Summarize this article with:
Wizz got pulled from both the App Store and Google Play in early 2024. If you were using it to meet new people and make friends online, you probably noticed.
The good news? There are plenty of apps like Wizz that do the same thing, and some do it better. Whether you want swipe-based matching, random video chat, or audio rooms where you can just drop in and talk, the options have grown fast.
This guide breaks down the 10 best Wizz alternatives worth trying right now. Each one is reviewed for features, safety, pricing, and what actually makes it different from Wizz.
Some focus on teen-friendly social discovery. Others target young adults looking for a broader social networking experience. We’ll help you figure out which friend finder app fits what you’re actually looking for.
Apps Like Wizz
Yubo
What It Is
Yubo is a social discovery platform built around live video streaming and swipe-based friend matching. Originally called Yellow when it launched in 2015, it has grown to over 80 million signups across more than 140 countries.
The app works a lot like Wizz on the surface. You swipe through profiles, match with people, and start chatting. But the real draw here is group live streams where up to 10 users can hang out together while others watch and interact.
Who It’s For
Yubo recently shifted to an 18+ only platform. So if you’re a young adult looking for a social networking app that leans toward real-time interaction rather than just text chat, this is your pick.
It works well for people who prefer showing personality through video rather than curating a static profile.
Key Features
- Live video streaming with up to 10 participants per session
- Swipe-based matching filtered by age, gender, and location
- Interest tags for finding like-minded people
- Community feed and group chat functionality
- Screen sharing and virtual games during streams
Safety and Privacy
This is where Yubo actually sets itself apart from most friend discovery apps. It was the first major social platform to implement 100% age verification for all users, using Yoti’s facial age estimation technology.
Their proactive detection rate sits at about 92.5%, and they work directly with NCMEC and Thorn. Real-time AI moderation runs during live streams, backed by a human Trust and Safety team operating around the clock.
Not perfect, obviously. But it’s significantly more than what most alternatives offer.
Free vs. Paid
Free to use. Premium features exist for profile boosts and extra visibility, but the core experience (streaming, chatting, matching) costs nothing.
Where to Download
Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
What Makes It Different from Wizz
The live video component is the biggest difference. Wizz focuses more on text-based chat after matching, while Yubo pushes you toward real-time video hangouts. Also, Yubo’s age verification system is far more advanced than what Wizz ever had.
If you also want to explore other social platforms with apps similar to Badoo, Yubo shares some of that swipe-based DNA but skips the dating angle entirely.
Bumble BFF
What It Is
Bumble BFF is the friendship mode inside the Bumble app. Same interface, same swipe mechanics, but the entire focus is on making platonic friends instead of romantic connections.
In September 2025, Bumble relaunched BFF as a more standalone experience built on top of Geneva (a community platform they acquired). It now includes group chats, event planning, and community features alongside one-on-one matching.
Who It’s For
Adults (18+) who want to expand their social circle without the awkwardness of dating apps. Bumble BFF skews slightly older than Wizz, so it’s a better fit for college students and working professionals.
Particularly popular with people who recently moved to a new city. At least in my experience, that’s where it shines the most.
Key Features
- Swipe-based friend matching with interest filters
- Groups tab for community chat rooms and hangouts
- In-app calendar for planning meetups and events
- Photo verification for profile authenticity
- Switch seamlessly between Date, BFF, and Bizz modes
Safety and Privacy
Bumble has photo verification, which asks users to take a real-time selfie matching a specific pose. This cuts down on fake profiles quite a bit.
They also offer ID verification, a block/report system, and Share Date safety features. The women-first approach (where women message first in dating mode) doesn’t apply the same way in BFF, but the overall culture of respectful interaction carries over.
Free vs. Paid
The free version covers swiping, matching, and messaging. Bumble Boost starts around $8-12/month and adds perks like seeing who liked you and unlimited swipes. Premium runs about $30-60/month with advanced filters and incognito mode.
You don’t need to pay to make friends here. The paid stuff just speeds things up.
Where to Download
iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Also works on desktop via bumble.com.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Bumble BFF is built for adults, period. The matching algorithm is more refined, the user base tends to be more intentional, and the new Groups feature makes it feel less like random chat and more like joining a real community. Wizz has a younger, more casual vibe by comparison.
Hoop
What It Is
Hoop is a friend finder app that connects directly to Snapchat. You browse profiles, swipe on people you want to connect with, and then exchange Snapchat usernames to start chatting there.
Think of it as a matchmaking layer on top of Snapchat. There’s no in-app messaging. All real conversations happen on Snap.
Who It’s For
Teens and young adults who already live on Snapchat and want to grow their friend list with people who share similar interests. Hoop requires users to be at least 13, with parental consent needed for anyone under 18.
Key Features
- Direct Snapchat integration for adding new friends
- Swipe-based profile browsing with age and location filters
- Diamond currency system for sending friend requests
- Daily challenges and level-up rewards
- Worldwide or country-specific friend discovery
Safety and Privacy
Here’s the tricky part. Hoop doesn’t have strong age verification. Users pick their age during signup and can’t change it later, but there’s no real system confirming they’re telling the truth.
You can block and report profiles, and the app does moderate content. But since actual chatting moves to Snapchat, Hoop loses control of the conversation pretty quickly. Parents should know this.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download and use. You earn diamonds (in-app currency) by logging in daily, sharing your profile, watching ads, and completing tasks. Diamonds are needed to send friend requests. You can also buy diamond packs.
Where to Download
Available on both iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Hoop doesn’t try to be a standalone social platform. It’s a bridge to Snapchat, nothing more. Wizz has its own chat system and keeps conversations in-app. If you’re already deep into the Snapchat ecosystem, Hoop fits in more naturally. If you want everything in one place, Wizz was the better self-contained option.
Users who like random social exploration might also enjoy checking out apps like Monkey, which takes a similar approach but with video chat.
Wink
What It Is
Wink is a swipe-based social discovery app with over 40 million users. It started as a Snapchat companion app but has since grown into a more independent platform combining friend finding with dating features.
The app recently added AI-generated bios, creative profile collages, and a local community feed where users post stories and missed connections.
Who It’s For
Young adults looking for both friends and dates. Wink has a broader scope than Wizz because it doesn’t restrict itself to just friendship. If you want a single app that handles both, Wink is worth looking at.
The minimum age is technically 13 (with parental consent), but the user base leans older.
Key Features
- Swipe-to-match with photo, name, and age visible at a glance
- AI-powered bio generation during onboarding
- Local community feed for posts, questions, and missed connections
- Snapchat integration for taking conversations off-platform
- Interest-based matching and search filters
Safety and Privacy
Wink offers optional profile verification via selfie submission. But it’s worth noting that searching for verified profiles only requires a Wink+ subscription, which is a bummer.
There’s no real age verification beyond self-reporting. Reports and blocks are available but users have mentioned inconsistencies with blocked profiles reappearing. So your mileage may vary.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download. You get 100 gems every 24 hours, with each right-swipe costing 10 gems. That gives you roughly 10 free swipes per day.
Wink+ unlocks unlimited swiping, free boosts, and access to verified-only profiles. Pricing varies by region.
Where to Download
iOS and Android. Requires Android 7.0 or higher.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Wink blends social media with dating in a way Wizz never did. The community feed, missed connections feature, and AI bios give it a more modern feel. Wizz was purely a friend-finding tool with chat. Wink tries to be more of a full social experience.
LMK
What It Is
LMK is a friend-making app built around audio chat rooms and interest-based matching. It’s one of the few Wizz alternatives that puts voice conversations front and center instead of relying entirely on text or video.
Who It’s For
People who prefer talking over typing. If group discussions and drop-in audio rooms sound better to you than swiping through profiles, LMK is the move.
It attracts a mix of teens and young adults looking for real-time group conversations about shared hobbies, from gaming to music to school life.
Key Features
- Drop-in audio rooms organized by topic and interest
- Swipe-based friend matching
- Community feed for posts, photos, and videos
- Instant chat and voice call with matched users
- Virtual gifts in audio rooms
Safety and Privacy
LMK has a dedicated Safety Team that reviews reports and takes action. But honestly, user reviews tell a messier story. Mass reporting, room hijacking through glitches, and inconsistent moderation are common complaints.
It’s decent for casual use. But don’t expect the same level of safety infrastructure as something like Yubo.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download and use forever (their words). LMK Premium costs $9.99/month, $6.67/month for 3 months, or $4.99/month for 6 months. Premium gets you additional features and visibility. Gems can be purchased separately starting at $3.99 for 100.
Where to Download
Available on both iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
The audio rooms are the standout. Wizz was all about one-on-one text and video chat after swiping. LMK gives you group voice conversations where you can just drop in and talk. It feels more like hanging out than browsing profiles.
If you enjoy voice-driven social apps, you might also want to look into alternatives to FaceTime for more video and voice calling options.
Azar
What It Is
Azar is a random video chat app that connects you with people from around the world in real time. You press a button, and you’re instantly in a face-to-face conversation with a stranger somewhere on the planet.
It’s been around since 2014 and has built a massive global user base, particularly popular in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe.
Who It’s For
Anyone who wants spontaneous, unfiltered conversations with strangers. Azar is for the type of person who finds swiping through profiles tedious and would rather just jump straight into talking.
Good fit for travelers, language learners, and people who are genuinely curious about other cultures.
Key Features
- Instant random video matching with one tap
- Real-time translation supporting 100+ languages
- Gender and region filters for more relevant matches
- In-app messaging after video connections
- Virtual gift system
Safety and Privacy
Azar has content moderation and a reporting system. Language filters help catch inappropriate text. But let’s be real, random video chat apps always carry more risk than profile-based platforms. You will run into people who don’t behave.
The app does require phone number verification, which adds a small layer of accountability.
Free vs. Paid
Free to use with basic features. Premium subscriptions unlock gender filters, region selection, and an ad-free experience. In-app purchases for gems and virtual gifts are available.
Where to Download
iOS and Android. Works in most countries worldwide.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Azar throws you straight into video calls with no profile swiping required. Wizz was much more controlled. You matched first, then decided whether to chat. Azar skips all that and puts you face-to-face immediately. The real-time translation feature is also something Wizz never offered, which makes Azar better for connecting with people who speak different languages.
BIGO LIVE
What It Is
BIGO LIVE is a live streaming and social networking platform with over 400 million users globally. It started as a broadcasting app and has expanded into a full social discovery tool where you can watch streams, join multi-guest sessions, and connect with people worldwide.
Who It’s For
Content creators, performers, and people who enjoy watching live broadcasts. Also works for anyone who wants to meet new people through live interaction rather than static profiles.
BIGO LIVE skews slightly older than Wizz and attracts users who want to both consume and create content.
Key Features
- Live streaming with multi-guest video rooms
- Nearby friend discovery based on location
- In-app chat and messaging system
- Virtual gifts, diamonds, and a creator monetization system
- PK battles between streamers for audience engagement
Safety and Privacy
BIGO has a content moderation team and AI-powered detection for inappropriate streams. Users can report and block others. The platform also has community guidelines with enforcement, though the sheer size of the user base means things slip through.
Free vs. Paid
Free to use. Revenue comes mainly from virtual gifts and in-app purchases. Streamers can actually earn money on the platform, which sets it apart from most friend-finding apps.
Where to Download
iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
BIGO LIVE is an entertainment platform first and a friend-making tool second. Wizz was built specifically for finding friends through chat. BIGO gives you a way to connect through content creation, live shows, and group streaming. The monetization angle also makes it appealing for people who want to build an audience, not just a friend list.
If you’re into live streaming and video content, you might also check out apps like Periscope for more broadcasting options.
Kik
What It Is
Kik is an instant messaging app that’s been around since 2010. It lets you chat without sharing your phone number. All you need is a username and email to get started.
It’s not a discovery app in the traditional sense. But its group chats, bot integrations, and anonymous nature have made it a go-to for people wanting to meet new people online without revealing personal details.
Who It’s For
People who value anonymity above everything else. Kik is popular with teens who want to chat freely, meme enthusiasts, and users who prefer group conversations over one-on-one matching.
Key Features
- Text, photo, video, and GIF messaging
- Group chats with up to 49 users
- No phone number required for registration
- Kik Codes for quick friend adding
- Built-in bot ecosystem for games and content
Safety and Privacy
The privacy-first design is a double-edged sword. Great for keeping your phone number hidden. Not great for accountability.
Kik has faced scrutiny over the years for safety concerns, particularly around minors. They do have reporting tools and content guidelines. But the anonymous setup makes moderation harder than on platforms with verified profiles.
Free vs. Paid
Completely free. No premium tiers, no subscription model.
Where to Download
iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Kik doesn’t have swiping or matching at all. It’s purely a messaging app where you find people through groups, forums, or sharing your Kik code elsewhere. Wizz was designed around the discovery process itself. Kik assumes you’ve already found someone to talk to, or you’ll find them through its group features.
For those interested in anonymous conversations, there are also apps similar to Whisper that focus on sharing thoughts without revealing identity.
MeetMe
What It Is
MeetMe is one of the older social discovery platforms still running. It combines profile-based matching with live streaming and nearby friend discovery. Think of it as a mix between a dating app and a social network.
The app has over 100 million downloads and operates in multiple countries.
Who It’s For
Adults (18+) looking to meet new people nearby or across the globe. MeetMe attracts users who want something less structured than dating apps but more featured than basic chat apps.
It’s also popular with people who enjoy watching and broadcasting live streams.
Key Features
- Browse profiles of nearby users and chat instantly
- Live streaming with virtual gifts
- “Match” game for swipe-based connections
- Discussion feed for posting updates and questions
- In-app currency (credits) for boosts and gifts
Safety and Privacy
MeetMe has basic safety tools including report, block, and content moderation. They’ve improved over the years, but the app still gets criticized for having limited safety controls compared to newer platforms.
Use caution, especially when sharing location data. The “nearby” feature shows people close to you, which is useful but can also be a privacy concern.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download and use. In-app purchases let you buy credits for profile boosts, virtual gifts, and premium features. MeetMe+ subscription removes ads and adds extra perks.
Where to Download
iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
MeetMe has been around much longer and serves a wider age range. It blends social networking with elements of dating, while Wizz was focused purely on friendship. The live streaming and nearby discovery features give MeetMe more ways to connect, but the overall experience feels less focused than what Wizz offered.
Spotafriend
What It Is
Spotafriend bills itself as a “Tinder for teens,” but with a strict friendship-only focus. It uses the same swipe-to-match model that Wizz popularized but puts extra emphasis on age-appropriate connections and safety features for younger users.
Who It’s For
Teenagers between 13 and 19. This is one of the few friend-making apps that specifically targets this age group and tries to create a controlled environment for teen social discovery.
If you’re a parent looking for a safer alternative to random chat apps, Spotafriend is worth a closer look.
Key Features
- Swipe-based matching for teens aged 13-19
- Age-restricted user pools (teens only see other teens)
- Profile creation with photos, bio, and interests
- In-app messaging after matching
- Nearby and global friend discovery
Safety and Privacy
Spotafriend separates users into age brackets so a 13-year-old won’t be matched with an 18-year-old. That alone puts it ahead of several alternatives.
The app has content moderation and reporting tools. Still not a replacement for parental oversight, but it makes an effort to provide a safer chat platform for younger users.
Free vs. Paid
Free to download. Premium features include unlimited swipes and profile boosts, available through in-app purchases.
Where to Download
iOS and Android.
What Makes It Different from Wizz
Spotafriend is more targeted. Wizz cast a wider net across age groups, while Spotafriend locks its entire experience to the teen demographic. The age bracketing feature is something Wizz didn’t implement as strictly. For teens specifically, Spotafriend offers a more controlled social discovery experience.
Teens interested in community-based social apps might also enjoy platforms similar to Amino, which organize conversations around specific interests and fandoms.
FAQ on Apps Like Wizz
What happened to the Wizz app?
Wizz was removed from the App Store and Google Play in early 2024 due to safety concerns around minors. The app faced criticism over content moderation and reports of inappropriate interactions. It has not fully returned to major app stores since.
What is the best alternative to Wizz?
Yubo is the closest match. It offers swipe-based friend matching, live video streaming, and 100% age verification. Bumble BFF is another strong pick if you’re over 18 and want a more polished social discovery experience.
Are apps like Wizz safe for teens?
It depends on the app. Platforms like Yubo and Spotafriend have age verification and teen-specific safety features. Others like Azar or MeetMe have weaker controls. Always check the safety and privacy settings before signing up.
Which friend-making apps work with Snapchat?
Hoop and Wink both integrate directly with Snapchat. Hoop sends you to Snap for all conversations after matching. Wink lets you chat in-app or add matches to your Snapchat friend list.
Are there free apps like Wizz?
Yes. Most Wizz alternatives are free to download and use. Yubo, Hoop, LMK, and Kik all offer core features at no cost. Premium subscriptions exist but aren’t required to match and chat with people.
What apps let you meet random people through video chat?
Azar connects you instantly with strangers via random video calls. BIGO LIVE offers live streaming with multi-guest rooms. Both work globally and support real-time face-to-face conversations without needing to match first.
Which apps like Wizz have audio chat rooms?
LMK is the top choice for audio-based social discovery. It features drop-in voice rooms organized by topic and interest. You can join group conversations, send gifts, and connect with people who share your hobbies.
Can adults use apps like Wizz?
Absolutely. Bumble BFF, MeetMe, Wink, and BIGO LIVE all cater to users 18 and older. Yubo also recently shifted to an adults-only platform. These apps work well for young adults looking to expand their social circle.
Do any Wizz alternatives verify user ages?
Yubo uses Yoti’s facial age estimation technology and verifies 100% of users. Bumble BFF offers photo and ID verification. Most other alternatives rely on self-reported age, which is less reliable.
What is the most private app like Wizz?
Kik leads on privacy. It requires no phone number to register, just a username and email. Group chats and one-on-one messaging stay anonymous. The trade-off is weaker moderation compared to verified platforms like Yubo.
Conclusion
Finding the right apps like Wizz comes down to what you actually need. Some people want random video chat with strangers. Others want a safe, age-verified platform for making friends online.
Yubo and Bumble BFF lead the pack for quality and safety. Hoop and Wink work best if you’re tied to the Snapchat ecosystem. LMK fills a gap for anyone who prefers voice-first group conversations.
Every app on this list handles social discovery differently. Swipe-based matching, live streaming, audio rooms, anonymous messaging. Pick the one that matches how you actually like to connect with people.
Just remember to check privacy settings, enable any available profile verification, and stay cautious when chatting with strangers on any platform. Your safety matters more than your friend count.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, and Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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