How To Watch Netflix Together: Host a Virtual Watch Party

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Going to the movies with family and friends is a classic way to bond and have fun. Now, thanks to streaming services and a few handy tools, you can recreate the magic of an in-person movie night without having to be in the same room. Here’s how you can watch Netflix together with anyone, anywhere in the world.

3 Platforms to Watch Netflix Together

Netflix has over 300 million subscribers globally, making it the world’s leading streaming service. With a vast media library and a dynamic recommendation system, it’s clear why it’s one of streaming’s top players.

However, despite its many advantages, Netflix doesn’t have a built-in watch party feature yet. It’s a good thing audiences and enthusiasts have found workarounds to make these online gatherings possible.

1. Teleparty

Formerly known as Netflix Party, Teleparty is one of the platform’s most well-known virtual watch party extensions. It syncs up all accounts in a party and lets everyone chat through an in-app sidebar. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Install the Teleparty extension via their website. Teleparty is available as a free browser extension on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari and Opera.
2. Once you’ve installed the browser extension, you can see the Teleparty icon beside the address bar. If not, go to the extensions library and pin it to your toolbar.
3. To prepare for the virtual party, go to Netflix and choose the movie or show you’d like to watch with friends. Teleparty also works with other streaming services, like HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+ and Prime Video.
4. Create the Teleparty by clicking the extension icon on your browser. Then, click “Start Party” to begin the session and share the link with friends.
5. To join a Teleparty, you must install the browser extension or Teleparty’s mobile app. Log in to Netflix and click the host’s link to meet your friends. With everyone in the virtual room, you can press play and enjoy.

2. Scener

Scener is another free browser extension that allows you to watch Netflix together through virtual parties. Like Teleparty, it allows you to watch shows and movies simultaneously and chat with people in the group. However, it also offers a premium version for $39.99 a year, which allows audio and video calls while streaming.

Here’s how you install and use Scener:

1. Visit the Scener website and click the purple “Get Scener” button, leading you to the extension’s Chrome Web Store page. Scener currently only works with Google Chrome.
2. Create a Scener account. The extension will ask for your name, email address, age, username and password.
3. Pin the Scener extension to your browser. When you’re ready to start a new party, click the pinned extension to open the website. Log in if you haven’t yet, then click the “Host a watch party” button on the top right of the web page. Choose whether to start the party immediately or schedule it for later.
4. A window will pop up, signaling the beginning of the session. You can start inviting people into the room by sharing a link. Select the streaming service you want to stream and log in. Aside from Netflix, Scener allows users to stream from HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube and many more.
5. Pick a show or movie you want to watch and play it directly from the Scener app. If you have a premium subscription, you and your friends can see and hear each other through audio or video calls.

3. TwoSeven

TwoSeven is a free streaming tool perfect for online Netflix watch parties. It works similarly to other extensions, allowing you to create virtual rooms for people to join — there is no set limit for the number of participants. 

Its unique selling point, however, is its video call feature that requires no additional payment. TwoSeven does have a paid patron tier, which allows additional streaming platforms and message editing capabilities, among other features.

Here’s how to use TwoSeven to watch Netflix together:

1. Using Google Chrome or Firefox, go to the TwoSeven website and click “Get Started” to sign up or log into your account. 
2. Once you’re in, you can create a room by clicking the “Create Watch Party” button. At this stage, you can customize the room’s controls, such as playback, webcam settings, mic use, text chat and reactions. 
3. You can start streaming YouTube videos immediately after setup. However, if you want to screen Netflix shows, you must install the browser extension. Anyone who wants to join also needs to have an account on the selected streaming service.
4. When you’re ready to start the party, copy the link on the address bar and send it to your group. TwoSeven also allows you to add friends and create a friend list you can automatically invite upon creating a new room. 

Tips for Hosting a Virtual Watch Party

With some effort, a virtual watch party can be much more than a group of people pressing play at the same time. Turning it into an event is exciting and makes everyone feel like they’re in the same room. Try these ideas to perfect your next virtual theater experience:

Send Invites

Invitations are an excellent way to generate hype around your party. They also allow people to plan their schedules and make time for the gathering outside of their other commitments. 

A simple calendar invite is an effective reminder and allows you to see who can or cannot attend. If you’re feeling creative, head over to Canva or any design platform to create colorful cards to catch the attention of your guests.

Do a Tech Run

Any successful event needs a tech run — even just a quick one — to ensure everything works as it should. Since it’s a virtual event, it’s crucial to check your device, network, accounts and relevant apps for technical issues. Doing this before the event allows you to solve potential problems so they don’t affect the party experience.

Bring Snacks

A good movie can get even better with some food. Even if your group isn’t physically together, encourage everyone to bring popcorn or their favorite snacks to make the virtual room feel like a movie theater.

Your Next Watch Party Awaits

Distance is no longer an issue when you want to enjoy Netflix with friends. Browser extensions and screen-sharing features allow you to host virtual watch parties quickly and easily. Pick a show, send the invites and start streaming and chatting together, no matter where you are.