Kansas City, Missouri, August 1, 2025
TAP
TAP is an innovative social connection app founded by Kansas City natives Amin Wakas and Max Nelson. Launched two years ago, the platform aims to combat loneliness by facilitating spontaneous, face-to-face interactions among users within the Kansas City area, primarily targeting young adults aged 24 to 36. Unlike traditional social apps, TAP eliminates algorithms, encouraging users to post real-time invitations for brief meetings at local cafés or bars. The app emphasizes safety with verified phone numbers and reporting features, and minimizes profile information to reduce judgment. Wakas, a program and product manager, and Nelson, a developer, develop TAP as a passion project to foster community engagement and create meaningful local connections, with future plans for expansion and local business collaborations.
News Summary
Amin Wakas and Max Nelson, two Kansas City locals, have introduced TAP, an innovative app designed to help individuals connect over meals or drinks. Created to address the loneliness many have felt during the Covid-19 pandemic, TAP encourages spontaneous interactions without the use of algorithms. The app aims particularly at newcomers to Kansas City, offering a unique platform for brief conversations and community engagement, while prioritizing user safety and comfort.
Kansas City natives Amin Wakas and Max Nelson recently launched an innovative app called TAP, aiming to mitigate the increasing sense of loneliness experienced by many, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The app, which stands for “time and place,” allows users to invite others to share a conversation over a meal or drink, thus fostering community connections.
Wakas, who hails from south Kansas City, and Nelson from Overland Park, created TAP two years ago to specifically address the challenges faced by transplants moving to Kansas City who may struggle to meet new people. With approximately 300 users currently signed up, the app primarily attracts individuals aged 24 to 36.
TAP distinguishes itself from typical social applications by eliminating algorithms that match users. Instead, it promotes spontaneous, face-to-face interactions. Participants are encouraged to post a TAP, indicating their meeting location, such as a local coffee shop or bar. Other users within a 20-mile radius can view the post and request to join. Once an invitation is accepted, the user who posted the TAP can share the exact location for the encounter.
While short interactions lasting 10 to 15 minutes are encouraged, the creators emphasize that their goal is not necessarily to forge lasting friendships. The app prioritizes user convenience and comfort, making it easier for individuals to connect without the pressure typical in other social networking platforms.
Safety is also a key consideration for TAP’s design, which includes various protocols such as requiring verified phone numbers and providing a reporting process for users concerned about safety. Users can chat only during active TAP sessions, allowing a controlled environment for interactions, while safety concerns can be reported if necessary.
To enhance user experience, TAP limits bios, reducing the information overload and minimizing potential judgment compared to other platforms. Registered users fill out a bio that includes their age, profile picture, personality type, hobbies, interests, and traits they seek in friends. This design aims to encourage users to be themselves without the added pressure of immediate connections.
Both Wakas and Nelson maintain full-time jobs in addition to developing and promoting TAP, with Wakas as a program and product manager and Nelson as a developer. They see TAP not just as a project but as a passion fueled by the desire to create meaningful connections in the community. Their future ambitions include broadening the app’s reach across Kansas City and potentially beyond.
Plans for the future also involve collaborating with local businesses to establish vendor TAPs for larger gatherings and exclusive discounts. In addition, the creators intend to host frequent TAP sessions to enhance user engagement and create more opportunities for connection among participants.
The TAP app is readily available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, under the name “TAP – Find Your People.”
Key Features of TAP
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Immediate Interactions | Focus on spontaneous face-to-face meetings without an algorithm. |
| User Safety | Utilizes verified phone numbers and a reporting process for security. |
| Short Sessions | Encourages brief interactions, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Minimal Bios | Limits user profile information to reduce the pressure of judgment. |
| Community Engagement | Plans for partnerships with local businesses and hosting events. |
FAQ
What is TAP?
TAP is an app designed to help individuals connect in person by allowing users to offer a seat at their table for conversation.
How does TAP work?
Users post a TAP indicating their location, and others within a 20-mile radius can request to join for a brief conversation.
Is there an algorithm used in TAP?
No, TAP encourages spontaneous interactions without matching algorithms, fostering immediate connections.
What safety measures does TAP have in place?
TAP requires verified phone numbers and includes a reporting process for safety concerns.
What demographic does TAP target?
TAP primarily targets users aged 24 to 36, including many newcomers to the Kansas City area.
Where can I download the TAP app?
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play under the name “TAP – Find Your People.”
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
