IRL Instead
you matched pic
Find out which of your followers are down to hang IRL
How it works
✔️ Add the Instagram mutuals you’d be down to hang with IRL.
✔️ Mutual matches unlock each other's profiles.
✔️ Matches are prompted to DM each other and go make real life plans.
you matched pic
Find out which of your followers are down to hang IRL
How it works
✔️ Add the Instagram mutuals you’d be down to hang with IRL.
✔️ Mutual matches unlock each other's profiles.
✔️ Matches are prompted to DM each other and go make real life plans.
IRL Instead turns your online to real life friends.
How it works
Add your people
List the mutuals from Instagram you'd be down to hang with IRL.
They join & discover
If your mutual has you on their list too, you’ll match and both show on each other’s “IRL List.”
Make it happen
Matches are prompted to DM each other and go make real life plans.
Non-cringe copy-paste DM templates make it super easy to message your match and make plans to hang IRL. No overthinking required.
my list pic
We break the ice for you.
IRL Instead gives you the reassurance that your mutual is down to hang before you reach out.
Because cold DM-ing someone “wanna be friends IRL?” feels awkward.
Why is it so hard to make friends?
Gen Z is experiencing unprecedented levels of loneliness.
On the one hand, we’ve never been more connected; on the other hand, we’ve never been more isolated.
Why IRL Instead?
We have an entire network of online friends on social media. But the "illusion" of connection is all social media can offer. It’s time we turn online friends into real life friends.
That high school acquaintance, friend-of-a-friend, or Instagram-bestie who you’ve never met before but is always the first to comment on your vacation selfie? They could easily be your real life best friend, if you only met up in real life.
Nervous to make the first move? That’s where we come in.
IRL Instead breaks the ice for you by showing you which of your mutuals are also down to hang.
Frequently Asked Questions
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IRL is a web-based app available at irlinstead.app
IRL Instead is not currently available on the Apple app store or Google Play Store.
To access IRL Instead, users must login at irlinstead.app
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The IRL Instead app is free.
Users can choose to upgrade to a premium membership for $10/month or $90/year.
Premium benefits include:
-See all interested matches (view everyone who has added you to their IRL list even if you haven’t matched)
-Access all copy-paste DM templates
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IRL Instead connects mutual Instagram followers.
Users set up their profile by adding their Instagram username. Make sure it matches your Instagram username exactly so people can find you on the app!
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IRL Instead users typically message mutual matches through Instagram DMs. However, closer acquaintances or old friends may choose to text instead if they already have each other’s phone number!
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Either party can be the first to message. Once you both know the other is down to hang, it’s anyone’s game!
What if your Insta-bestie is also down to be real life besties?
Find out on IRL Instead
Loneliness has been labeled a public health epidemic with effects similar to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
We won’t stand by.
We’re fighting the loneliness epidemic one conversation at a time.
By wearing any piece of Let’s Talk IRL apparel, you can help support our mission and spread the message that offline connection is worth protecting.
Wear the message. Start real conversations offline.
Let’s Talk IRL Hoodies are combatting the loneliness epidemic one conversation at a time. Spark uplifting chats with strangers and new friends with the hoodie that’s inspiring people to talk to each other offline.
Choose your prompt and join the club of people protecting human interaction in a world full of screens.
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Product Details:
Designed for a universally flattering, cozy fit; made responsibly from high-end materials
Made with 80% organic cotton; 20% recycled polyester
Machine wash cold with like colors, normal cycle only, do not bleach. Tumble dry low or air dry, do not iron
Available only on unlineco.com
Wear the message. Start real conversations offline.
A spin off of our Let’s Talk IRL Hoodie, the Let's Talk IRL Baseball Cap is a fashionable sun protector with a greater message.
Let’s Talk IRL is combating the loneliness epidemic one conversation at a time. Wear the message and join the club of people protecting human interaction in a world full of screens.
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Product Details:
Made with 100% organic cotton
Adjustable snap-back closure
Available only on unlineco.com
Let’s Talk IRL Phone Cases are combating the loneliness epidemic one conversation at a time. Spark uplifting chats with strangers and new friends with the phone case that's inspiring people to talk to each other offline.
Choose your prompt and join the club of people protecting human interaction in a world full of screens.
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Product Details:
Made with 100% polycarbonate (shell), 100% TPU (lining); glossy finish
Dual-layer case for extra durability and protection
Available only on unlineco.com
What’s the loneliness epidemic?
The loneliness epidemic is a term used to describe an increase in social isolation in recent years due to:
Heavy, often isolating, social media use
Lasting impact of COVID-19 lockdowns
Fewer in-person “third places”
1 in 2 adults report feeling lonely and young people aged 16 to 24 feel more lonely than any other age group.
The benefits we’re missing
Brief, positive interactions with strangers—like a quick chat with a barista or a compliment in an elevator—can significantly boost our mood, increase happiness, and reduce loneliness.
That’s why Unline is creating opportunities for positive human connection in everyday life.
Our story
Unline is helping people connect in real life.
After learning 1 in 2 adults struggle with social isolation as a result of living in the social media and digital technology age, we set out to turn that around…