# Group Video-Calling Apps Meerkat's 'Houseparty' Application Connects Friends in Real-Time By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-06-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/group-video References: [wersm](http://wersm.com/meerkat-has-its-own-app-for-group-video-chats/) & [joinhouse.party](http://joinhouse.party/) Meetkat recently launched a new [group video app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/together-watch) called 'Houseparty' that helps friends connect with one another from afar. There are plenty of video-calling apps of this kind out there, but Houseparty is a clean, simple and user-friendly design. In order to begin a "party," it's as simple as beginning a group chat and sending out invitations to friends via a variety of sources, such as a text message, [WhatsApp](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/videocall) or a social media channel, which will say "Let's talk here," followed by a link to the group chat plus a few fun emojis. While Meerkat was one of the frontrunners when it came to livestreaming apps, it struggled to compete with Periscope, especially as it was acquired by [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mozi-private-social-network). Since, Meerkat has focused its efforts away from livestreaming. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Group Video-calling Apps:** Houseparty simplifies group video calls, creating an opportunity for more user-friendly and engaging virtual hangouts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Livestreaming Apps:** Livestreaming apps like Periscope can leverage Houseparty's user-friendly design to enhance their group video functionality. - **Social Media Platforms:** Social media platforms can integrate Houseparty's group video feature to enhance user engagement and create a unique social experience. - **Messaging Apps:** Messaging apps like WhatsApp can adopt Houseparty's group video capabilities to offer users a more interactive and immersive communication experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Enhanced Video Chat Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/videocall.md) - [Personal Video Calling Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waitroom.md) - [Real-Time Video Matching](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/call-me-maybe.md) - [Trailer-Making Life Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moments.md) - [AR Virtual Space Hangouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hyperscape-capture.md) - [Friend-Finding Virtual Hangouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strangely.md) - [Video Game-Like Chat Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pfpchat.md) - [Virtual Table Top Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinytable.md) - [Social Video Reaction Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seen-app.md)