Best Apps Like Wizz To Make Friends & Chat Online Safely

Discover the top Apps like Wizz to meet and connect with new friends around you. Try this exclusive list of the best Wizz alternatives to expand your circle safely with like-minded people:

Nowadays, you can easily make new friends online with social discovery apps. These apps let you connect with people beyond your social circles. One of the best-known apps in this category is Wizz, which is designed around spontaneous conversations and meeting new people.

There are many other apps like Wizz that users consider for stronger privacy controls, interest-based communities, live video, local events, group conversations, or simply a different way to meet people.

Top Wizz App Alternatives to Meet New Friends

In this article, we will discuss what is Wizz, how it works, its key features and pricing, whether Wizz is safe, and the best wizz alternatives available today. We will compare the best social discovery apps, including Yubo, LMK, MeetMe, Wink, Hoop, Kik, Meetup, BeFriend, and BIGO LIVE.

What is Wizz?

Wizz is one of the very popular social discovery apps that helps its users to meet and chat with new people online. Apart from the contact list, it discovers new accounts that are available to chat and who fall within relevant age or location groups.

The platform defines itself as a place for friendship and strictly not as a dating service. Its recommendation system considers age, country or state, gender preferences, and online status for contacting new accounts.

It offers a bundle of amazing features like live moments, group conversations, visibility boost, bulk chat, super chat, admire, and so much more. It is a mobile app that can be used on Android and iOS as well. You can download it from both the App Store and the Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices.

Why Was Wizz Removed From App Store?

Wizz, a very popular platform among teens in the U.S., was removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in January 2024.

According to the news published on CNBC and NBC, it was removed because the National Center on Sexual Exploitation informed the companies about concerns regarding the use of the Wizz app for sextortion scams.

This is the image of the thank-you note posted by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) on its X account.

Why Do People Look For Apps Like Wizz?

Although Wizz offers a bundle of amazing features to connect with people, there are many other platforms that users may consider for the certain reasons.

The reasons include:

• For Different Communities: Users may want a different or larger community, and the Wizz app connects to active accounts in a particular region or age group only.
• For Different Ways to Connect: Users may want to connect with others in a different way instead of just discovery and one-to-one conversations as provided by Wizz. They may like groups, shared activities, live social interactions, etc which are provided by other alternatives.
• Safety and Privacy Concerns: Safety and privacy are very much concerned. Various social discovery platforms still involve interacting with people that users may not know offline, which is a little risky. But Wizz considers age assurance and identity verification.
• Age Restrictions: Some apps have age restrictions, even in the Wizz app. Wizz’s current US Apple listing mentions an 18+ rating with content restrictions, while Google Play lists it as Teen. So here users may search for apps like Wizz for teens.

Is Wizz Safe?

Wizz uses certain safety technologies, human moderation, age assurance, image verification, and identity checks to keep users safe and protect their privacy. These measures are designed to reduce fake accounts, age misrepresentation, and inappropriate interactions.

For age verification, it uses Yoti’s age-estimation technology and date-of-birth checks along with ID verification. AWS machine-learning technology is used to check the profile photo. Identity-consistency checks are done for any discrepancies in age or identity information.

For minor or younger users, parents should take extra precautions. They should evaluate Wizz’s age eligibility and safety controls as compared to each alternative.

There are some platforms that are specifically designed for teenagers and marked as 13+ or 16+ that would include age-specific moderation or parental safety features. 18+ platforms are not appropriate for minors, even if they have their own verification or reporting systems.

Even if age verification is there, it does not make an 18+ social network risk-free for the younger generation. The users may behave inappropriately; they may attempt to circumvent platform safeguards; age-estimation systems can make mistakes, and there is still a potential for grooming, sextortion, or inappropriate contact.

Key Features of Wizz

Wizz offers several amazing features, some of the prominent features ones are listed below:

• Swipe-based Discovery: It enables users to search for profiles and swipe to discover the accounts they want to connect.
• Live-chatting: It includes the feature of chatting with accounts live or with accounts which are online. It reduces the waiting time.
• Age-matched Interaction: Its recommendations and discoveries are based on age. You can connect with your age group community, or you can adjust the age preferences.
• Profile Recommendations: You can boost your profile to increase its visibility, and for your recommendations, it uses age, country or state, gender preferences, and online status.
• Groups and Communities: It includes group chats and live moments that enable you to interact around shared interests.
• Age and Identity Verification: It uses Yoti age estimation, date-of-birth comparison, and potentially ID verification for user safety.

Pricing of Wizz

It is free to download with in-app purchases. Its pricing varies by country, operating system, promotions, and account.

In US, in App Store it provides plans including:

• Wizz Gold: $6.99 for one week and $13.99 for one month
• Wizz Infinity: $14.99 for one week

What to Check Before Downloading an App Like Wizz?

Before downloading any app like Wizz, check the following:

Checklist	Details
Age Requirement	Check the age requirement of the app on the App Store or Play Store to make sure the app is appropriate for your age.
Privacy Assurance	Learn about what personal information it collects and who can see or contact you.
Way to Connect	Learn about how people connect with you, like by direct messaging, joining your chat, through live streams etc. so that you may be more cautious.
Reviews	Check the user comments and reviews given on the Play Store and App Store. From here you would get to know about its recurring complaints about scams, fake profiles, inappropriate content, privacy, or moderation.
In-app Purchases	You must check all information about its in-app purchases as it may include subscriptions, boosts, virtual currency, jems or other purchases.

How We Evaluated These Apps?

We evaluated the other apps like Wizz across iOS and Android, both based on certain essential factors.

• Reviews: We researched thoroughly on reviews, taking reference from the App Store, Play Store, and community forums.
• Onboarding Ease: We checked how quickly or easily the user can get started.
• Matching Relevance: We looked into the recommendations they provide to users, whether the people suggested are relevant to the user’s interests.
• Safety and Moderation: We checked whether the platform provides meaningful protection against scams, creeps, bots, and abuse, and also considered age verification, reporting, blocking, content moderation, privacy tools, and other safeguards.
• Similarity to Wizz: We checked whether the apps let users discover and communicate with new people or just provide messaging features.
• Discovery Model: We look into the discovery model of apps, like how users can discover new people. They may swipe through profiles, search by interests, join groups, participate in live sessions, or discover local communities.
• Target Audience: We looked into the age eligibility of the app, some apps particularly mention the age limits.
• Communication Features: We checked different communication features including messaging, audio rooms, video calls, live streaming, group discussions, etc.
• Pricing: We evaluated the pricing, whether the app is free, includes ads, works on subscriptions, or relies on virtual currencies or includes in-app purchases.
• Overall Use Case: Every platform has its own uniqueness. Some are good for online friendships, some for interest-based communities, and others for adult social discovery.

List of the Best Apps Like Wizz

We have reviewed some of the Top Apps like Wizz to simplify your work:

1. Yubo
2. Hoop
3. LMK
4. MeetMe
5. Wink
6. Kik
7. Meetup 
8. BeFriend formerly Swipr
9. Bigo Live

Comparing the Top Wizz App Alternatives

Applications	Standout Feature	Target Audience	Downloads	Rating
Wizz	Swipe-based discovery	12+	5M+	4.0
Yubo	Live social interaction and interest-based discovery.	18+	10M+	4.5
Hoop	Control over sharing social accounts.	13+	10M+	4.5
LMK	Audio rooms with friend discovery.	16+	10M+	4.0
MeetMe	Social discovery with chat and live features.	18+	100M+	4.0
Wink	Use of AI for social discovery.	18+	5M+	4.0

Detailed Review of Wizz Competitors

#1) Yubo

Standout Feature: Live social interaction and interest-based discovery.
Target Audience: Adults 18+
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Yubo is among the most popular Wizz alternatives that focuses on social discovery rather than traditional social networking. You can discover and connect with people of common interests and also participate in live conversations.

Earlier it allowed teens to sign up, but the current policy only allows 18+. The age is verified through face and age estimation. It also incorporates identity verification, real-time moderation, community guidelines, reporting, and tools such as muted words.

Key Features:

• Profile Discovery and Messaging: You can simply search for profiles of interest through its swipe feature and engage in a conversation with them through messaging, voice notes, GIFs, and reactions to photos or videos.
• Live Video Conversations: It includes live video where users can actually talk, watch, and interact with other users.
• Interest-based Socializing: By looking at the tags, you would know the profile’s interests, hobbies, activities, and entertainment preferences.
• Muted Word Controls: Through this feature you can mute words, phrases, abbreviations, or emojis do not want to see.
• Community Moderation: It keeps monitoring activity on the platform and enforces its community guidelines through automated safety technology and human moderation.
• Reporting and Blocking: You can report any profile if it looks like it violates the platform’s rules and you can also block someone from contacting or finding you across areas of the platform.
• Age Verification: It is currently an 18+ platform. It uses age-estimation technology and additional identity verification to prevent any misrepresentation of age.

How is Yubo Similar to Wizz?

Yubo is similar to Wizz in that it connects you with new people online. But Yubo connects through livestreams and communities, while Wizz is based on swipe and discovery. Yubo provides broader features, mix of live and interactive capabilities.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download.
• Includes in-app purchases starting from $5.99.

URL:

• Yubo for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yubo-chat-meet-make-friends/id1038653883
• Yubo for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_IN&id=co.yellw.yellowapp&utm_

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#2) Hoop

Standout Feature: Control over sharing social accounts.
Target Audience: As per the U.S. Apple App Store listing, it targets the audience above 13 years.
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Hoop is one of the best apps similar to Wizz, as it is based on a swipe and discover model. It emphasizes connecting through existing social platforms.

Here you can browse profiles, send friend requests, discover people around the world, and decide whether to share your social media information. It provides various amazing features along with profile discovery, like friend requests, social-account sharing, diamonds, profile customization, boosts, and more.

Key Features:

• Swipe-based Discovery: It enables you to search for profiles where you can simply swipe to connect with the people you want.
• Friend Requests: You can send friend requests to the people you want to connect with on social apps.
• Global Coverage: You can be connected to millions of profiles within your country and worldwide.
• Diamonds: You can earn diamonds by sharing your profile, daily check-in, watching a video, etc that can later be used for sending friend requests, seeing previous profiles again, and customizing your profile.
• Other Benefits: It provides various other benefits like profile customisation, boosts and more.

How is Hoop Similar to Wizz?

Hoop includes connecting people through social profiles, while Wizz provides a more direct way to connect with new people which is a swipe-to-chat experience. Both platforms are similar in connecting its users with new people.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download with in-app purchases.
• Includes Hoop+ subscriptions:
  • Hoop+ for 1 month: $7.99
  • Hoop+ for 1 week: $2.99

URL: https://hoop.photo/

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#3) LMK

Standout Feature: Audio rooms with friend discovery.
Target Audience: As per the US App Store listing, it is specifically for 16+.
Compatibility: Android and iOS

LMK is one of the best social apps where users can connect with other like-minded people through audio rooms, instant messaging, and calls or chats. It includes a friend discovery option where you just need to swipe right on people you want to be friends with.

As per its U.S. App Store listing, it can be used by users above 16 years of age. It could be a useful Wizz alternative for users who want something more interactive than simply scrolling through profiles.

Key Features:

• Audio Rooms: It includes audio rooms where users can talk to a group of people.
• Friends Discovery: You just need to swipe right on people you want to be friends with.
• Community Feed: You can present yourself on the community feed by building your profile.
• Instant Messaging: You can instantly connect with the people you want to interact with.
• Reporting System: You can report anything that seems inappropriate at the platform itself. The team then evaluates and takes immediate action.

How is LMK Similar to Wizz?

Both LMK and Wizz emphasize discovering and connecting with new people online. But LMK includes more ways to connect like group chats, voice & video features, and interest-based communities. It is more community-oriented than Wizz.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download.
• Includes optional in-app purchases.
• For LMK premium subscriptions, pricing plans are:
  • Monthly: $9.99 per month
  • 3 months: $6.67 per month
  • 6 months: $4.99 per month
• To purchase gems:
  • 100 Gems: $3.99
  • 250 Gems: $8.99
  • 700 Gems: $24.99
  • 2000 Gems: $79.99

URL:

• LMK for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lightspace.lmk&hl=en_US
• LMK for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lmk-make-new-friends/id1463320976?

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#4) MeetMe

Standout Feature: Social discovery with chat and live features.
Target Audience: 18+ Young adults or 18-34
Compatibility: Android and iOS

MeetMe is among the best free apps like Wizz that enable adults who want a good social-discovery environment. It includes messaging and social discovery with live-streaming functionality.

It is best for adults who want broader social-discovery service rather than for teens who just need a friendship app. For age verification, it can process selfie-video frames or government ID information. It allows users to report if they find anything misleading.

Key Features:

• Social Discovery: It enables the users to connect with local like-minded people that share the same interests, and also with people across the globe.
• Live Broadcast: You can start live broadcasting to express yourself, share your personality, and connect with your fans. The platform empowers content creators.
• Live Conversations: You can watch or join live streams created by others and can also react to it in real time.
• Instant Messaging and Chat: It provides free and unlimited messaging. You can connect with people near you via video chat or instant messaging.
• Premium Features: Other features include unblur profiles, profile boosts, undo swipes, remove ads and more.

How is MeetMe Similar to Wizz?

Both the platforms work as social discovery but they work differently. In MeetMe you would get friend discovery with live streaming, messaging, and location-based social features, or have a wider social-networking experience compared to Wizz which includes only swiping and discovering new friends.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download.
• Optional in-app purchases.

URL:

• MeetMe for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details/?hl=en-IN&id=com.myyearbook.m&utm
• MeetMe for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meetme-go-live-meet-people/id372648912?

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#5) Wink

Standout Feature: Use of AI for social discovery.
Target Audience: 18+
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Wink is among the best adult social discovery platforms where you can connect with people for friendship or for deeper relationships.

It includes AI-assisted recommendations and tools like creative profiles, AI-generated bios, etc intended to help users to find people with common interests. The platform is recommended for adults and not for teenagers as it is more than just making friends.

Key Features:

• Friends Discovery: It enables you to connect with friends who have the same interests. You can connect and hang out with them.
• AI-powered Features: By chatting with its AI you can be connected with people that match your energy. Also, it can create your creative bio based on your personality, tone and interests.
• Connects Globally: It connects you with people locally as well as globally anywhere in the world.
• Ensured Safety: It ensures safety by verifying all profiles with its specialized measures.
• Better Connections: Here, you don’t need to swipe to connect; you just need to tell Wink AI about your interests, and it will find you the same match.

How is Wink Similar to Wizz?

Both platforms, Wink and Wizz, are similar in terms of discovering and connecting new people. Wink is the closest alternative to Wizz. But there is a slight difference: Wink is a more dating-oriented platform, while Wizz does not emphasize the same.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download.
• In-app purchases are present.
• Subscription plans are also available.
  • Wink+ Weekly: $8.99-$14.99 per week
  • Wink+ Monthly: $9.99-$13.99 per month
• To increase Profile Visibility:
  • Boost Cost: $4.99
• For Gems purchase:
  • 100 Gems: $0.99-$1.99
  • 500 Gems: $3.99

URL:

• Wink for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wink-dating-meet-chat-date/id1482681335
• Wink for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_IN&id=co.ninecount.wink&u

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#6) Kik

Standout Feature: Username-based messaging.
Target Audience: Ad per U.S. Apple App Store listing, it targets audiences above 18 years.
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Kik is a messaging and chat platform recommended for users to whom privacy around phone-number sharing and who want a messaging-first experience. As it is listed for users above 18, it is not suitable for younger teens.

Like Wizz, here you can connect with people outside your existing phone contacts. You can connect without sharing a phone number and can participate in individual or group conversations.

Key Features:

• Privacy Around Phone-number Sharing: You can connect with the people by sharing your username and not the phone number. Those who need privacy around phone-number sharing prefer it.
• One-to-one Chat: You can connect with the people you want and can chat with them one-to-one.
• Group Chat: There is also a group chat option available where you can chat with people in groups.
• Photo and Video Sharing: You can share photos and videos to your connections. It supports photos, videos, gifs, games and more.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download with optional in-app purchases.
• Includes advertisements.
• To purchase live credits:
  • 100 live credits: $0.99
  • 500 live credits: $4.99
  • 2000 live credits: $14.99
  • 3,700 live credits: $24.99
  • 16,500 live credits: $99.99
  • 70,000 live credits: $399.99
• For ad-free option:
  • Monthly: $2.99
  • Annually: $32.99

URL:

• Kik for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kik.android&hl=en_US
• Kik for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/kik-messaging-chat-app/id357218860?

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#7) Meetup

Standout Feature: Interest-based groups and real-world events.
Target Audience: As per U.S. iOS listing, it is 13+
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Meetup is a decent Wizz alternative recommended for users who prefer to meet people through a shared activity or community. They can participate in organized communities and events. Unlike Wizz, it is not just for connecting strangers through profile swiping but gives a platform for shared interests, communities, events, and group activities.

It is suitable for young users also, as instead of meeting random people individually, they can discover groups based on hobbies, professional interests, sports, technology, entertainment, education, and many other topics.

Key Features:

• Interest-based Groups: It includes interest-based groups based on different categories like social activities, sports & fitness, health & wellbeing, etc. Here you can connect with millions of people with common interests.
• Online Events: Here you can join upcoming online events based on your interests. It could be anything like a creative writing workshop, quran chat, global language exchange, etc.
• Create Groups or Host Events: You can create your own group of specific interest and connect with millions to form a community.
• Search and Discovery: It enables you to discover people of the same interests.
• Global Coverage: You can connect with people near you as well as from all around the world.
• Other Benefits: Other benefits include a a professional network, group discussions, hobby communities, and more.

Pricing Model:

• Free to download.
• Includes a subscription starting from $3.99.

URL:

• Meetup for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meetup
• Meetup for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meetup-social-events-groups/id375990038?

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#8) BeFriend

Standout Feature: Finding friends nearby and the HMU (Hit Me Up) feature.
Target Audience: According to the US App Store listing, it is for 18+
Compatibility: Android and iOS

BeFriend is a friendship-first platform with nearby discovery and interest communities. It was formerly known as Swipr and rebranded to improve the user experience.

It includes finding friends nearby, chatting and video calling, posting “HMU” requests, joining interest communities, connecting through social accounts, and more. The platform is more than just a dating app, it facilitates meaningful friendships with people who share interests and passions.

Key Features:

• Find Friends Nearby: It helps you create meaningful friendships by finding people near you who share the same interests.
• HMU Posts: You can instantly be connected to the new people by posting your interests, hobbies, and plans on HMU (Hit Me Up).
• Swipe-based Discovery: You can simply swipe and discover people who have the same interests and hobbies.
• Interest Communities: It connects you with like-minded people who share the same interests & hobbies and are in the same community, like gaming, art, music, sports, etc.
• Social Connections: It enables you to connect your social media accounts and let your friends know more about you.
• Other Benefits: It includes many other features like an inclusive community, reporting, strict safety measures, and more.

Pricing:

• Free to download.
• BeFriend Plus:
  • 1 Week: $8.99/week
  • 1 Month: $15.99/month
• BeFriend X: $17.99/week
• 1 Week Gems: $6.99
• 500 Diamonds: $1.99-$2.99
• 1,000 Diamonds: $4.99
• 2,500 Diamonds: $10.99
• 5,000 Diamonds: $19.99

URL:

• BeFriend for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/befriend-make-new-friends/id1537012560
• BeFriend for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guppir.swipr

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#9) Bigo Live

Standout Feature: Large-scale live streaming and real-time audience interaction.
Target Audience: 18+
Compatibility: Android and iOS

Bigo Live is a social discovery and live interaction platform that enables you to watch live streams, participate in live conversations, chat with viewers, and much more.

It allows you to showcase your talent to the world in real-time by conducting live broadcasts. It has been used by over 700 million users and supports over 150 countries, including Canada, Japan, Britain, and so on.

Key Features:

• Discover People: It helps you find local and global friends via group chats, video chats, voice chats, and more.
• Live Broadcasting: You can create live broadcasts to showcase your talent to millions and connect with like-minded people.
• Watch Live Streams: You can watch and explore other broadcasters and can also interact with them in real time. 
• Live Chat and Video Interactions: You can connect with people via live chat or with video interactions.
• Other Benefits: interactive face filters, VLOG (Video Blog), Live PK, and more.

Pricing:

• It follows the freemium model, which is free to download with in-app purchases.
• To purchase diamonds:
  • 38 Diamonds: For $0.99
  • 42 Diamonds: For $0.99
  • 276 Diamonds: For $6.99
  • 297 Diamonds: For $6.99
  • 800 Diamonds: For $19.99
  • 2,500 Diamonds: For $59.99
  • 4,193 Diamonds: For $99.99
  • 5,197 Diamonds: For $129.99

URL:

• Bigo Live for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sg.bigo.live&hl=en_US
• Bigo Live for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bigo-live-live-stream-go-live/id1077137248

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Connecting with new people with the same interests and hobbies makes you feel truly understood and supported. And with social discovery apps like Wizz, it becomes easier to do the same.

There are apps that let you discover new people and create meaningful friendships. But there is no platform that is completely risk-free; they generally have strict measures to keep the safety of their users.

Teens should choose the platform whose current age rules, safety features, community structure, and privacy controls are genuinely appropriate for them.

We researched thoroughly and found the best apps similar to Wizz. If you like swiping through profiles, then we have Hoop. For live socializing, Yubo is the best choice. To connect with people of the same interests, groups, and events, go with Meetup.

If you want to connect with people nearby you then select BeFriend. Meanwhile, Kik is more focused on username-based messaging, and BIGO LIVE is designed around live broadcasting.

In this way, you can choose the Wizz alternative that best suits you by looking into their standout features.

Research Process: The total time involved to complete and publish this article is approximately 40 hours. This content was created through a structured research approach to ensure accuracy and reliability.

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