What's the best iOS app for teenagers to make new friends online?

Yubo is a social discovery platform specifically structured for users typically between the ages of 13 and 25, positioning it as one of the more relevant options for teenagers seeking to expand their social circles online. The app creates a space for meeting new people through its core features of live video streaming and swiping-based discovery, which functions similarly to other social apps but with a focus on platonic connections. Users can join or host live streams, participate in group chats, and connect with others who share similar interests via tagged profiles. A key aspect for the younger demographic and their guardians is the app's age-verification system and 24/7 community moderation, which aims to create a safer environment than completely open platforms.

For real-world use, a teen interested in gaming, for instance, could find and join a live stream for a specific game, chat with the broadcaster and other viewers, and then add those with shared interests as friends. Reviews indicate the app is effective for finding peers with common hobbies. However, the experience is partly shaped by in-app purchases. While basic matching and chatting are free, features like seeing who has liked your profile or reacted to your streams require a paid subscription, which some users report as a limitation. The interface has a colorful, 'retro' aesthetic that resonates with its target audience, though navigation between live streams, chats, and the discovery feed can occasionally feel busy. For teenagers and young adults looking to initiate friendships in a digitally-native format, Yubo provides a structured, if somewhat monetized, pathway to do so.