Making friends online as an adult: what actually works
Updated
Making friends as an adult is harder than it was in school. There's no homeroom, no dorm hallway, no built-in reason to see the same people every day. If you want to make friends online, you have to create that repetition on purpose.
This guide is honest about what works and what doesn't, with practical steps you can start tonight. We'll also be upfront about where a random video chat like momos fits, and where it doesn't.
Free, in your browser. Adults 18+.
Why it feels hard (and why that's normal)
Friendships usually grow from two things: repeated contact and some shared context. Work, school, and neighborhoods used to provide both. Remote jobs, moves, and busy schedules strip them away, so lots of adults end up with fewer close friends than they'd like.
That's not a personal failing. It just means you have to replace the old structure with a new one.
A realistic plan to make friends online
- Pick one or two places that match how you like to connect: text communities, games, classes, or live video.
- Show up regularly. Same server, same game night, same time of evening for video chats.
- Be the one who follows up. Most people want to keep talking but wait for the other person to go first.
- Move from public to private slowly: a group chat, then one-on-one messages, then maybe a call.
- Expect most connections to fade. A handful sticking around is a good result.
- If someone local becomes a real friend, pick a busy public spot for the first meetup and let a friend know where you'll be.
Where momos fits, honestly
What it's good for
Fast, face-to-face conversations with adults across the US. It's great for practicing small talk, meeting people outside your bubble, and finding the occasional person you really click with.
What helps it work
Pick interests you care about so matches have something in common with you. After a good call, send a friend request so you can message later. Your match history helps you remember who you talked to.
What it's not
It's not a friendship guarantee. Most random calls are one-time conversations. That's fine. The value is in the few that turn into more.
Different starting points, different approaches
You just moved
Set your match area to "My state" so you meet people who know the area, and ask them for local tips. "I just moved to Raleigh, where should I get barbecue?" is an easy opener that invites a real answer.
You work remotely
Your days may be quiet, so build a small routine: a few calls after work, a weekly game night, or a regular online class. The routine matters more than the platform.
You're out of college
You lost the easiest friend-making setup there is. Recreate a bit of it with interest-based spaces where the same faces show up again and again.
Habits of people who make friends easily
| Habit | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Remembering one detail | Shows you were actually listening |
| Messaging first | Removes the guesswork for the other person |
| Suggesting a specific plan | "Tic Tac Toe rematch on Thursday?" beats "we should talk sometime" |
| Being okay with slow | Trust takes time, especially online |
| Not oversharing early | Keeps things comfortable for both of you |
Stay smart while you're being open
Friendly people are sometimes targets. Watch out for anyone who brings up money, gift cards, or crypto, love-bombs you quickly, or rushes you onto a different app. Keep your address, workplace, and financial details private.
On momos, the report and block buttons are right in the call bar. Calls aren't recorded by momos, though your match could capture their screen.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to make real friends online?
Yes. Many lasting friendships start online. It takes repeated contact and follow-up, the same as offline.
How long before an online chat turns into a friendship?
There's no fixed timeline. Expect several conversations over a few weeks before someone feels like a real friend.
Can I add someone I meet on momos as a friend?
Yes. Send a friend request once the call ends, then message them whenever you like.
What if I'm shy or introverted?
Try short sessions and lean on built-in tools like conversation-starter cards and games. Duo mode lets you bring a friend along, which can take the pressure off.
Adults only. Never recorded.
momos is for people 18 and older. We don't record or store calls, and report and block are always one tap away. See the safety center.