The sudden rise and equally abrupt disappearance of Houseparty left a gap in the market for social video chat apps that blend communication with entertainment. Houseparty’s pull was its ability to simulate a laid-back, virtual hangout space where friends could effortlessly drop in for a chat as if they were in the same room. Now, users are looking for alternatives that offer similar features, and several apps have stepped in to fill the void. These apps provide video chat functions complemented by games and activities to replicate the casual, social atmosphere that Houseparty was known for.
For many people, the appeal of these apps lies in the combination of convenience and entertainment. They provide a platform not just to catch up with friends and family but also to engage in activities together, all from the comfort of their own homes. With the features that these alternatives offer, the focus is on maintaining connections, fostering community, and providing a shared space for recreation. This has become a necessary tool in both personal and professional contexts as individuals seek ways to stay connected in a world where remote interactions have become more common.
Apps Like Houseparty in 2025
Houseparty was a popular group video chat app known for its casual, fun, and spontaneous hangouts with friends and family. Although Houseparty was discontinued, many alternative apps offer similar features to keep your virtual social life lively.
Here are some of the best apps like Houseparty you can try in 2025:
1. Bunch
- Features: Group video chat combined with built-in multiplayer games.
- Why it’s similar: Like Houseparty, Bunch lets you video chat while playing games with up to seven friends.
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Great for those who want a mix of socializing and gaming in one app.
2. Element
- Features: Secure group chats, video calls, and end-to-end encryption.
- Why it’s similar: Offers group video chat with a focus on privacy and open-source technology.
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
- Ideal for users who want a robust, secure alternative.
3. Nextcloud Talk
- Features: Video calls, messaging, and file sharing within a self-hosted environment.
- Why it’s similar: Provides group video chat capabilities with a focus on privacy.
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
- Perfect for those who prefer self-hosted solutions.
4. LiveMe
- Features: Live streaming and group video chats with new people.
- Why it’s similar: Emulates Houseparty’s casual group video chat vibe, with added live streaming.
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Good for meeting new people and casual hangouts.
5. Discord
- Features: Voice, video, and text chat with communities and friends.
- Why it’s similar: Popular for group video chats and casual hangouts with friends, plus gaming integrations.
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop
- Excellent for gamers and social groups.
6. Squad (now part of Twitter)
- Features: Screen sharing and group video chat.
- Why it’s similar: Focuses on hanging out and sharing content in real-time.
- Platform: iOS, Android
7. Zoom & Google Meet
- Features: Reliable video conferencing with group chat.
- Why it’s similar: Though more formal, they can be used for casual group video calls.
- Platform: Web, iOS, Android
Summary
If you loved Houseparty’s casual group video chat and games, apps like Bunch and LiveMe offer the closest experience. For more privacy or self-hosting, Element and Nextcloud Talk are great choices. For broader social and gaming communities, Discord is a top pick.
Key Takeaways
- Houseparty’s casual, drop-in video chat appeal created a demand for similar apps with engaging features.
- Alternatives to Houseparty focus on providing seamless video chat experiences alongside interactive games.
- These apps serve as important tools for maintaining social connections in an increasingly remote-interaction world.
Understanding the Appeal of Houseparty and Its Competitors
Houseparty made its mark as a social media platform that allowed friends to hold video calls and play games together. Its unique mix of communication and entertainment tapped into the desire for more interactive online social experiences.
Core Features of Houseparty
Houseparty offered more than just video calls. It provided a space where friends could join without a direct invitation, imitating an actual house party environment. The app featured games that people could play together in real-time during their group video chats, enhancing the communal aspect. Essential features included:
- Video Call: Real-time video chats for a spontaneous feel.
- Games: Integrated options for shared fun.
- Group Video Chat: Creating a community rather than a one-on-one conversation.
- Effects: Adding filters to make interactions more playful.
The Houseparty experience built a bridge between gaming and talking, merging leisure with conversation in a seamless manner.
Popular Alternatives to Houseparty
When Houseparty’s popularity surged, other apps started to offer similar features to keep up. Some popular alternatives to Houseparty that combine video calling with other functions include:
- Discord: A favorite for gamers, offering robust community spaces.
- Facebook Messenger: Known for its filters and games during video calls.
- WhatsApp: Simple video calls with high adoption rates.
- Zoom: A professional take on group video calls, used more for work.
- Snapchat: Known for filters, now also includes video chat.
- Telegram: Offers video calling with strong encryption.
These apps appeal to various aspects of community and gaming that users enjoyed in Houseparty. They allow people to connect in real-time and often integrate forms of entertainment like games and filters to enrich the interaction.
