When Friendship Might Lead to More
The digital world of social networking has grown beyond dating apps. These platforms now put real connections first. Studies reveal that 30% of adults experience loneliness weekly. This trend has led to new apps that blend friendship with romance.
Platforms with friendship-first approaches
These platforms create spaces where relationships grow naturally. Research shows close friendships need about 200 hours to develop. Apps now include features that help build these connections step by step.
Bumble For Friends shows this approach through:
- Profile prompts and lifestyle badges that express who you really are
- A community that values kindness
- Detailed safety features with Account Verification
222 launched in 2021 to help fight loneliness through real-life meetups. The platform has connected more than 400,000 people in 170 cities. Bumble’s friendship mode draws about 15% of its monthly users.
Apps with relationship intention settings
New platforms understand relationships need room to grow. DateBeyond stands out because users can:
- Tell others what they want when they like profiles
- Move between different connection types
- Find matches based on relationship style
These apps value honesty and purposeful dating. They create spaces where users can:
- Share their relationship goals openly
- Set clear boundaries about consent
- Build connections without pressure
Flamme takes a fresh approach. The app helps build deep, meaningful connections without romantic pressure. Studies show strong friendships reduce stress and make people happier overall.
How these differ from traditional dating apps
Traditional dating apps focus on finding romance and quick matches based on looks. Friendship-first platforms are different because they:
- Profile Focus:
- Show hobbies and interests more than photos
- Put personality and values first
- Help find shared experiences
- Interaction Style:
- Lead to better conversations
- Build trust through activities
- Make stronger community ties
- Connection Building:
- Offer group activities
- Connect people with similar hobbies
- Help friendships grow naturally
Patook shows this difference with its advanced system that keeps interactions purely friendly. These platforms value emotional and mental connections more than physical attraction.
This approach works well. Research shows that clear communication in friendships helps people build better relationships everywhere. Users find support and guidance without romantic complications.
Timeleft brings this idea to life by connecting people for Wednesday night dinners in 275 cities. The app matches personalities by asking questions like “How often do you feel lonely?” and “How important is humor to you?”.
Pie builds communities differently. Local creators host events in cities like Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco. The platform combines gig work with social groups to help people connect.
Activity and Interest-Based Friend Finders
The digital world continues to grow with apps that serve specific interests and activities. These platforms do more than just basic social networking – they give users custom experiences to connect through shared passions. Here’s a look at some innovative apps that change how we make friends through common hobbies.
Hobby-specific platforms
Apps focused on hobbies represent new ways to make social connections. Users can bond over shared interests away from mainstream social media noise. These specialized platforms build active communities around specific passions that help create deeper, meaningful relationships.
Letterboxd shines as a perfect example for film lovers worldwide.
This platform has grown to 14 million users and serves as a meeting point for movie enthusiasts to review films, find new favorites, and join discussions about cinema. The app gained massive popularity during the pandemic, drawing both casual viewers and industry professionals, including prominent directors like Martin Scorsese.
Key features of Letterboxd include:
- Personalized film reviews and ratings
- Curated watchlists and recommendations
- Discussions with fellow movie buffs
- Insights into directors’ and actors’ filmographies
Strava has grown from a small cycling website into a detailed platform that serves over 125 million athletes of all types.
The app shows how community features can strengthen hobby-specific platforms:
- GPS tracking for various activities
- Performance analysis and goal setting
- Social feed for sharing achievements
- Group challenges and virtual competitions
These platforms connect people with similar interests and help brands reach specific audiences. To name just one example, Chipotle used Strava’s community to promote its “Lifestyle Bowls,” which generated 700 million impressions and boosted sales by 20%.
Sports and fitness friend-making apps
Sports and fitness apps now help enthusiasts connect and promote active lifestyles. These platforms understand how shared goals and mutual support create lasting friendships.
Fitafy leads the way as a groundbreaking app that connects people based on their fitness priorities and dietary habits.
The app offers unique features:
- Detailed filters to match workout styles and nutrition choices
- Options to find romantic partners and workout buddies
- A safe and inclusive community for fitness enthusiasts
Boo takes a fresh approach by mixing personality compatibility with shared interests in sports and fitness.
Users can:
- Find others who love specific sports or teams
- Match based on personality types for deeper connections
- Look for gym buddies, sports watching companions, or marathon training partners
Stridekick creates social workout experiences through friendly competition and encouragement.
Users can:
- Connect fitness trackers and share progress
- Join or create challenges with friends and strangers alike
- Earn badges for reaching milestones and personal bests
These apps aid connections and improve users’ overall well-being. Studies show that working out with others substantially increases motivation and helps maintain regular fitness routines.
Creative and artistic community builders
Artists looking to share their work and connect with other creators have several platforms that serve as vibrant hubs for artistic cooperation and inspiration.
DeviantArt stands out as one of the biggest online art communities, with millions of users from different creative fields.
The platform provides:
- Customizable portfolios to showcase artwork
- Forums to discuss techniques and trends
- Collaborative projects and challenges
Doodle Addicts serves illustrators, cartoonists, and lettering artists specifically, with a “no judgment” approach that supports experimentation and growth.
The app includes:
- Daily drawing prompts to spark creativity
- Artist search based on location and art style
- Community feedback on works-in-progress
Musicians and audio enthusiasts have found an unexpected home in Discord.
The platform’s flexibility allows:
- Genre-specific servers
- Live audio sharing and collaborative songwriting
- Virtual open mic nights and listening parties
These creative platforms offer more than social networking – they provide tools that improve the artistic process. Photoshop Sketch gives artists various brushes and effects, plus the ability to record time-lapse videos of their creative process.
These community-building apps affect more than individual growth. Artists gain exposure, work together on projects, and earn money from their work. Behance attracts over 75 million page views monthly, and 90% comes from non-members, making it an effective showcase for creative talent.
These activity and interest-based friend finders reshape how we connect in today’s digital age. They create stronger, more meaningful connections through shared passions, from unique hobbies to fitness goals and artistic pursuits. As people search for real relationships in what a world of digital connections, these apps provide valuable ways to build communities around our favorite interests and activities.
Apps Better Than Wizz for Privacy and Security
Privacy and security concerns make users look for safer alternatives to social networking apps. These platforms protect users with military-grade encryption and anonymous chatting features while keeping the experience user-friendly.
End-to-end encryption options
Signal guides secure messaging through its open-source platform with military-grade encryption. Security experts have endorsed the app’s encryption protocol, so it became the standard that other major platforms adopted.
Briar takes security to another level by running on a decentralized network that eliminates vulnerable central servers.
The platform comes with these key features:
- Open-source code for transparency
- Decentralized messaging infrastructure
- No phone numbers or email verification needed
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption in all communications. All the same, privacy-conscious users worry about Meta’s ownership. Many users choose alternatives like Threema that doesn’t store data on servers or need personal information to register.
Anonymous chatting with safety features
Modern messaging platforms keep users anonymous without sacrificing security. Wickr Me stands out with its state-of-the-art approach:
- Device-generated encryption keys
- Self-destructing messages
- No metadata storage
- Secure file transfers
Dust shows advanced privacy protection by erasing message history after 24 hours. The platform stops users from saving messages or media files to make sure temporary communication stays temporary.
Session delivers truly anonymous communication by:
- No phone number requirements
- No in-app screenshots
- Decentralized network operation
- Custom privacy settings
User verification methods
Social media platforms use different verification methods to improve user safety. Instagram checks video selfies that human moderators review instead of using facial recognition technology. This process usually takes two business days to ensure proper verification.
Facebook adds multiple layers of verification:
- Government ID verification to recover accounts
- Photo ID needed for political advertisers
- Extra verification for Meta Verified accounts
LinkedIn shows state-of-the-art verification through:
- Third-party provider Persona for account recovery
- CLEAR identity platform integration for verification badges
- Separate workplace and educational institution verification steps
These verification methods work best when combined with other security measures. To name just one example, Telegram’s MTProtocol provides better security, while Signal’s open-source nature lets its community of over 30,000 members perform continuous security audits.
The platforms use various protective measures to curb security breaches from man-in-the-middle attacks. These sophisticated systems ensure encrypted messages stay safe even if attackers intercept public keys during exchanges.
How to Choose the Right Friend-Making App for You
The right friend-making app can change your social life completely. You’ll find many options out there, and picking a platform that matches your goals and keeps you safe makes all the difference. Let’s break down how to pick an app that works for you.
Assessing your friendship goals
Take a quick look at what you want from new connections before you jump into friend-making apps. Do you need workout buddies? Maybe creative partners? Or just want to meet new people? Your answer will point you to the best platforms.
Think over these points when setting your friendship goals:
- Specificity of interests: Some apps focus on specific hobbies or jobs. To name just one example, Strava brings fitness lovers together, while DeviantArt connects artists and creatives.
- Desired interaction level: Figure out if you want one-on-one friendships or group meetups. Bumble BFF works great for personal connections, while Meetup shines at group activities.
- Local vs. global connections: You might want to meet people nearby or build friendships worldwide. Apps like Ablo excel at global connections and even offer language translation.
- Age group priorities: Each app targets different age groups. Peanut serves mothers, while Amintro brings together adults over 50.
- Time commitment: Know how much time you can give to new friendships. Bumble BFF needs more active time, but Nextdoor lets you participate casually.
A clear picture of what you want helps you pick the right app. Note that research shows close friendships need about 200 hours of interaction, so be ready to put in the time.
Evaluating safety features
Recent safety issues with apps like Wizz show why you need platforms with strong security. Here’s what to look for in a friend-making app’s safety features:
- Age verification: Pick apps with strict age checks. Some use AI systems or ask for video selfies to verify ages.
- End-to-end encryption: Apps with secure messaging stand out. Signal uses top-grade encryption to protect your messages.
- Privacy settings: Good platforms let you control your information. Session offers custom privacy settings and runs on decentralized networks.
- Reporting and blocking tools: The app should make it easy to report bad behavior and block unwanted contacts. Many now offer detailed reporting options for different problems.
- Moderation policies: Check how the app handles content. PopJam reviews all user content before posting to keep things safe.
- Data protection: See what happens to your personal info. Threema doesn’t store user data on servers or ask for personal details.
- Parental controls: Some apps offer parent monitoring tools through companion apps.
A full picture of these safety features helps you pick a safer platform and cuts down risks when meeting people online.
Reading user reviews effectively
User reviews show how apps work in real life. Here’s how to get the most from these reviews:
- Look for patterns: Spot common themes in multiple reviews instead of focusing on single opinions. This gives you better insight into what works and what doesn’t.
- Consider the review’s age: New reviews matter more than old ones. They show how the app works now.
- Evaluate the reviewer’s credibility: Reviews with specific details usually tell the truth better than vague comments.
- Check multiple sources: App store reviews tell only part of the story. Look at independent sites, forums, and social media too.
- Analyze both positive and negative reviews: Bad reviews point out problems, while good ones show what people love. You need both views.
- Consider your personal priorities: Focus on what matters to you. If privacy tops your list, pay attention to security comments.
- Look for developer responses: Active developers who answer feedback often care more about fixing problems.
- Be wary of fake reviews: Real reviews give specific details and balanced views. Skip the extremely positive or negative ones that lack details.
These strategies help you get useful information from reviews and make smarter choices.
Finally, picking the right friend-making app needs you to know your goals, check safety features, and read reviews carefully. This helps you find a platform that grows your social circle and keeps things fun and secure. Your success depends on both the app you pick and how much effort you put into making real connections.
Conclusion
Friend-making apps are a great way to get safe alternatives to Wizz with strong security features and specialized communities. A thorough evaluation of safety measures, user verification, and specific friendship goals guides users toward meaningful connections. Successful online friendships thrive on platform choice and mindful participation in relationship building.
FAQs
Q1. What are some safe alternatives to Wizz for making friends online?
Some safe alternatives to Wizz include Yubo, which uses AI-based age verification, and Bumble BFF, which focuses on friendship connections. These apps prioritize user safety with features like robust moderation and privacy controls.
Q2. How can I choose the right friend-making app for my needs?
To choose the right app, assess your friendship goals, evaluate safety features, and read user reviews critically. Consider factors like your interests, desired interaction level, and age group preferences when selecting a platform.
Q3. What safety features should I look for in a friend-making app?
Key safety features to look for include end-to-end encryption, strong age verification processes, customizable privacy settings, easy-to-use reporting tools, and transparent moderation policies. Apps like Signal and Session offer advanced security measures.
Q4. Are there friend-making apps specifically designed for teenagers?
Yes, there are apps designed with teenagers’ safety in mind. Platforms like Yubo and PopJam implement strict age verification, parental controls, and content moderation to create safer environments for younger users.
Q5. How can I make meaningful connections through friend-making apps?
To make meaningful connections, be active and engaged on the platform, participate in interest-based communities, and be open to different types of interactions. Remember that building close friendships takes time and consistent effort, regardless of the app you choose.