How to make friends online
The easiest way to make friends online is through something you already love doing.
Updated
Friendships grow from shared interests and repeated, easy contact. Online, that means finding a community about something you care about and turning up regularly. You don't need to be outgoing; being helpful and curious goes a long way.
Here's a simple approach that works, plus Hubs and events on Zertle you could start with today.
Six steps that work
Small, regular steps beat one big effort:
- Pick two or three interests and join a Hub for each
- Introduce yourself with something specific (what you're working on or learning)
- Reply to people's posts with a question or your own experience
- Come back to the same communities, so people start to recognise you
- Join an event, online or in person
- Message people you click with, and keep it low-pressure
Staying safe
Keep personal details private until you know someone, meet in public places, and trust your instincts. On Zertle you can choose who can message you, block or report anyone, and keep your profile visible only to people you choose.
If you're new to a town
Search for Hubs about your town or region and local interests like walking groups, sport and volunteering, and check upcoming events.
Frequently asked questions
Is it weird to make friends online?
Not at all. Many lasting friendships start in online communities around a shared interest.
What should I post first?
A short introduction with something specific: what you're into, what you're working on, or a question for the group.
How do I control who can message me?
In Settings, Privacy, choose whether anyone, members or only your connections can message you.
Are there events?
Yes. Hubs post events you can RSVP to, online and in person.
Related guides and tools
- Find a new social networkOnline communities to joinHubs for every interest, with real conversations and members who help each other.
- Find a new social networkA social network for your hobbiesJoin Hubs for the things you love, share what you're working on and learn from people who've done it before.
- Find a new social networkConnect with your local communityHubs for your town, Pages for local businesses and clubs, and events you can actually go to.
- Find a new social networkA new social media platform for 2026, built around what you're intoZertle brings posts, discussions, communities, events and professional networking together in one free place.
Connect. Share. Discover.
Join Zertle free: Hubs for every interest, real discussions, and free Pages for your business, club or cause.
Find your people