Kat Tenbarge/Insider
A few of my party guests and I used the custom background option in Zoom as fun conversation starters.
- Video chatting platforms like Zoom can be great tools for connecting face-to-face with friends, family, and loved ones.
- After installing Zoom and participating in a few one-on-one calls, as well as calls with small groups of my friends, I decided I wanted to throw a Zoom party over the weekend.
- My Zoom party was a success, and I brought 8 of my friends together for a fun night, after which everyone left feeling less lonely - here's what I learned and how you can throw your own perfect Zoom party.
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If you've been learning or working remotely, you're probably already familiar with Zoom. It's similar to Skype, Houseparty, and Google Hangouts, but has exploded in popularity and quickly become the dominant platform for everything from virtual preschool to business meetings.
Once I started seeing Zoom memes, I knew I had to try out the platform. But I don't use Zoom for work, so instead, I asked my friends to download it and began calling them casually to hang out and chat after work and over the weekend. After a group Zoom session with a few of my pals, I had the idea to throw a Zoom party.
In the process of planning, executing, and hosting my Zoom party, I picked up a few tips and tricks to share. I was worried that it might be awkward or function differently than a normal in-person party - and it was definitely different - but my party ended up being fun for everyone, and it made our Saturday night less lonely.
Here's what I learned, and how you can throw your perfect Zoom party, too.