The app, Houseparty was launched in 2016 as a group video chat app that was designed to feel like hanging out in a living room. Excitement was felt by many teens because friends could be popped in on at any time without planning ahead. Because of this, digital hangouts were made to feel more casual and natural rather than scheduled.
On Houseparty, presence was considered important. Rooms could be “dropped in” on by friends, games could be played, and chats could be joined freely. At the same time, notifications were sent to show who was online, which made conversations easier to join. In this way, the app was not just used for talking but for time together being spent, even when people were apart.
During the pandemic, Houseparty was made especially popular. It was widely used by teens, friends, and families to stay connected. In addition, games like Heads Up! and trivia were added to make conversations more playful. Overall, the app was seen as lively and social, which is why it was remembered so fondly.
Why People Loved Houseparty
Houseparty was felt to be friendly, fun, and surprisingly human. Live interactions with people you actually knew were focused on, rather than strangers or influencers being watched. Endless feeds were avoided, no pressure to post was experienced, and no personality needed to be curated. Instead, social media was made to feel playful and alive, because moments were shared rather than likes being collected. In short, social media was experienced less, and actual socialising was preferred.
Lesson
People enjoy apps that make them feel present with friends.
The Shift That Changed Everything
Over time, bigger apps like Zoom, TikTok, and Instagram Live were preferred by most users. Features were added that made larger groups easier to manage. Houseparty was slowly forgotten, and fewer people were logged in each day. Once attention was taken away, the app was treated as optional.
Lesson
Even apps that are fun can fade if everyone moves somewhere else.
Trying To Survive
New games and features were added in an attempt to keep Houseparty relevant. However, the original excitement could not be fully brought back. Gradually, the feeling of casual hangouts was lost, and fewer users returned.
Lesson
Changing an app too much can make it lose its charm.
The End Of Houseparty
Houseparty was acquired by Epic Games and eventually shut down in 2021. For its users, it felt like the end of a virtual space where friends could just hang out freely.
The Final Thought
Houseparty was acquired by Epic Games and was eventually shut down in 2021. For many users, it felt like the loss of a virtual space where friends could simply spend time together freely.
Houseparty taught us something important
- Casual, live interactions can feel special
- Friends are the reason people stay online
- Even fun digital hangouts can disappear
Read more about Houseparty on irishtimes.com
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