5 best apps for socialising at home

Let the party come to you

There's no need to miss out on the fun!
Author: Hollie-Anne BrooksPublished 20th Mar 2020
Last updated 20th Mar 2020

It looks like we're all going to be stuck indoors for a while but that doesn't mean party time is over - quite the opposite! A new wave of apps have come along to help you hook up with your friends and socialise in the comfort of your own home. Best of both worlds, right?

5 best apps for socialising at home

Houseparty app

Houseparty is the latest social networking app that will take over your life, and it's ideal if you're social distancing. Allowing you to connect with people you know, Houseparty allows video group chats, ideal if you fancy whacking on the radio and all having an indoor boogie together. Houseparty also has texting like other apps including "guest list" which allows you to buzz your desired social circle and remind them it's time for a catch up. Bored of chatting? Enjoy one of the many Houseparty games.

Zoom app

If you're missing your colleagues and catching up about the latest celeb news by the coffee machine, Zoom is the one for you. Used more as a business tool, those new to working from home will likely have been made to download it for all important online meetings. It's not all boring though, there's something brilliantly nosy about seeing the inside of your colleagues' homes!

Smule app

Who doesn't love a bit of karaoke? Smule brings the karaoke club to you and allows you to show off your singing talents (or lack of) with people around the world or your closest friends. Smule has also featured a ton of celebrity guests including Jessie J, Lewis Capaldi and Anne Marie.

Feeling shy? Smule also gives you the option to keep things strictly private and have a solo karaoke session. Whether you're into a classic Gloria Gaynor belter or fancy a Disney singalong, you don't have to be Charlotte Awberry to enjoy a bit of karaoke at home.

Netflix Party extension

Netflix Party is an extension for Google Chrome and means you can watch all your favourite shows in sync with your friends and family. Netflix Party has been coming for a while and it's come at just the right time. Syncronise when the show plays, enjoy group chat on the side to discuss all the twists and turns of the show you're watching and add gifs and emojis to share your emotions. Time to get cosy!

Marco Polo app

A video messaging service that is great for all the family, Record video messages with no limit on length, add a bunch of silly filters, doodles and emojis and keep the spirits up of your loved ones. The app prides itself on keeping things private, not selling your data and being easy to use so you can trust that it's safe for kids and suitable enough for even the most tech-phobe family members to use.

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