Houseparty: How does it work and why has it become so popular?

With the lockdown in place, we’re all missing social interaction, seeing our loved ones and our friends. Trying to find new ways to enjoy that connection through technology, one app that has gained a lot of attention, in particular, is Houseparty.

A lot of the population seem to be delving right into this new way of communicating and skipping the ways of Skype to now entering the world of this creation. If you’re wondering what it is and how to use it, then you’ve come to the right place.

What is Houseparty?

It’s a face to face social networking app that has gained a massive amount of users within the last few weeks, because of just how simple it is to use it. It’s appealing to many and getting the hang of it is easy. Rather than having to make a phone call like you normally would, you can enter in and out of ‘houses’.

It alerts you when your friends are online so that you can jump straight into a conversation and as soon as you enter the app your friends will be able to see you’re active. There are many features on the app but the one that has gained the most attention is the fact you can play games with your loved ones and have a laugh.

Funnily enough, though Houseparty has actually been around since January of 2016, but has seen a massive surge in people wanting to use the app since lockdown began. It was created by Epic Games, who are the creators of Fortnite and Unreal Engine.

TechBoomers over at YouTube have come up with this handy guide for those who want to jump in:

 

How does it work?

It’s all fairly simple to get started, only requiring a minimum amount of information to get your page set up, from there you’ll be chatting away in no time. It’s available for iPhone/IOS and Android as well as macOS.

The app is free to use, download and join there are some in-app purchases, but they’re under no circumstances are you obliged to purchase them, they’re not a requirement of using the service.

To download on PC or laptop, you’ll need to use the Google Chrome browser, install the extension and sign in to Houseparty. However, this version doesn’t have all the entertaining features that the app has, but you can still video chat with friends.

Here’s how to set up your account:  Download the app, tap the Sign-Up button, enter your email, full name, birthday. Type in a username and password that’ll you’ll remember! You will then be given the option to link up to your Snapchat account to add a profile photo.

Next, type in your phone number so they can certify it, you’ll receive a text with a code, enter that into the box.

Once you’ve done these steps you’ll be taken to a variety of windows that will allow you to add existing contacts as friends on Houseparty. It will then ask permission to access your phone and Facebook contacts to see if there is anyone you know who is already registered to Houseparty. You do not need to accept this you can refuse.

Allowing it will let Houseparty access your contacts, by tapping on the add button next to the name of each person you’d like to add. You can also invite friends if they don’t actually have the app downloaded.

A message will appear on the screen asking permission to send notifications and to use your microphone and camera, click the circle and you’ll get a pop up asking you to confirm.

Well, that’s it, you’re ready to use Houseparty and immerse in all the features it has to offer.

What games does Houseparty have?

When Houseparty is mentioned, it’s often for the fact it has a variety of games which you can play as a group. Some of the games include Heads Up!, Trivia, Chips and Guac, and Quick Draw. You can play these with up to eight people.

Is Houseparty safe?

There has been a wide range of rumours circulating online that the app is considered to be unsafe to use. With comments saying that the app is related to personal information hacks, including bank accounts, Netflix, and more.

When these comments began to appear, Houseparty took to Twitter to ensure everyone that has downloaded the app, is it’s safe to use.

All Houseparty accounts are safe – the service is secure, has never been compromised, and doesn’t collect passwords for other sites.

— Houseparty (@houseparty) March 30, 2020

There is no reason to believe that the app is unsafe, but if you’re cautious then be sure to add a lengthy password that not many would pick up on and don’t feel obliged to add your bank details in if you’re not considering purchasing any of the in-app features.

Why has it become so popular?

Well considering it’s actually been around for four years, it has only just starting to gain popularity recently with people all over the world signing up to entertain themselves through this lockdown and trying to pass the time whilst we’re stuck inside, being able to communicate in a quick and easy way.

If you’re missing a night out, take it to Houseparty many around the world are creating their own online virtual parties. You can have up to eight people in a chat at one time so it’s perfect to get everyone together and perhaps test your quiz skills or simply just enjoy each other’s company.

So, if this sounds like something you’d enjoy, be sure to download it and let us know what you think.