Houseparty is the group video calling app that quickly became one of the leading tools for staying connected with family, friends, and colleagues. Originally designed to bring people together across distances, Houseparty revolutionized digital communication by offering a direct, simple, and feature-rich experience beyond a simple video call. Its ease of use, combined with social and playful options, sets it apart from the competition, making it a favorite for those looking for speed, privacy, and fun during their virtual get-togethers.
What is Houseparty and what is it for?
Houseparty is much more than just a video calling app.. It has been presented as a face-to-face social network, allowing up to eight people to connect during each video session. Its unique offering combines video calls, instant messaging, sending video notes, and the ability to play fun integrated games in a group within the app itself. This makes Houseparty a virtual space where connection goes beyond traditional conversation, integrating entertainment into the very place where you socialize. With Houseparty, you can group several friends simultaneously into a single "room" and spend time together, regardless of distance.
Unlike other platforms, It is not necessary to provide all your real data; all you need to do is create an account and choose a recognizable username so your loved ones can easily find you. The app also offers options to keep rooms private, ensuring maximum privacy and control during your meetings.
In virtual meetings you can not only talk via video or chat, but also complete game challenges or send notes to say hello to those who aren't available at the moment. All of this without any mandatory payments, as the service is free at the base and in-app purchases are completely optional.
Main functionalities and highlighted features
- Group video calls for up to 8 people: The platform allows you to see and talk to several people at once, ideal for family, friends, or work gatherings.
- Private rooms and access control: You can lock the room to prevent unwanted access, thus maintaining privacy at all times.
- Integrated games: Without leaving the video call, the whole room can participate in games like Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, or Heads Up. Just tap the dice icon in the top corner to get started.
- Text and video messaging: You can chat privately, send text messages ("Pass a note"), or leave short video messages ("Facemail") to say hello or share information when your contacts are offline.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Available on Android, iOS and PC (Windows/Mac), ensuring access for all users, even via web browser.
- Smart notifications: Get alerts when your friends are online or when you're invited to a room so you don't miss any meetings.
These features have positioned Houseparty as one of the favorite applications for those who want to go beyond simple video calling, adding dynamism and fun to the experience.
Is Houseparty free? Usage models and in-app purchases
Houseparty is completely free to use on all its platforms.However, like many apps, it includes the option to purchase extras and internal upgrades, but none of these are essential for normal use. This makes it easy for any user to access the main features without restrictions or charges.
From Android and iOS devices to computers (Windows and Mac), Houseparty adapts to a variety of needs, from casual chats to formal virtual meetings. Emulators are also available for those who want to use the app on other operating systems.
How to download Houseparty on your device
Downloading Houseparty is a very simple process, although it varies depending on the operating system used. On AndroidSince the app isn't always available on the Google Play Store, you can download the APK file from recommended sites like Malavida or Softonic. Its size (around 50 MB) makes downloading and installing quick.
To iOSThe app can be found directly in the App Store using the internal search engine or by accessing official direct links. The process is straightforward; just tap the download button, and in less than a minute, you'll be able to start using it after a brief registration.
En Windows and Mac computers, Houseparty has a desktop client Easy to install, downloadable from recognized sites like Softonic. The app can also be used from web browsers like Chrome.
- Android: Get the APK from Malavida or Softonic, enable "Unknown Sources," and follow the installation instructions.
- iOS: Go to the App Store, search for “Houseparty” and download it directly.
- PC / Mac: Download the desktop client from authorized sites or use your browser.
Always remember Download Houseparty from trusted sites to avoid any security problems.
Securely install Houseparty on Android, iOS, and PC
La installation on android You need to enable the "Apps from unknown sources" option, as the APK file comes from outside the Google Play Store. Go to Settings, select the security section, and enable this feature, allowing you to install apps downloaded from your browser or file managers.
- Opens Settings on your phone.
- Sign in Security and locate “Unknown Sources.”
- Activate the option and proceed to install the previously downloaded APK file.
En iOS and PC, downloading and using them are even simpler, since the App Store or other official portals will never require you to enable additional permissions beyond the usual ones for accessing the camera and microphone.
In all cases, the app will request permission to access the camera, microphone, and contacts, which is required to fully enjoy all the features of Houseparty.
First setup and registration on Houseparty
The marketing process includesseveral phases that are reflected below: Registration is quick and flexibleAfter installing the app, select "Sign Up" to begin your user registration. The required information includes an email address, a name (not necessarily your real name), a username (alias), a secure password, and your date of birth (you must be over 13 years old to use the platform). The phone number is completely optional and can be skipped if you prefer.
- Enter an address valid email address.
- Create a username that is easy for your friends and family to recognize.
- Choose a strong password and your date of birth.
- Decide whether to link your phone number or Facebook profile (optional, useful for automatically importing contacts).
The app will ask you if you want to sync your phone contacts and Facebook friends. This helps you quickly find out who's already using Houseparty and easily add them to your rooms.
Once registration is complete, Give permissions to the camera, microphone, and, if you want, location (The latter is not mandatory.) This way, you'll be able to start video calls and send multimedia messages right away.
Getting Started: Interface and App Navigation
When you open Houseparty, the front-facing camera activates in the background, immediately showing you. The interface is intuitive, minimalist and very accessible, so you won't have any trouble finding the main functions:
- Swipe the screen from bottom to top to access the control panel, where you can add friends, see who's online, invite new contacts, and create new rooms.
- At the top, you have access to the buttons video call, message (paper airplane) and contact search.
- Online contacts appear on screen, indicating who is available to "Join" to join their rooms or invite them to new video calls.
- If you have the notifications, you'll receive notifications so you don't miss any digital "parties."
The platform allows you to start video calls one on one or in a group and share links to invite external contacts directly.
How to start a video call on Houseparty
- slide the screen bottom up to display all the options.
- Select the contact or group you want to call and press "Join" if you are already in a room, or start the call with the camera icon.
- Once the contact accepts, you'll be able to see and hear each other. You can mute your microphone or pause the video using the icons below.
- The room remains open unless you manually lock it (“Lock room”), allowing other friends to join if they wish.
At any time you can invite more participants by pressing the “+” button, adding individual users or inviting entire groups.
Extra Fun: Games on Houseparty
One of the great differentiators of Houseparty is its catalog of built-in games To break the ice and make every video call a memorable moment. From the video call itself, you can access games by simply tapping the dice icon in the top corner:
- Heads Up: word guessing with clues.
- Trivia: general knowledge questions.
- Chips and guac: fast-paced and creative card game.
- QuickDraw: guess the drawing made by another player.
- Pictionary y Who is who?: classics adapted to digital format.
These activities are ideal for having a fun time and strengthening the bond between participants, especially at gatherings with friends or family. There's no need to install additional games; all are ready to use right from the app.
Beyond video calling: text and video messaging
Houseparty offers features of IM that expand the ways you can interact within the app. You can send text messages to any contact, even if they're offline ("Pass a note"), or leave short video notes ("Facemail") to say hello or share information at any time.
Additionally, Houseparty notifies users when they receive new messages or video call invitations, ensuring that no communication goes unnoticed.
Privacy and security in Houseparty
The platform is designed to guarantee user privacy. You can decide who has access to your rooms And at any time, block access to uninvited guests by tapping the lock icon. If you prefer only certain contacts to find you, configure your profile visibility or limit contact syncing during registration.
The app requests key permissions (camera, microphone, contacts), but neither phone number nor location information are required. This gives you full control over the personal information shared, without losing functionality during use.
Screen sharing and other advanced features
At Houseparty, you can share your device screen in real time with the other video call participants, which is ideal for showing presentations, navigating together, or explaining visual concepts. This option is integrated into the iOS and PC versions, where you'll find the corresponding icon during the call. Simply select it, choose the window you want to display, and your friends will see exactly what you're seeing on their screens.
On Android, while there's no native feature, you can use mirroring tools like ApowerMirror to share your screen from your phone to your PC, and from there, to your Houseparty video call.
Remember that both screen sharing and recording video calls must always be done with the consent of all participants to respect their privacy.
Tips to get the most out of Houseparty
- Customize your nickname with a recognizable nickname to make it easy for your friends to add you.
- Explore games before a group video call to surprise your contacts with fun activities.
- Take advantage of the "Lock Room" to keep your meetings free from unexpected intruders.
- Use video and text notes to maintain contact even with offline users.
- Sign out and update the app frequently to keep your account secure and enjoy the latest news.
