Whether you met online, moved after starting a relationship or have temporarily relocated for work or education, the digital age makes it much easier to keep long-distance relationships alive. From communication platforms to long-distance date ideas, here’s how technology can help you keep the spark alive.

Communication apps for long-distance couples

There are multiple free communication apps that long-distance couples can use to keep in touch. Some platforms are primarily for voice and text chatting, while others also enable video chat. Here are a few apps you may want to try:

Discord is a free voice chat app aimed at gamers that can be used for a variety of purposes. It’s available on both PC and mobile phones. You can set up a private server where you can share links, listen to music together, and more.

Skype is one of the oldest and best-known video chat platforms. It’s free but requires you to sign in with a Microsoft account. You can also choose to communicate via text or voice chat. Skype can be accessed via your browser, a standalone desktop programme, or with the smartphone app.

WhatsApp allows both video and voice chat over an internet connection. While its video chat functionality may not match Skype’s, it’s useful since most people already have the app installed on their smartphones.

Date night ideas for long-distance relationships

Technology helps long-distance relationships with more than just simple communication. You can now also do online activities together to change it up a bit. Here are a few ideas for date night.

Stream movies together

Thanks to streaming services, you can now watch movies and series together even if you’re far apart. This is best done when you have a fast internet connection that can handle simultaneously streaming content and maintaining a voice call over the internet.

Simply choose the content you want to watch and press play at the same time. By keeping a call going over the internet, you can share real-time reactions and comments about what you’re watching, making it feel like you’re truly watching it together.

To make it even easier, you can stream movies on Netflix and add your Netflix account to your Vodacom account. This way, you only have to worry about one bill every month. Click here to find out more about Netflix and Vodacom's charge to bill service.

Play games together

Many gaming platforms allow voice chat while you’re playing games. Of course, you could also just use an app like Discord in the background. Games are a great way for long-distance couples to spend quality time together. Find a fun cooperative title or an online multiplayer game you can enjoy together. With apps like Parsec, you can even stream a game from one person’s PC so that you can both play it. This even works with local cooperative games that don’t normally allow others to remotely connect.

Find out more about Vodacom's mobile payment option on the Microsoft and Xbox Store here.

Mobile games to make video chat more interesting

You can also play mobile games together while in video chat to add a more personal feel to the experience. This includes boardgame-based games such as Scrabble or other competitive games. Certain apps can also make date-night video chats more interesting. For example, try out quiz apps that test your trivia or ask you to name songs and jingles. 

A 4G connection can make the above activities easier and faster. Find out more about switching to 4G here and get ready for a date night to remember!

Header photo by Alok Sharma from Pexels