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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
