This Houseparty App Lets You Drink With Your Mates While Self-Isolating

Yesterday, the UK government closed all bars, cafes and restaurants, in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

And while this may mean you can no longer go down to the pub with your mates, for the time being at least, it doesn't mean you can't meet up for a pint or two.

As well as the likes of Skype and WhatsApp, Houseparty allows users to hang out with all their mates at once - which is something we will all need more than ever in the coming weeks.

The app actually launched in 2016 and proved to be a hit, with the creators of Fortnite, Epic Games, buying it last year.

However, with people now being told to stay indoors and avoid contact with others, it has seen a boost in downloads.

According to Google Trends, searches for 'houseparty app reviews' have risen by 300 percent in the US, while over in the UK more and more people have been searching for 'what is houseparty app?'

The analytics site also stated that searches for 'house party app' on both sides of the pond have been the highest they have ever been.

And if that wasn't enough, the app also rose from number 304 in the Apple Store to number two.

So what is Houseparty?

It's basically a massive version of FaceTime that allows users to add new guests to the same call and play games with each other, such as Heads Up, Pictionary, Quick Draw, and Trivia.

And once you've finished with one party, you can jump into another your friends might be having.

You also get notifications when someone in your contacts or friends on Facebook has signed up, so you'll never miss a soiree again.

But maybe make sure you delete your exes from your phone before downloading, otherwise it can get a bit awkward - as one person found out.

Writing on Twitter, they said: "I've had the app for quite a while, but I'm less than delighted to keep getting all the pop-up alerts that all my exes are now on Houseparty. "

Ouch.

But it's not been so heartbreaking for others who have used it.

Praising the app, one reveller wrote: "If you don't know about the app Houseparty, get to know. It's gonna see us all through!"

"This house party app is giving me life," said a second.

While another person commented: "This house party app is back popping then."

Let's all bring some positivity, support and fun to anyone who might find themselves in isolation as a result of the coronavirus spread. Need some entertainment? Join Isolation Nation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coronasupport/

Topics: Funny, Interesting, Coronavirus, Health

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom