Streaming has become the most popular way to watch TV shows, with about 38% of all TV usage being through streaming services. Streaming watch parties have now made it possible for people to enjoy a show with friends or family who are miles away, making it a great way to stay connected. While some services, like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video, used to have built-in watch party options, those methods are no longer available. However, there are alternative methods that allow users to host watch parties on various streaming services.
In order to host a watch party using these methods, all participants must have access to the same streaming services. This means that everyone needs to have a Netflix account, or some other similar account, for the watch party to work. Shared accounts can also be used if someone else pays for them. Additionally, all participants must use the same method in order to join the watch party. The two methods described here, Teleparty and SharePlay, both require this level of coordination in order for the watch party to be successful.
Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix Party, is a browser extension that allows users to host watch parties for up to 1,000 people. It works with various streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and others. There is a free version of Teleparty that supports these services, as well as a premium version that works with additional services like Apple TV Plus, Crunchyroll, and ESPN Plus. To host a watch party using Teleparty, users simply need to open a video on a supported streaming service, click the Teleparty icon in the toolbar, and start the party. They can then share the link with friends and family to join the watch party.
SharePlay is a feature introduced by Apple in 2021 that allows users to share their screen with other Apple devices via FaceTime for watch parties. This feature works with Apple’s own apps, such as Apple TV and Apple Music, as well as other streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Some services may require a premium membership to work with SharePlay, while others, like Netflix, do not work with SharePlay at all. To use SharePlay for a watch party, all participants must have iOS 15.1 or later installed on their devices.
Both Teleparty and SharePlay offer unique ways for people to host watch parties with friends and family, even when they are miles apart. These methods allow users to stay connected and enjoy their favorite shows and movies together, creating a shared viewing experience. Whether using a browser extension like Teleparty or a feature like SharePlay on Apple devices, watch parties have become a popular way for people to socialize and bond over shared entertainment experiences. Overall, the rise of streaming watch parties has opened up new possibilities for enjoying TV shows and movies with loved ones in a virtual setting.
