Houseparty
By Epic Games
Houseparty was a social networking app designed for group video chatting, enabling users to connect in virtual "rooms" with friends and family. Launched in 2016 by Life on Air, the app gained popularity for its casual, interactive approach to video communication, integrating games and interactive features to make online gatherings more engaging. Houseparty was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic but ceased operations in October 2021 after being acquired by Epic Games, which incorporated some of its features into other platforms.
Houseparty was founded in 2015 by Ben Rubin, Itai Danino, and Sima Sistani. The app was developed by Life on Air, a company based in San Francisco, California.
Houseparty raised a total of $81.1 million over 11 funding rounds. The largest round was a $50 million Series D in December 2016. The company was acquired by Epic Games in June 2019 for $35 million.
Houseparty offered a range of features, including:
Houseparty was acquired by Epic Games in 2019, which integrated the app with Fortnite to enhance social interactions within the game4. In 2024, Vajro acquired the Houseparty Shopify app to expand its community-building capabilities for e-commerce brands.
Recent updates included seasonal holiday packs, new DLCs, and quality-of-life improvements.
Houseparty emphasized bringing people together in the most human way possible when they are physically apart. The company fostered a culture of innovation and resilience, pivoting from its previous app, Meerkat, to create Houseparty.
Houseparty experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 50 million sign-ups in March 2020 alone. The app was particularly popular among teenagers and young adults, with over 60% of users under the age of 24.
