Systems and methods are provided for creating shared virtual spaces using a client device. For example, the disclosed systems receive a request from a user to share one or more digital content items with other users via a shared virtual space. The disclosed systems queue a request to send data to a content management system to create the shared virtual space. In some instances, the disclosed systems can determine that a connection between a user's client device and the content management system is below a threshold connectivity, and then simulate an online experience for the user despite the poor connection.