50 Conversation Starters for New Friends Online

How to start a conversation online

A specific question gives someone a starting point that a bare “hi” may not. Use something they chose to share publicly: “I noticed you enjoy photography. What do you like taking pictures of? I am learning to photograph street scenes.” Avoid guessing personal details from a photo.

Choose one prompt rather than sending a questionnaire. Adapt the wording to your voice and use whichever language you both feel comfortable with. No opening line guarantees a reply.

Hobbies and interests

1. What hobby would you happily spend a free afternoon on?
2. How did you first get interested in the hobby on your profile?
3. What would you recommend to someone trying your favourite activity for the first time?
4. Have you made anything recently that you enjoyed working on?
5. Is there a sport you enjoy playing even when you lose?
6. What is one thing you would like to learn just for fun?
7. Do you prefer cooking from a recipe or experimenting?
8. What is something interesting you noticed on a recent walk?
9. If you could join a weekend workshop, what would you choose?
10. What small project are you looking forward to finishing?

Music, movies, books and games

11. Which song would you put first on a road-trip playlist?
12. What film do you enjoy recommending, and who would like it?
13. Have you read a book that changed your mind about something?
14. Which game is fun even for someone who is completely new to it?
15. Do you prefer subtitles or dubbed versions when watching another language?
16. Which fictional world would you visit for just one day?
17. What is a soundtrack you enjoy without watching the film?
18. Is there a regional artist you think more people should hear?
19. Would you rather play a cooperative game or a friendly competition?
20. What is the last story ending you wanted to discuss with someone?

College, work and a new chapter

21. What surprised you most when you started college or your first job?
22. Have you found a routine that makes a busy week easier?
23. What is a skill you learned outside your course or job?
24. What kind of club would you enjoy joining as an adult?
25. What helped you settle into a new place?
26. Is there a project you would enjoy doing with other people?
27. What is one non-work thing you look forward to after a long day?
28. How do you stay in touch with friends when schedules change?
29. What is a useful piece of advice you received when starting something new?
30. If you had a study or coworking session, would you choose silence or background music?

Low-pressure icebreakers

31. What food combination do you like that your friends find surprising?
32. If your week had a film title, what would it be?
33. Would you rather have an extra hour in the morning or the evening?
34. Which everyday task deserves its own victory celebration?
35. What harmless opinion would you defend in a very unserious debate?
36. If you could instantly master one board game, which would you pick?
37. What is the most useful thing in your bag right now, without sharing anything private?
38. Which emoji best describes your energy today?
39. Would you choose a rainy-day playlist or a sunny-day picnic?
40. What would you name a cafe if you opened one?

Deeper questions, when you both feel comfortable

41. What makes you feel included in a group?
42. What quality do you appreciate most in a friend?
43. What is something small you feel proud of learning?
44. How do you like friends to support you on a difficult day?
45. What does a restful weekend look like for you?
46. Is there a tradition you enjoy keeping, or one you would like to start?
47. What is a perspective you have changed as you have grown?
48. What kind of shared experience would you like to have with friends?
49. When do you feel most able to be yourself?
50. What is something you would like to make more time for this year?

What to say after the first reply

Notice one detail, share a related experience, then ask a follow-up. Give the conversation space to move away from your original question.

• Them: “I started badminton recently.” You: “I am a beginner too. What part have you enjoyed learning most?”
• Them: “I listen to Tamil indie music.” You: “That is new to me. Which track would you suggest starting with?”
• Them: “I just moved for work.” You: “Settling in can take a while. Have you found an activity you enjoy outside work?”

Offer your own answers too. If they give short replies or change the subject, follow their lead rather than asking increasingly personal questions.

Respect silence, privacy and boundaries

A delayed reply may simply mean someone is busy. Do not send repeated nudges, demand an explanation or contact them on another platform without permission. A conversation can end without either person doing anything wrong.

Save deeper questions for mutual comfort. Skip topics about income, precise location, relationships or private experiences unless the person freely chooses to discuss them. Ask before calling or sharing someone’s messages.

Read our online friendship safety guide. If starting feels awkward, try the short guide to a low-pressure first conversation.

Find a shared starting point

You can discover people with shared interests through GenZMeet profiles and Waves. Available people and replies depend on participation and mutual interest. If you have recently relocated, explore ways to meet people after moving to a new city.