How can I get better at socializing as a 16y boy?

For context, I'm pretty introverted and kind of a shut-in but as of recently I've been trying to be more active and just take control of my life so I can achieve the things I want most. And one of those steps to achieving that is socializing.

Outside of online, I'll admit I don't really have friends. I do talk to neighbors often and I'll talk whenever somebody starts a conversation with me but now I feel like it's time I start making friends and just learning how to actually talk with people. I can't get a girl if I can't have simple conversations lol.

Nowadays, I feel like it's harder to be more social with the way teens are and it doesn't help that there's so many bad influences that they follow but then again, I guess that's just life. So that's why I'm reaching out to you guys and asking for possibly any tips on how to get better at socializing?