How do you make friends on social media?

So I (M21) got friends that I know irl and they have told me how they make friends using Snapchat (everyone I know still uses) and also Instagram and they’ve told me a bit of how but I don’t understand.

They say that they have people they know irl added and then will add people with mutual friends and maybe reply to stories and get convos going and sometimes it even leads up to irl meets and friendship and sometimes just online acquaintance. Should I try this?

I’m wanting to use social media to my advantage but idk if I should or for i should without being awkward or creepy. Ps i can make friends in real lot but wanna use social media to my advantage