Houseparty: The social video chat app that teens are raving about 

Technology and the internet have emerged as the only pathways to social interaction during the pandemic. Numerous online collective apps and social media platforms were created, all of which appealed to the now socially-deficient users. From group games like Among Us to modern audio chatrooms like Clubhouse, teens and tweens definitely had a wide array of platforms to choose from, apart from the ever-popular Instagram and Twitter. One such app which became extremely popular among teens is Houseparty. Read on to understand what it is, and if it is safe for kids to use. 

What exactly is Houseparty? 
Think about Zoom, but make it more fun. That’s exactly what Houseparty is, and also how it is marketed. Essentially, it is a video-focussing social media app. With its growing popularity, Houseparty recently joined the cohort of apps in the Epic group, which includes the creators of the popular video game, Fortnite. This social video app allows up to a maximum of 8 people to come together and create social reactions at the same time. This occurs via live video and even by text. Users can only add people who they are friends with on Facebook or the contacts existing on their device. With over 20 million users, the app became a huge hit during 2020, although it was launched way back in 2016. Its easy accessibility, fun and casual atmosphere make it a fun way for teens to connect with their friends. 

How is Houseparty different from other video chat apps? 
Apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Apple’s FaceTime, etc. all allow video calls for multiple users. But what sets Houseparty apart from these are its in-app games and trivia features which come in an array of fun categories, from entertainment and popular culture to science and geography. Thus, it is a fun platform for multiple users to interact with each other and have a fun time. It is free to download on the App Store as well as Google Play Store. 

Is Houseparty a safe app for your teen to use? 
Compared to most other social entertainment apps, Houseparty falls on the safer side. This is because it comes with numerous safety and privacy features. However, as with any video app, it can be concerning for parents as it can become a playground for online predators. To tackle this, the app comes with a set of rules which need to be adhered to without any compromise. There are also features such as ‘room lock’ which allow users to lock a video chat room, ensuring that no one else can enter it without permission- even with an invite. The “stranger danger” notification alerts users about the entry of an unknown individual into the chatroom.