Social interaction is a staple of a healthy life and is something that is sorely missing from the extended quarantines for COVID-19. Whether you want to chat with friends, participate in a class to learn something new, or attend a concert, citywide lockdowns are preventing that from happening.
Sure, you can hop on a Zoom call and hang out with your friends, but there’s so much more opportunity in the virtual meetup and event market. And that’s precisely where Fiesta is capturing the attention of users looking for a distinct blend of virtual thematic parties, DJ shows, workout classes, and more.
Described as a fusion of TikTok, Zoom, and Eventbrite, Fiesta earned its stripes as a clever hybrid of events (e.g., DJ shows, workout classes, etc.) and social media where users host live feeds of events including commentary on styles, future shows, and are then able to share the recording of these events on their social media accounts.
Unfortunately, rolling lockdowns have thrown a wrench into the thriving Fiesta app’s primary appeal (and most other social media apps), at least for now. Still, the team has rapidly pivoted to virtual meetups and events, unlocking a unique twist on the increasingly competitive virtual app landscape as COVID-19’s fallout continues.
Moving Beyond Simple Video Chats
Zoom ascended in popularity at the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns as people gathered on video chats for work or casually with friends using funny backgrounds and Hollywood-square style chats. Zoom’s stock subsequently soared, the SEC halted trading for an unrelated tech company with a similar name amid the fervor, and people began to realize the enormous opportunity for apps that cater to virtual meetups and events.
Originally created as an event and social media aggregator for live events, such as premier nightlife events in Miami, Fiesta was surging in popularity before government-mandated social distancing measures. But the Fiesta team, founded by Bernardo de la Vega, didn’t sit quietly and let the app’s popularity squander.
“With so many events canceled, we’ve decided to pivot into a virtual events app,” says de la Vega. “We still have the same cool features, but now event hosts can create video parties from home and have an unlimited number of people join the party.”
Fiesta has even extended beyond virtual parties, however, to include the likes of workout classes with friends, professional webinars, and other avenues to build a personal brand or interact with friends in new and refreshing virtual formats.
“Fiesta is now the first app for virtual thematic parties where, instead of just having a video chat or have a Zoom call, you can create a virtual event, have people RSVP, and join the party when it’s time to start,” continues de la Vega. “Build your audience and host online classes, dance parties, and thematic get-togethers to meet new people by your interest. Entrepreneurs can host virtual conferences; pros can host educational webinars, and organizers can host virtual meetups.”
One of the most salient takeaways from Fiesta’s recent developments has been the emphasis on reducing friction in the user experience of hopping between events, groups, and parties. For example, someone in a workout group can seamlessly share a link with a friend, who only needs to click on the link, and they appear as part of the group. Repetitive steps are eliminated.
Users can subsequently enjoy a morning workout or yoga class, jump on a call with friends during lunch, join a thematic party in the afternoon, and watch a live DJ show from a celebrity later that night – all within a single interface.
Silver Linings to a Global Pandemic
The silver linings of COVID-19 may be sparse, but inducing innovation in the virtual meetup, party, and event market is definitely one of them. Ideally, people would prefer to interact physically, but for now, Fiesta’s #stayhome option is a great alternative. For Fiesta, perhaps its growing adoption among people shuttered in their homes will translate into swaths of new users looking to get back to a healthy, busy social life once quarantines lift.
That’s a powerful appeal to jump on board a new form of social media and events aggregator at the convergence of the digital world and the physical one.
“Social media is broken,” says de la Vega. “Fiesta is ushering in a new form of engagement that ties together virtual (and physical) events with engaged social communities.”
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