Meetup has been around since 2002. It is still considered one of the most effective social networking platforms for meeting new people. Meetup hosts events and groups centered around just about anything. From activities like crochet and sports, to business talks and workshops, it’s free for anyone looking for something interesting to do.

The app is designed in a way that allows people to meet a group rather than individuals. Here are some of the biggest reasons why Meetup is still a great app for building a social circle and for networking with like-minded individuals.

1. It's Easy to Find Activities That Interest You

Meetup is an app dedicated to all sorts of activities, which means you’re bound to find something that interests you. There are events and groups that cater to specific hobbies such as artistic pursuits, but there are also more general meetups for restaurant-goers and casual drink get-togethers.

When you sign up, you'll be able to see a calendar and events in your area. You can search by events and groups. On the page of the group, you'll be able to see its members, the organizer/s, events, photos, and discussions. When you find something that interests you, you can request to join.

2. You Can Make New Friends

As a platform that promotes itself as an app that encourages authentic connections between people, it’s an app that could boost your social life and help you make new friends. Everyone’s there with the same purpose, to interact, which is why joining groups you are interested in can connect you with people who like the same things.

3. You Can Attend as Many Social Events as You Want

There’s no limit to how many events you can sign up for. You can attend an event every single day of the week or you can sign up for one or two events.

There are events that get booked up quickly, so there are times when you may have to join a waiting list. This is when venues cater to certain numbers or if hosts prefer to have a limit of people they want at the social.

4. You Can See Who’s Going Before You Get There

Before you sign up for an event, you can see how many people are coming. You can also see those people’s profiles. If you want to get in contact with the organizer, you can send them a message.

If you want to connect with someone in the group, you can also them a private message. When you look at someone's profile, you can see how many past events they've attended and the groups they belong to.

5. It’s Good for Your Confidence

Putting yourself in new and interesting situations where you don’t know anyone is a great way to practice socializing. By attending different events, it can be an app that helps you build confidence and improve your wellness.

If you like a group, you can sign up for all its activities in advance. If you become a regular in a group, it’s likely that you’ll start seeing the same people again and again.

6. It’s a Spontaneous Way to Make Weekend Plans

If you’re bored and alone on most weekends, signing up to an event on the same day that it is happening is a great way to get out and about. All you need to do is search for events happening right now in your area to see what’s out there.

7. You Can Host Your Own Group

If you can’t find a group you would like to join, you can host your own for a subscription fee. There is a standard monthly fee which gives you access to community essentials like organizing events and assigning co-hosts.

There is also a Pro plan for larger communities and networks which gives you a lot more options.

8. People Have Met Their Partners on Meetup

Some meetups are dedicated to singles wanting to meet other singles. If you prefer to meet people in a group setting rather than via an app like Tinder, then Meetup might be the safer option.

You can check who is coming in advance before you decide whether you want to join. If you happen to meet someone you like at one of the meetups, and if you didn’t exchange personal details, you can find their profile on the group’s page and get in touch.

9. It Can Broaden Your Horizons

On Meetup there are events that specifically cater to different communities, such as tech and programming fairs, gaming expos, yoga retreats, and much more. You can also attend workshops and programs organized by different organizations and broaden your horizons.

10. It's Great for People Living in Small Towns

If you don’t live in a big city and are struggling to find people with the same interests in your area, search for a meetup closest to you to see what is available. There is a chance that others who are in the same situation as you are doing the same.

If you can’t find anything within your radius, try hosting your own group and see what happens.

11. It Offers New Experiences

If you’ve gone to a meetup and it was awkward because you didn’t immediately click with the people there, don’t be afraid to try again. The good thing about meetup is that each experience will usually be different depending on who attends and the number of people that join.

While you may not get along with everyone, the more you attend, your chances of finding like-minded people increase.

Make the Most Out of Meetup

Meetup is an app that encourages people to meet face-to-face. While it does host online events, it focuses on promoting events and groups in your community. To get the most out of Meetup, be sure to use your exact location. When selecting groups and activities you are interested in, choose the ones that gel with you the most.

Use the app in a way that helps you get the most out of it. Sign up for events that are realistic for your time-management. Join as many meetings as you like, but try not to over-commit so that you don’t get overwhelmed.