4 Innovative Apps to Keep Your Loved Ones Close During COVID-19

3. Netflix Party

Of all the things we gave up on due to the pandemic, I miss movie nights the most. There’s just something so special about watching your favorite actors right from the comfort of your home while eating snacks with your loved ones, right?

Well, here’s some good news: Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension you can use to watch movies in real time with other people.

It’s very simple to use too: all you have to do is to install the extension via the Chrome Web Store. Then, you can start playing your favorite show or movie as usual; click on the small icon ‘NP,’ copy the URL you get and share it with anyone you want to join your Netflix party.

Major bonus: once your friends join the party, you can all comment the movie using a real-time chat box – and you don’t have to hear any interruptions anymore!

4. Houseparty

Since we’re talking about parties, Houseparty has become one of the most popular apps to enjoy during lockdown. You can use it to video chat with up to 8 other users and it is literally the simplest tool to use ever.

The main menu of the app is literally a display of your front-facing camera; so all you have to do is swipe up to see your friends list and select the ones you want to video chat with. Don’t have any friends? You can send them an invitation via URL or just add them directly through contacts or Facebook.

Houseparty also features a dice icon which reveals several game options you can play live with your loved ones. Although there are far fewer games than Bunch offers, there’s still a nice addition that can bring out the fun out of every video chat.

Which apps are you using most often during lockdown? Share your recommendations in the comment section and we’ll drop a piece of advice to avoid loneliness in return!