Letโs face it: streaming platforms like Netflix have significantly changed the way we watch movies and shows. But thereโs one aspect of the viewing experience that we sometimes miss โ the collective laughter, gasps, and hushed whispers that you only get when you watch with friends. How can you recapture this when youโre miles apart? The answer: Watch Netflix with friends remotely!
TL;DR: To watch Netflix with friends, you can use several tools and apps, including the Netflix Party extension, Scener, Metastream, and more. The setup process is relatively simple โ you install the tool, start watching a Netflix show, and invite your friends to join. While there are many advantages to these virtual watch parties, be aware that technical glitches and lagging can sometimes occur. To enhance the experience, consider setting up a video chat for reactions and discussions and make it more fun by hosting themed watch parties or playing related games.
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Table of Contents
What Tools and Apps Are Available to Watch Netflix With Friends
The digital world provides several options to sync your Netflix viewings with friends. The most prominent one is Netflix Party, now known as Teleparty, a browser extension exclusive for Chrome. It has chat room features for real-time discussions while the show or movie is running.
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Scener is another excellent choice, compatible with multiple browsers and services, including Netflix, and it provides video chat functionality. Metastream is also worth mentioning, with its superb synchronization quality and on-screen chat options.
Here is the full list of software:
Tool/App | Platform | Features | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Netflix Party (renamed to Teleparty) | Chrome, Edge | Synchronizes video playback, adds group chat | Link |
Scener | Chrome, iOS, Android | Synchronizes video playback, adds group chat, video and audio chat | Link |
Watch2Gether | Web | Supports various platforms including Netflix, adds chat | Link |
Metastream | Chrome, Firefox | Synchronizes video playback, adds chat | Link |
TwoSeven | Chrome, Firefox | Synchronizes video playback, adds chat, video and audio chat | Link |
Kosmi | Web | Supports various platforms including Netflix, adds chat, video and audio chat | Link |
Rave | iOS, Android | Synchronizes video playback, adds chat, video and audio chat | Link |
How to Set Up a Netflix Party
To set up a Netflix Party (Teleparty), you first need to install the extension from the Chrome Web Store. Once done, navigate to Netflix, start playing a movie or show, then click the โTPโ icon next to your browser address bar to start a party.
Youโll receive a link that you can share with friends who also have the extension installed. Clicking the link will redirect them to the exact show youโre watching, synced to your timeline.
Install Teleparty:
- Go to the Teleparty website or the Chrome Web Store (or Edge Add-ons).
- Click on the โAdd to Chromeโ button to install it. It should install as an extension to your browser.
Choose a Movie/Show on Netflix:
- Navigate to the Netflix website.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
- Decide what you want to watch with your friends.
Create the Teleparty:
- Once youโve chosen what to watch, click on the Teleparty extension icon near the address bar of your browser. Itโs a โTPโ in a red box.
- A window will pop up instructing you to โCreate a Telepartyโ. Click on it.
- You will have an option to make yourself the only one in control of the playback (i.e., pausing, rewinding, etc.). If you want this, check the โOnly I have controlโ box.
- Click โStart the partyโ.
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Invite Your Friends:
- Once the Teleparty is created, youโll see a URL that you can share with your friends.
- Copy this URL and send it to anyone you want to join the Teleparty. Remember, they also need to have the Teleparty extension installed and access to Netflix.
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Join the Party:
- Your friends can join the Teleparty by clicking the link you sent them. This will take them to the Netflix website.
- They then need to click on the Teleparty extension icon to join the party.
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Enjoy the Show:
- Once everyone has joined, you can all watch the show together, perfectly synchronized.
- Thereโs also a chat box where you can type to each other during the show.
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How To Enjoy a Movie Night With Friends Via Netflix
Netflix provides you with the opportunity to have remote movie nights with friends. Once youโve set up your Netflix Party, you can all watch simultaneously and chat as you enjoy the movie. The chat feature allows for real-time reactions and discussions. To make it more enjoyable, set up a video call on the side for face-to-face interactions and reactions. Itโs just like being in the same room, despite the distance.
Pros and Cons of Watching Netflix Together With Friends
Watching Netflix together with friends is undeniably fun and engaging, creating a sense of togetherness even when physically apart. However, it does have its downsides. Letโs discuss these:
Pros
- Enhances social interactions despite distance.
- Allows for real-time reactions and discussions.
- Great way to have a shared experience, enhancing friendships.
Cons
- Reliant on everyoneโs internet speed; lag can lead to desynchronization.
- Occasional technical glitches can occur.
- Requires coordination of schedules, which can be challenging across different time zones.
Best Practices for Setting Up Netflix โWatch Togetherโ Parties
To get the best out of your Netflix watch together parties, keep these best practices in mind:
- Ensure everyone has a stable internet connection to prevent buffering or lagging.
- Decide on what to watch in advance to avoid wasting time scrolling through options.
- Schedule the watch party ahead of time, accommodating for different time zones if needed.
- Use the chat feature effectively: avoid spamming and respect othersโ viewing experience.
Creative Ideas For Enhancing the Netflix-Watching Experience With Friends
- Themed Parties: Pick a theme based on the movie or series youโre watching. Everyone can dress up and decorate their room accordingly.
- Trivia Night: After watching, have a trivia session based on what you watched.
- Snack & Chat: Coordinate snacks or meals to simulate a real-world get-together.
- Bingo Night: Create bingo cards based on expected plot twists or clichรฉs in the movie/series.
Conclusion
In the era of digital connectivity, distance is no longer a barrier to enjoy a good movie or series with friends on Netflix. These tools and best practices will help enhance your viewing parties and bring back the shared joy of watching together, no matter where you all are.
FAQ
How do I watch Netflix with friends at the same time?
To watch Netflix with friends simultaneously, you can use tools like Netflix Party (Teleparty), Scener, or Metastream. These allow you to sync your show or movie with your friends and include chat functions for real-time interaction.
Does Netflix have a watch party?
Yes, using a tool called Netflix Party, now known as Teleparty, you can host or join watch parties. This Google Chrome extension allows you to watch Netflix synchronously with friends and chat while watching.
Is there an app where you can watch Netflix with friends?
Yes, there are several apps, including Scener and Rave, that allow you to watch Netflix with friends synchronously. These apps also provide chat features for real-time communication during the viewing.
How do I group watch Netflix on my phone?
To group watch Netflix on your phone, you can use apps like Rave. It synchronizes video playback on multiple devices, letting you watch Netflix together with friends on your smartphones.