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(Pocket-lint) – Houseparty is a social app that entered the mainstream during the Global Situation of 2020, but is actually much older. If you are wondering what it is and how you use it, then you have come to the right place.
What is Houseparty?
Billed as a “face to face social network”, Houseparty is an app that has quickly gained users due to its simple ability to host easy group video chat.
It is attractive because it is simple to use. You can walk in and out of a “house” rather than having to make a call, and the barrier to entry is low, requiring only basic personal information (but you can find your friends very easily). As you will understand, you can also play games with your quarantine friends, which is one of the key features.
It’s not a new app though – it’s been around since 2016 and was purchased in 2019 by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite.
Is Houseparty free?
Yes, like some of the other video calling apps currently available, Houseparty is free to use and join. Some in-app purchases are available, but they are not required to use the service.
The app is available for iPhone / iOS and Android as well as macOS.
How to use Houseparty on your PC or laptop
There is a web version of Houseparty in beta as well as a Google Chrome extension. For the latter, you need to use the Google Chrome browser (if you haven’t already) then install the extension, log into Houseparty and you’re away.
How to make friends on Houseparty?
Houseparty uses your friends on other social networks – like Facebook or Snapchat – to let you know that your friends have signed up, so once you sign up you quickly know others are already using it and vice versa. You can also send your friends an invitation link.
It is not connected to your phone number (although you can import your phone contacts) and it is specially designed for social chats unlike something like Zoom. And as we mentioned, you don’t need to make a call like on Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime – you can just log in.
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How does Houseparty work?
Once you’ve found your friends, the Houseparty app alerts you when your friends are “in the house” and therefore ready to chat. It’s the same when you open your app – your friends are alerted. In normal life this might be a bit boring, but in a quarantined world we found it to be quite refreshing.
You can then go directly to a call. You can also join other “houseparties” that your friends might be a part of, so it’s much smoother than other services that have rigid groups.
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Home party games
Part of the fun of Houseparty is that you can choose from a few games for group play. The quiz is in our opinion the most fun (albeit a bit US-centric) and you quickly get competitive. It would be great to see even more group games appear, although some games have additional options to download more questions or themes.
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The games – which can be played by up to eight people simultaneously – include Heads Up !, Chips, Trivia, and Quick Draw – they’re all pretty fun and competitive.
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What is facial messaging?
You can send facemails – yes, really – which are just video messages that appear as soon as the recipient opens the app.
How to change your name on Houseparty
When you signed up for Houseparty, you chose a username, but don’t worry, you’re not stuck with it. It is possible to change your Houseparty username quite easily.
Click on the face in the upper left corner, then click on the cogwheel to access the settings and click on edit profile. From there, you can access and change basic profile settings like your username, email address, etc. It’s simple to do with just a few clicks.
Is Houseparty Safe?
Rumors have circulated online that Houseparty is not safe to use. With people spreading the news that the app is linked to personal information hacks including bank accounts, Spotify and Netflix accounts, etc.
There is currently nothing to support this rumor. The company also made it clear that no accounts were compromised and the data was safe:
All Houseparty accounts are safe – the service is secure, has never been compromised, and does not collect passwords for other sites.
He also announced that these rumors could be part of a smear campaign against the app, with the offer of a million dollar reward if anyone has proof.
We are investigating indications that recent hacking rumors were spread through a paid commercial smear campaign aimed at harming Houseparty. We are offering a bonus of $ 1,000,000 to the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign to bounty@houseparty.com.
At this point, there is no reason to believe that Houseparty is unsafe to use.
However, we encourage you to ensure that your account is secure by using a long and complex password different from passwords you use elsewhere, as well as a secure password manager.
How to prevent strangers from joining your Houseparty
By default, it is possible for people you don’t know to join your Houseparty and invade your video chats. This is obviously not ideal, unless you are trying to make new friends.
It is possible to set the application in private mode to prevent this from happening.
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To do this in the Houseparty app, click on the face in the upper left corner, then the cogwheel to go to settings, then private mode.
How to delete your Houseparty account
If you have decided to no longer use Houseparty, it is possible to delete your account, delete the application and even delete your data.
In the app, you can delete your account by following these steps – Account> Settings> Privacy> Delete account.
“You can ask if we are processing personal information about you, request access to personal information and request that we correct, modify or delete your personal information where it is inaccurate. If you are a user, we may provide you with tools and settings to account to access or edit your personal information associated with your account, such as your profile picture, name, username, email address, and phone number. Where permitted by law, you may send an e-mail to hello @ houseparty. com … Please include your full name, the email address associated with your account, and a detailed description of your data request. These requests will be handled in accordance with local laws. “
Written by Dan Grabham and Adrian Willings. Edited by Britta O’Boyle. Originally published on .
