The Best Video Apps for Socializing from a Distance

Everyone has surely heard about Zoom by now. But is it really the best video platform for your next family social event, digital dance party or virtual happy hour? Forget about video conferences for work – we’re talking about socializing while socially distancing. Our ace correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of the best apps for video socializing from a distance during COVID-19. 

socializing while socially distant

Thanks to social distancing, things that were once considered the exception are now the new norm. Around the world people have turned to video calls for everything from virtual happy hours to Netflix viewing parties to even virtual bachelorette parties as ways to turn social distancing into distant socializing.

And if there’s anything we have learned over the past 38 days inside (who’s counting though) it’s that video calls are the best way to stay in touch with family and friends right now. While Zoom has seemingly blossomed overnight as the go to app of choice, there are tons of other options out there when it comes to keeping in touch – which can make it a little confusing when it comes to picking what’s best for your needs.

So as tech savvy as Grandma seems to be, maybe trying to get her to download Tik Tok or Snapchat so you can send her videos probably isn’t the best idea. Or perhaps it’s in your best interest to keep your work video conferencing apps separate from your family chats. You wouldn’t want to send something to your boss meant for your old college roommates, right?

From Zoom to Houseparty to WhatsApp and Airtime, there’s now an app for whatever your needs are, whether you are chatting one on one with granny or looking to host a cocktail party with everyone in your contact list. Which one’s for you? Read on to learn more about 10 of the most popular video chatting apps to download right now.

the best apps for video socializing from a distance 

1. facetime

Apple users already know that it’s easy to stay connected using FaceTime. The free app allows up to 32 users to connect via video or audio calls using their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

It’s user-friendly so that you can easily keep in touch with everyone from friends to your iPad-loving grandma. The only drawback we can find is that if you just want to add one person who’s on an Android device or Windows PC you can’t do it.

2. duo

Similar to FaceTime is Google Duo. Like FaceTime, the app is built right into the dialer of Android phones, like Google Pixels and the latest Samsung phones, so you can just dial a number and hit the video chat button. 

Google just bumped up the user maximum up to 12 people on a call, which isn’t as many as FaceTime, but the app works across Apple devices, web browsers and Androids, so it’s easier to get people using different gadgets together. Another fun feature is that you can see the video of the caller before you pick up (if they have the feature active) which is a neat touch.

3. zoom

Known best for being a video conferencing app for business calls and online classrooms, Zoom is a great option for a large gathering of friends – up to 1,000 video participants in fact – making it easy for you to host a virtual cocktail party with literally everyone you know.

It’s free for up to 100 people for 40 minutes, and prices range up to $19.99 per month depending on how often you use it. Since the app has surged in popularity recently, it seems like most people already have it installed making it a good option across a variety of platforms.

4. google hangouts

Google Hangouts allows for group video calls up to four people as well as group chats for up to 150 people.

It even allows you to share your screen, making it an ideal choice if you and your gang are looking to take up a new skill like cooking together while hunkering down at home.

5. discord

Initially targeted at gamers looking to coordinate multiplayer games, Discord has become a popular platform for anyone looking to connect. Once you create or join a server, you can chat via text, voice, and/or video, view each other’s content, play games, listen to music together or simply just host video calls with up to 10 of your college buddies.

6. skype

Skype is the OG of video calls and in case you haven’t used it in a few years it’s come a long way from the days of laggy, pixelated videos. Now the app boasts nice features like blurring out your background so you don’t need to worry about an untidy room drawing anyones attention. With capabilities for up to 50 people in a single chat, you can call landlines for a nominal fee ($2.99 per month), but it’s free for basic video and instant messaging chats to help stay close to the ones you love.

7. whatsapp

Perhaps the best known option for the international set, WhatsApp includes text messaging as well as audio and video call capabilities that syncs with Android devices, Apple devices and Windows PC. The group chats let you share messages, photos and videos with up to 256 people at the same time, while the video supports calls up to four people, though this is said to be expanding in the coming weeks to include more. The app is owned by Facebook but, unlike Facebook Messenger, it supports end-to-end encryption for keeping your video calls private. And thanks to its connection with Facebook, it works with the video calling system Facebook Portal.

8. houseparty

Houseparty is a video chatting app that mimics the feel of a small, intimate gathering with a handful of your closest pals (up to 8) across iPhone, Android, Mac and Chrome web browsers. On top of chatting, you can share your screen or play games like Heads Up, which requires you to guess the word on a card above your head.

9. squad

Squad is similar to Houseparty in that it lets you chat, make video calls and share your screen. What sets it apart though, is that you can also shop with friends in any app, or easily watch TikTok and YouTube videos at the same time. It’s free and supports up to nine of your best girlfriends at a time.

10. airtime

Watch videos with your friends while you chat together on Airtime. By setting up a room and inviting your friends, you can then add the content of your choice (including YouTube videos, Soundcloud songs, select TV shows and movies and even memes) and get your friends’ takes in real time.

the best video apps and platforms for socializing while distant

So what do you think? Will you be hosting your next family movie night on Airtime or will you be hosting game night via Houseparty? While we know no amount of video calls or chats can ever replace the joy of spending time with friends and family IRL, it’s nice to have some fun options. Now go pour yourself a drink, put on your most cheerful earrings and make the most of your next virtual hang.

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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.

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