One question I get from those working from home is “How do I meet new people and become friends with them?”

Here’s my answer:

By meaningfully engaging with people’s content.
Could also be an influencer.
Commenting just with the intention of giving, nothing else.

Over a period of time, they’ll start noticing you.
They’ll start trusting you for the value you bring on the table. 

You both may not know each other, however, you both know of each other now.
And that paves the way to know each other.

Forming friends online is the same as forming friends offline: engaging without any hidden meaning.