Bumble BFF helps you find genuine friends—no dating pressure, just people to hang out with. Since its launch, it’s evolved into a full friend-finding experience with group tools, safety features, and community events designed for real-life connections.
TL;DR
- Bumble’s friend mode evolved into a refreshed BFF app with group and community features
- Friend-matching is still same-gender only for safety reasons
- Bumble For Friends (standalone app) still exists in some regions
- New safety tools include photo and ID verification, and in-app calls
- Yes, men use it—and it’s more active than ever
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What Is Bumble BFFs For?
Bumble BFF is designed for building platonic friendships. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to meet new people outside of work or social media. Whether you’re looking for a workout partner, brunch buddy, or travel companion, BFF makes it possible to connect quickly and safely.
The app now includes features that help you join or create friend groups and find local communities—so you can meet one-on-one or discover social circles around shared interests.
When Was Bumble BFF Invented?
Bumble was created by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014 as a feminist alternative to Tinder. She soon noticed that women struggled not only in dating but also in making friends. That insight led to the launch of Bumble BFF in 2016.In 2023, Bumble introduced Bumble For Friends, a standalone app focused solely on friendship. In 2025, the U.S. friend experience was upgraded into a new BFF app that merges the best parts of BFF Mode and Bumble For Friends, adding group discovery and events. Availability varies by region.
Is Bumble BFF Still A Thing?
Absolutely. Bumble’s friend-finding features are growing faster than ever. The latest update introduced friend groups and community tools—perfect for sports teams, hobby clubs, or just casual hangouts.
Bumble continues to focus on safety with features like photo verification, optional ID checks, and in-app voice or video chats. It remains one of the safest and most popular platforms for making friends online.
Can Straight Guys Use Bumble BFF?
Yes! Bumble BFF is for everyone. While it’s slightly more popular among women, many men use it to meet new friends and expand their circles. It’s a judgment-free way to find like-minded guys to hang out with, whether it’s sports, gaming, or just grabbing a drink.
Can You Make Friends Of Different Genders On Bumble BFF?
Currently, Bumble restricts friend matching to people of the same gender. This policy helps maintain user comfort and safety. While some users wish it were more flexible, Bumble has stated that the same-gender rule helps prevent unwanted behavior and ensures a positive experience.
Final Thoughts
Bumble BFF started as an experiment—and it worked. It’s evolved into one of the most effective ways to meet genuine friends online. The 2025 updates, especially the focus on friend groups and local communities, make it even easier to form real-life connections.
If you’re new in town, starting over, or just want to meet people outside your usual circle, Bumble BFF (or Bumble For Friends) might be exactly what you need.
FAQ
Is Bumble BFF a separate app now?
It depends on your region. In some places, you’ll find Bumble For Friends, a standalone app. In the U.S., the updated BFF app combines friend-finding with group features and community tools.
What’s new in Bumble BFF 2025?
The latest version focuses on group connections, local communities, and hobby-based meetups—moving beyond just one-on-one matching.
Can I match with different genders on BFF?
No, Bumble currently keeps BFF friend matching same-gender only, prioritizing comfort and safety for all users.
Is Bumble BFF safe?
Yes. Bumble uses photo and ID verification, along with built-in audio and video calls, to keep users safe. Always meet in public the first time you hang out.
What happened to my old Bumble BFF chats?
Your profile and chats may migrate automatically to the new BFF app, depending on your region. You’ll be prompted in-app if any action is needed.
Who runs Bumble in 2025?
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble’s founder, returned as CEO in 2025—bringing renewed focus on building healthy relationships and communities through Bumble’s ecosystem.
