While Social Distancing efforts remain in place in most states across the country to retain the spread of COVID-19, people are starting to go a little crazy without being with their friends and family.
However, it’s important to note that Social Distancing really only means physical distancing, as in, there’s still plenty of ways you can stay connected and engaged with your friends, family, and even still meet new people.
Thanks to technology, there are still great opportunities to get meaningful social time in, without having to cancel plans at the last minute.
Here are seven apps you can download to stay connected, engaged, and entertained while stuck at home.
- Zoom
Chances are, if you are working from home, or a student taking classes from home, a majority of your quarantine life has already been spent on this website. Zoom has quickly become the go-to platform for video conferencing for work and school alike.
However, many people don’t know that downloading the free app and chatting with your friends is an upgraded version of Facetime, with lots of customization options, screen sharing, recording, and more.
Currently, the free version of the mobile application is offering unlimited free calls, as long as they’re one-on-one. If you’re planning on having regular “Zoom Parties” with your friends or family, keep in mind there’s a max of 40 minutes.
Price: Free (With Premium Options)
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
2) Strava
Just because you’re stuck at home, doesn’t mean you can’t still exercise and chase your goals right? And luckily, the CDC actually encourages people to find time to safely go outside and exercise while still following social distancing procedures.
And if you’re one of those people who get motivated by working out with other people, apps like Strava allow you and your friends to follow each other, see your daily activities like runs, walks, or swims, and keep tabs on your goals, together.
This is a great free application for any athlete currently following a program as there’s dozens of integrations with other fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, Fitbod, and much more.
Price: Free (With Premium Options)
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
3) Houseparty
For those looking for a more casual video conference solution, but still despise Facetime, there’s Houseparty. While this app is traditionally more popular among the younger crowd, it gives a great less formal feel to hanging out virtually with your friends.
Instead of typical video calling apps where you specifically call a contact, Houseparty allows you to simply drop into any on-going chats, hence the name, “Houseparty.”
Houseparty goes above and beyond the traditional video model by engaging users in the rooms with quizzes, games, and other fun virtual activities meant to bring people together.
Price: Free
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
4) Netflix Party
Netflix has become a lot of our best friends during this time, even more so than usual (but don’t tell anyone).
However, if there’s one thing missing about the Netflix experience, it’s the social aspect, no matter how many binge-worthy shows or movies you watch, it’s not the same as enjoying it with your friends or family.
If that sounds like you, Netflix Party is here to save the day. You can download the extension for free in Google Chrome, choose the show or movie you’d like to watch, then send your friends the link just like its a conference call.
And voila, welcome to your virtual movie theater! Along with video synchronization, enjoy a live group chat feature so you can react and discuss everything in real-time.
Price: Free
Chrome Extension: Yes
iOS: No
Android: No
5) Rave
Take the Netflix Party experience and bring it right on your phone, with even more supported content channels.
Watch, view your favorite content with friends in real-time across sites like Netflix, Youtube, Reddit, Vimeo, Dropbox, and more.
This is a great way to instantly connect and share experiences with your friends. Looking to meet new friends? You have that option as well, allowing you to join public Raves and experience content together with people across the world.
Price: Free
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
6) Bunch
Another hugely popular pastime right now is, not surprisingly, gaming. While most online games today already allow you to connect and play with your friends in real-time, Bunch takes it to the next level.
Like a lot of other apps on this list, Bunch utilizes video conferencing to keep you engaged with your friends in real-time while playing your favorite mobile games together.
The app allows for up to 8 people to join a session at the same time, and it’s as easy as sending an invite link and picking your group game.
Go on missions in Fortnite, or sit back and be casual while playing trivia and puzzle games. Bunch brings the social experience of Xbox or PS4 right into your hands.
Price: Free
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
7) Tinder
You saw at least one of these coming, didn’t you?
While the majority of people have to suspend dating for the meantime (unless you’re quarantined with your crush, in which case, good for you), that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for finding that spark online.
Yes, Tinder has been around for a while, but its still a great option for meeting new people and potentially setting up a quarantine date or two. Tinder also has released some cool features for users during this time, including making their “Passport” feature free for all, which allows you to virtually travel the world and match with people in every country from England to India.
Price: Free (With Premium Options)
iOS: Yes
Android: Yes
Stay Connected, Stay Home
No matter the apps or websites you choose to use during this time of social distancing, it’s important to remember why what we’re doing is so important for the greater good and health of all.
Yes, it can be tempting to break quarantine and spend time with your friends and family, or a new potential partner, but for now we can sit back and thank technology for keeping us connected and engaged in the meantime.
