The Best LDR Apps to Strengthen Your Long-Distance Relationship
The best LDR apps are a gamechanger for long distance relationships that last and make the heart grow fonder despite oceans between them.
Long-distance relationships. If you’re in one, you know the struggle. And if you’re not, well, let me just tell you – it’s a constant battle of making your long distance relationship thrive when the world is always telling you it’s probably not going to last.
But here’s the thing: it can last. It’s all about finding the right tools (and a little bit of creativity and dedication) to make the distance feel…well, hopefully not so distant.
My husband and I met on a penpal app in 2021 and have since tried many other apps to stay connected the best we could. How can we be together when the rest of the world believes long distance doesn’t count as a real relationship? How can we stay together when the rest of the world believes long distance is the biggest killer for any relationship?
The truth is, you can’t blame the distance if you just haven’t met the person. The right person WILL wait for you to overcome that distance, as long as you are both committed to each other 100% on and offline.
First and foremost, you need a strong relationship to last the long distance. Check out our other blog posts like our 90 questions to ask your long distance partner or our guide on how to build a healthy multicultural long distance relationship to learn how to build a strong relationship to last the distance.
So for those looking for ways to last the distance, I want to share some of the best LDR apps that have worked for us, and a few habits that have helped us keep the spark alive. The best LDR apps can make all the difference in how you navigate this journey, so let’s begin!
Best LDR Apps for Successful Long-Distance
1) Slowly – Like Snail Mail, But Digital
Slowly is one of the best LDR apps for writing long heartfelt letters to a friend or long distance partner. If you’ve always been fond of writing handwritten letters but can’t quite make it to the post office (or maybe it’s just too expensive), then Slowly is the perfect alternative. This app simulates the feeling of snail mail by delaying the delivery of each message, just like a letter would arrive in your mailbox after a few days’ time.
It’s for those who appreciate the wait for a small gift from your loved one, or for those who wish to write something special for a LDR partner. When they say the heart grows fonder with distance, I’m sure this is what they mean: writing long letters to your partner and waiting in anticipation for them to receive them. This sort of dedication will last a lifetime.
My husband and I actually met on this app in 2021, so it’s definitely an app we would recommend for anyone looking for a successful long distance relationship. We wrote letters that were sometimes over 4,000 words long – definitely not your average “hey babe, what’s up?” text. There’s something so nostalgic and romantic about waiting for a letter to arrive. And let’s face it, in today’s instant-message world, waiting for a letter is really special.
2) Telegram – For Phone Calls That Don't Drop Out
When it comes to staying connected every day, Telegram is our go-to. It’s free, reliable, and has this amazing feature: persistent video calls that you can rejoin anytime. It’s like having an ongoing virtual space just for the two of you. We’ve had calls that lasted days (even weeks to months), even while one of us was working or sleeping, simply because it’s comforting to have the other person ‘there.’
This can only be done if two people create a group and the phone/video call is created from there. Then you can jump in on the phone call as if it were a zoom meeting link.
It’s those small things – hearing each other’s voice in the background or just knowing you’re with them as if you are actually with them – that make the distance feel a little less overwhelming. Telegram is by far our favorite among our list of best ldr apps, as it was our biggest lifesaver during these times of distance.
3) Happyfeed – A Mini Gratitude Journal (For You and Your Partner)
I’m a huge fan of journal writing and writing down small memories to remember for my future self, and Happyfeed lets us document the little joys in life. The app is like a mini journal where you can write down a note of gratitude, a memory, or something that stood out to you that day. And you can add a photo!
We both share our entries with each other, and it’s honestly a great way to remind ourselves of the good moments, even when we’re apart. It also helps to focus on the positives – trust me, when you’re far away from your partner, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing.
4) Snapchat – For Using Entertaining Filters in a Video Chat
While my husband and I don’t use social media much, we’re actually big advocates for not having social media on the phone at all (especially as a LDR couple), we still resort to Snapchat for our video chats to be a little more entertaining than usual. A little late to the party, we created Snapchat accounts specifically for our LDR.
The video calls are definitely necessary if you don’t have much to talk about but still want to find something to laugh about together, which is why we use all the goofy filters you can use. I mean, I say it’s highly entertaining when you can look like a talking fish and your partner an old man.
It’s these kinds of moments that can make your day a little lighter and remind you that you don’t have to be sad over the distance all the time. Plus, the video call quality is surprisingly good, so you can keep the conversation flowing without graininess.
5) Anniversary Reminder Apps – Find Different Dates to Look Forward to as a LDR Couple
Little milestones matter, and anniversary reminder apps like My Love (or even just a shared Google calendar) are lifesavers. Whether it’s an anniversary, a special date, or just a reminder of when you’ll finally be together, these apps help you keep track of the important stuff.
We think this is very important, especially as an LDR couple, because if both of you are looking forward to your own relationship milestones, you’re on the same page and communicating your dedication to each other very well at a distance.
And we all know remembering dates is hard – especially when you’ve got a time zone difference to navigate. But this is a lifesaver for keeping your LDR going strong.
6) InShot – Your “Day in the Life” Video Editor
One of the best habits we’ve developed in our LDR is documenting our day-to-day life. We use InShot, which is a very easy-to-use and free video editor, to compile videos and photos from our daily adventures into “day in the life” montages. I can’t tell you how much it means to share these snippets of our day with each other – whether it’s me having chai in the morning or my husband out exploring different temples in the city, it’s like a little mini movie of our lives, and it keeps us connected. If we’re sharing every moment of our lives together, we feel like we’re still experiencing life together and there are never any missed moments.
Every time we visit a new place or just going about life, we make sure to record the little moments. Then, when we’re both free, we edit it all together and send it off. It’s like sharing a memory in real-time, even when we’re miles apart.
Habits To Strengthen Your Bond
While apps are super helpful, the right habits can make all the difference too. Here are some of the little things we’ve done that have helped us feel closer, even when we’re oceans apart:
Keep a Continuous Call Going
As I mentioned, we love using Telegram for continuous calls, but the key here is making it a habit. Having that constant “open call” where you can just drop in whenever feels so comforting. Whether it’s while working or sleeping, knowing that you can jump in at any moment is one of those small, but most important, things that help bridge the distance.
I always knew what my husband was doing throughout the day even without being in the same country, because I’m almost always there with him on a call. When we both make ourselves available for each other, we always feel safe and connected with each other. That level of connection is something all LDR couples should strive for.
Create a Shared Group for Music and Videos
This one’s a fun habit my husband and I love doing whenever we’re not able to spend time together. We created a private Telegram group where we share music, YouTube videos, or articles that we’re both enjoying throughout the day. It’s like a playlist of experiences that we can bond over, even when we’re apart.
Plus, it’s something to talk about at the end of the day when we do have time to spend together. It keeps the conversation flowing in a natural way – we’re always sharing new things with each other.
Take Pictures and Videos of Your Day
I know, I know, I’ve already mentioned this enough times. But once again, sharing moments of your life is a big communication method for sharing your day with your LDR partner. Take photos and videos of everything. All the little things in your day matter. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a cool sunset, or a funny moment at work, sharing these snapshots of life can make your partner feel connected in your life, like they’re there with you. It’s like sending a piece of your world every day, which is extremely important for LDR couples.
Set a Schedule (Sort of)
Spontaneity is great, but sometimes having a rough schedule for when you’ll be free to spend time together really helps manage expectations. Let each other know when you’ll be free in your schedule so that you both know when to carve out time to connect. It’s the little things that help make sure you’re on the same page.
If you have a work or school schedule, your LDR partner should have that with them as well, so that they know when you have to attend anything mandatory. That way there’s no worrying about what your partner is up to throughout the day, you already know.
Celebrate Small Milestones
Long distance relationships are (of course) NOT easy. So it’s very important that you focus on the positives while you are away from one another. Celebrate those small victories. Whether it’s surviving a tough week or hitting a goal together, take time to acknowledge it. Send a quick message, plan a virtual date, or even send a cute gift. Celebrating the small moments makes the distance feel not as bad as you had thought it would be.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Long distance relationships require a lot of effort, creativity, dedication, and a lot, a lot, a lot of communication. The best LDR apps and habits can help you bridge the gap, but it’s the effort you put in that truly makes a difference. So, don’t be afraid to get a little creative with how you stay connected. Make it fun, make it meaningful, and most importantly, make it work for you.
Remember: It’s not just about staying in touch – it’s about staying emotionally close, no matter how many miles are between you. This is why LDR will only work for strong couples that are very good at communicating their thoughts and feelings with each other. With the right tools and habits by using some of the best ldr apps out there, distance can actually bring you closer together than ever before.
Make the distance count, so that it truly makes the heart grow fonder.
– Maeve & Kart
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories.
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Maeve & Kart
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
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