How to Simulate a Hangout

It can be really hard to be apart from your friends and family, especially if you're used to seeing each other often. Luckily, technology has made it possible to get together with your loved ones without ever having to leave your home. Just organize a virtual hangout and get everyone to join at the same time!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing a Platform

1. Try Zoom to video chat with a larger group. Zoom is a platform that allows you to video chat with up to 100 people for up to 40 minutes for free. If you're not sure that will be long enough, you can get up to 24 hours per session if you upgrade your account to a paid membership, which starts at $14.99 USD a month.^[1]
   
   • Zoom is available for computers and Android devices, and it's become a popular option for hangouts like happy hours and watch parties.
   • To start a group chat on Zoom, open the app and click 'Launch Meeting.' From there, click 'Invite Participants,' and either email the group members or add them from your Zoom contacts.^[2]
2. Check out Skype for smaller groups. Skype is another platform that allows free video calls, and it's available for computers, tablets, and mobile devices. You can invite up to 10 people to a hangout session, as long as they all have Skype as well.^[3]
   
   • Open Skype and click the 'New Chat' button, then select 'New Group Chat.' Enter a name for your group, and if you'd like, upload a photo as well. Then, select the right arrow icon to create your group. Add your contacts, then hit the 'Done' button to start the chat.^[4]
   • Skype is a great option for small gatherings, like family dinner hangouts.
3. Use Google Hangouts if everyone has a Gmail account. Google Hangouts is a free instant messaging platform that supports video chat, and all you have to have is a Google account. If you're hanging out in a video chat, you can have up to 25 people join. If you're doing voice-only, you can have up to 150 people.^[5]
   
   • Open the Hangouts app (or go to https://hangouts.google.com), and click the green plus button that says 'New conversation.' Tap 'New group,' then add your group members by entering their names, email addresses, or phone numbers. Finally, click 'Video Call' to start your hangout!^[6]
4. Use FaceTime if you all have Apple devices. FaceTime is a video chat service that comes preinstalled on any Apple device. If you have a newer iOS device, you can set up a Group FaceTime with up to 32 people, as long as they all have the FaceTime app on an Apple device as well.^[7]
   
   • To get your hangout started, open FaceTime, then tap the plus sign in the top right corner of the page. Use your friends' names, phone numbers, or emails to add them to the group, then tap the 'Video' button to start the chat.^[8]

[Edit]Organizing the Hangout

1. Opt for a smaller group if you want a more intimate feel. Just like when you're planning a party or a happy hour, it's usually best to choose a handful of people who all get along with each other, rather than inviting everyone you know. For instance, you might plan a video chat with a certain friend group or your immediate family.^[9]
   
   • It's okay if you invite people who don't already know each other—part of the fun can be introducing the group to new friends!
   • If you want a bigger hangout, that's totally fine! Just keep in mind that the more people you have, the harder it can be for everyone to participate.
2. Let the participants know when you're planning the hangout. Reach out to the people you want to invite and let them know when you're thinking about meeting. Try to pick a time that will work for everyone, like in the evening after everyone's kids have gone to bed, or in the early afternoon if you want older and younger family members to be included. In addition, be sure to let everyone know what platform to use ahead of time.^[10]
   
   • Also, let them know about any special instructions you have in mind. For instance, if you're hosting a cooking demo, you might share a list of ingredients and supplies for anyone who wants to cook along with you!
3. Familiarize yourself with the software you'll be using. If you've never been on a group video chat, spend a little time clicking around the software or reading tutorials on all the different features. That way, you won't have to worry about trying to learn on the fly once your hangout is already underway!^[11]
   
   • As a bonus, this will make it easier to help any of your guests who might have technical difficulties during the hangout.
4. Set up your webcam in a quiet, well-lit place. To make sure everyone can see you, have a light nearby so you won't be hidden in shadows. However, avoid super-bright lights, which can make you look washed out. Also, try to avoid setting up next to anything noisy that could drown you out.^[12]
   
   • For instance, if you're chatting at your kitchen counter, make sure your dishwasher is turned off, since the noise could make it hard to hear what you're saying.
5. Log into your platform and add your guests. When it's time to start your hangout, open the platform you're planning to use, then start adding guests. If you're using Zoom, you'll likely need to send a meeting link to each of your guests. However, if you're using another platform like Skype or FaceTime, you can just start calling people from the app to invite them to the chat.^[13]
   
   • Since some platforms limit the time of your group chat, don't start inviting people too early, or it could cut your call short!
6. Ask everyone to say something to open the hangout. Video chatting can feel a little weird at first if you're not used to it. To help everyone get comfortable, go around and have each person introduce themselves. If everyone already knows each other, open by having everyone say a little something about what they've been up to lately.^[14]
   
   • For instance, you might say something like, "Ok, first we're going to all go around and say hi. When it's your turn, share something funny that happened to you this week!"
7. Plan questions in advice to keep the conversation going. Whether you have any structured activities planned or not, your group chat will go more smoothly if someone is helping guide the conversation. For instance, you might prepare a list of questions ahead of time in case there's a lull in the conversation, like "What's something you're grateful for right now?" or "What shows or movies have you guys seen this week?"^[15]
   
   • It's perfectly fine to ask someone else to moderate if you don't want to do it!
   • Do your best to keep the hangout lighthearted. Avoid subjects like finances, politics, health, or religion, which tend to be somewhat stressful.
8. Roll through any software glitches. When you're hangout out on any virtual platform, there's always a chance that something could go wrong. For instance, someone's computer might freeze, the sound might go out, or people might unexpectedly drop out of the chat. If something like that happens, just keep going, and don't be afraid to laugh about it.^[16]
   
   • If someone's sound goes out and they don't know it, wait a moment to see if it clears up, then speak up and let them know! For instance, you might say, "Hey Kyle, we can't hear you right now. Does anybody else want to jump in for a minute?"

[Edit]Coming up with Fun Ideas

1. Plan a dinner party to enjoy a meal with your loved ones. If you love having people over for dinner, try hosting a virtual dinner party. Set up your webcam at your dinner table, then ask everyone to prepare or order a meal to have at their homes. Have everyone agree on a time for the meal, then start the call just as everyone sits down to eat.^[17]
   
   • When the call starts, have everyone go around and talk about what they're eating. Then, just try to keep the conversation going, the same as you would if you were hosting an in-person dinner party.
   • If your friends love to cook, you could even have one person do a cooking demonstration while everyone tries to follow along at home.
2. Enjoy drinks with friends at a virtual happy hour. If you love meeting your friends for drinks after work you don't have to give it up just because you can't meet in person! Stock up on your favorite mixers, beer, or wine ahead of time, and enjoy the fun with your friends as the drinks flow.^[18]
   
   • Try sharing a cocktail recipe with your friends ahead of time so everyone can enjoy the same drink!
   • Virtual happy hours are a great way to hang out and share drinks without having to worry about how everyone's going to get home! However, keep in mind that it's still important to drink responsibly.
3. Play games for a fun way to pass the time. There's no limit to the different games you can play during a virtual hangout, so get creative! For instance, you might host a virtual weekly trivia game, play board games or cards, or try online games like Words with Friends or Draw Something.^[19]
   
   • You could also try tabletop games designed for multiple players, like Dungeons & Dragons.^[20]
   • If you have an online account on a video game console, you could arrange to play group-friendly games like Mario Kart, Rocket League, or Super Monkey Ball.^[21]
4. Host a watch party so everyone can tune into the same show or movie. If you and your friends love the same TV show, start your virtual hangout just as your show is starting. However, even if you don't all have a show in common, you can still have watch parties—just pick a fun movie on your favorite streaming platform and get everyone to tune in at the same time!^[22]
   
   • If everyone has Netflix, you can install the Netflix Party extension for Chrome, which will allow everyone to stream the same movie together. There's even a group chat feature so you can talk about what's going on!^[23]
5. Start a virtual book club for your lit-minded friends. The only thing better than getting lost in a good book is having someone to share it with. Pick a book that you think everyone will enjoy and ask everyone to read it. Then, have everyone share their thoughts about the book during your virtual meeting!^[24]
   
   • Try having your book club meetings once a month to ensure everyone has plenty of time to read the selection.
   • For a fun way to find new books to read, allow a different member to choose a book each month!

[Edit]Warnings

• Using video-conferencing software could potentially open a security flaw on your device that could enable hackers to join your call. If you'll be discussing anything sensitive, use an extra layer of caution, like requiring guests to enter a password to join the call.^[25]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/well/virus-virtual-happy-hour.html
2. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
3. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
4. ↑ https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34799/how-do-i-create-a-group-chat-in-skype-on-desktop
5. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
6. ↑ https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA34799/how-do-i-create-a-group-chat-in-skype-on-desktop
7. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209022
9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/well/virus-virtual-happy-hour.html
10. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
11. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
12. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/well/virus-virtual-happy-hour.html
13. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
14. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
15. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/well/virus-virtual-happy-hour.html
16. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
17. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/how-connect-friends-family-while-social-distancing-t176391
18. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/how-connect-friends-family-while-social-distancing-t176391
19. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
20. ↑ https://www.thelily.com/8-tips-for-hosting-the-perfect-virtual-hangout/
21. ↑ https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/642634/20-essential-party-games-pc-console-play-family-friends/
22. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/how-connect-friends-family-while-social-distancing-t176391
23. ↑ https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/netflix-party/oocalimimngaihdkbihfgmpkcpnmlaoa?hl=en
24. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-03-19/stay-virtually-connected-with-friends
25. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2020/01/28/new-zoom-roulette-security-warning-your-video-calls-at-risk-from-hacke