Introduction
With the ongoing pandemic, many of us are stuck indoors and looking for ways to stay connected with friends and family. One perfect way to bridge that gap is to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on Netflix together. In this article, we’ll explore various options to watch Netflix together with friends and family remotely, share tips and tricks, and even provide some fun ideas for making your virtual Netflix party unforgettable.
5 Best Apps to Watch Netflix Together with Friends and Family
If you are looking for apps to make your Netflix-watching experience even better, look no further. Here are some of the best apps available to watch Netflix and chill with your loved ones together:
Netflix Party
This popular app allows you to watch Netflix with friends online and chat with them simultaneously in real-time. One of the app’s best features is that it synchronizes the Netflix playback for all the participants, so everyone can enjoy the show together. Netflix Party is easy to use, and it’s available as a free Google Chrome extension.
Scener
Scener is another excellent app to stream Netflix with friends. The app enables people from different parts of the world to watch Netflix together in sync. It is available as a free Google Chrome extension and also supports video chat with friends using the app. Additionally, Scener supports screen sharing and provides options to add your video streaming services like Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
TwoSeven
TwoSeven is the perfect app for watching movies or shows together with friends over long distances. You and your friends can even use this app to customize your streaming experience. It is available for free, but a pro version is available with extra features like high-quality options and sharing links on Facebook or Twitter.
Metastream
If you want to watch a Netflix show, a Hulu series, or any other streaming service with your family and friends, Metastream is a great option. This app allows you and your loved ones to stream content together from any streaming service. Best of all, it’s free to use, and users can even upload their video files.
Watch2gether
Watch2gether is based on a unique concept of creating a virtual room where you and your loved ones can hang out and enjoy movies or shows together in real-time. It supports other video-sharing websites, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. You can create a playlist of your favorite content and share it with other people. The app is free to use, with ads that allow the creators to run the site.
The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Virtual Netflix Party
A virtual Netflix Party allows you to watch your favorite shows or movies with your friends and family members who may live far away. Here’s how to do it:
Choosing a movie/show to watch
The first step to hosting a virtual Netflix party is selecting a movie or show.
The host executes this task and must choose a show or movie that suits everyone’s preferences or personalities.
It would be best to create a list of potential options to choose from to avoid unnecessary arguments and disagreements.
Inviting friends/family to join the party
Once you’ve picked your movie/show, you can invite friends and family to your Netflix Party. All you have to do is download the Netflix Party extension on Google Chrome and create a shareable link to send to your friends and family members. They will click on the link, which will take them to the same screen you are watching from.
Starting the party and syncing everyone’s playback
When everyone is present, the host can click on the “NP” button in the top right corner and start the party. The app will then sync everyone’s playback, ensuring that everyone is watching the show in real-time.
It’s like you are all sitting in your living room together, despite being separated by great distances.
Using chat features to interact throughout the movie/show
Netflix Party also allows for chat features to facilitate interaction during the show or movie.
You can share your opinions, jokes, and commentary about the movie or show as you watch it in real-time with your loved ones.
How to Set Up a Group Viewing Session on Netflix: Step-by-Step Guide
Netflix offers a built-in feature for users to watch Netflix movies and shows with a group. This function works well and is integrated directly into the Netflix app without the need for a third-party app.
Navigating to the movie/show you want to watch
The first step is to navigate to the show or movie that you want to watch. Ensure that all participants have access to the movie or show and have their Netflix accounts logged in.
If it’s a Netflix original series or movie, it must be available for streaming in your area.
Starting a party and inviting friends/family to join
To start a watch party, click on the “Watch Party” icon (a popcorn bucket with three people inside). Click on the “Start Watching” button to begin the session. Send your friends and family members the shareable link provided.
Syncing everyone’s playback and using the chat feature
Once everyone has joined, you can start the show. The playback will synchronize with everyone else’s computers, TVs, or mobile devices to ensure that everyone is watching the show or movie at the same time.
You can also chat with your friends and family in real-time by typing in the chat box located on the right side of the screen.
Watching Netflix Together: Tips and Tricks for a Seamless Streaming Experience
Watching a show on Netflix with friends and loved ones can be a fun and engaging experience. Here are some tips to make sure your viewing experience is seamless:
Making sure everyone has a stable internet connection
Having a stable internet connection is crucial to a successful Netflix party.
You may experience buffering or delays if one person has a poor internet connection.
Ensure that everyone has reliable Wi-Fi to avoid interruptions.
Using headphones to avoid sound overlap
Multiple people watching Netflix in the same room can create sound overlap and reduce the sound quality.
Headphones are an excellent solution to reduce the sound and chatter from other participants.
Adjusting playback settings for optimal video quality
It’s essential to adjust the playback settings to optimize the video quality based on internet speed capabilities.
You can go to the settings option on your Netflix app and choose “Video Quality” to adjust to the high or auto-definition playback option to optimize.
Dealing with technical issues that may arise
Technical issues such as app crashes or lags in playback may cause significant disruptions. Keep the customer support helpline number handy to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
Fun Ideas for a Netflix Movie Night with Your Loved Ones
If you’re interested in hosting a themed Netflix movie night or something similar, here are some ideas to make it even more engaging:
Setting up a themed viewing party
Set up a virtual or face-to-face movie viewing party with a themed décor, costumes, and soundtrack to complement the movie.
The added aesthetic layer creates a fun-filled, shared experience for everyone involved.
Snacking on movie-inspired treats
Make some movie-inspired treats like popcorn, pizza, or nachos and drinks for a fun-filled evening with your friends and family. Engrave the ambiance watching your favorite show with delicious snacks and drinks.
Playing movie-themed games or trivia
Play games and trivia related to the movie you are watching. Ask questions on the movie plot, characters, soundtrack, or play a themed game like Charades or Pictionary.
This game adds a delightful interactive layer to your movie night.
Discussing the movie/show afterwards and sharing opinions
After the movie, it would be great to discuss the movie or show and share opinions on the plot, characters, and the show’s overall execution.
You can also analyze the show and develop constructive opinions to understand the matter better and satisfy those niggling doubts.
Conclusion
There are tons of ways to watch Netflix together with friends and family remotely. Using apps like Netflix Party, Scener, TwoSeven, Metastream, or Watch2gether or using the built-in Netflix app feature to watch together, you can enjoy the shows and movies with your loved ones regardless of your geographical location. Share snacks, play games, trivia, and discuss the show afterward to make your virtual Netflix party unforgettable.