Watch Netflix Together: A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Movie Nights
In today’s interconnected world, physical distance doesn’t have to mean social distance. Thanks to technology, we can bridge the miles and share experiences with friends and family, no matter where they are. One of the most popular ways to do this is by watching movies and TV shows together online. And when it comes to streaming content, Netflix is king. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods for watching Netflix together, ensuring that your next remote movie night is a seamless and enjoyable experience.
## Why Watch Netflix Together?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s quickly touch on the “why.” Watching Netflix together offers numerous benefits:
* **Staying Connected:** It’s a fantastic way to maintain relationships with loved ones who live far away.
* **Shared Experiences:** Discussing plot twists, favorite characters, and funny moments creates shared memories.
* **Combating Loneliness:** Especially during times of isolation, virtual movie nights can provide a sense of community.
* **Discovering New Content:** Introducing each other to new shows and movies expands your horizons.
* **Just Plain Fun:** It’s a relaxing and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends or family.
## Methods for Watching Netflix Together
Several methods exist for watching Netflix together, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll explore the most popular options:
1. **Netflix Party (Teleparty)**
* **What it is:** Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix Party, is a Chrome extension that synchronizes video playback and adds a group chat feature to Netflix. It’s one of the easiest and most widely used options.
* **How it works:** Teleparty synchronizes the video playback across all participants’ screens, ensuring everyone is watching the same scene at the same time. It also provides a chat window where everyone can discuss the movie or show in real-time.
* **Pros:**
* Easy to set up and use.
* Synchronized playback ensures everyone is watching the same thing.
* Built-in chat feature for real-time communication.
* Free to use (with a Netflix subscription).
* **Cons:**
* Requires the Chrome browser on a computer or laptop. It does not work on mobile devices (without workarounds) or smart TVs directly.
* All participants need a Netflix subscription.
* **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Install the Teleparty Extension:**
* Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
* Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Teleparty.”
* Click “Add to Chrome” and then “Add extension” to install the extension.
2. **Start a Netflix Party:**
* Go to the Netflix website ([www.netflix.com](www.netflix.com)) and log in to your account.
* Choose the movie or TV show you want to watch together.
* Start playing the video.
* Click on the red “Tp” icon (the Teleparty icon) in your Chrome toolbar. It will usually be near the top right of your browser.
* Click “Start the party” to create a Teleparty link.
* You’ll have the option to become the “host,” which gives you control over playback (pause, play, fast forward, etc.).
* Copy the generated Teleparty link.
3. **Share the Link:**
* Share the Teleparty link with your friends or family you want to watch with. You can send it via email, text message, or any other messaging app.
4. **Join the Party:**
* Participants click on the Teleparty link you shared.
* They’ll be redirected to the Netflix website and prompted to log in to their Netflix account (if they’re not already logged in).
* Once logged in, they’ll automatically join the Teleparty, and the video will start playing in sync with everyone else.
* A chat window will appear on the right side of the screen, where everyone can chat in real-time.
5. **Control Playback (Host):**
* If you’re the host, you can control the playback (pause, play, fast forward, rewind) for everyone in the party.
* If you’re not the host, your playback will be synchronized with the host’s.
6. **Enjoy the Show!** Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching Netflix together.
2. **Scener**
* **What it is:** Scener is a platform that allows you to watch Netflix (and other streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video) together with friends and family. It offers more advanced features than Teleparty, including video and voice chat.
* **How it works:** Scener creates a virtual theater where you can watch content together and interact with each other via video and voice chat. It synchronizes playback and allows for a more immersive and social viewing experience.
* **Pros:**
* Supports multiple streaming services.
* Offers video and voice chat in addition to text chat.
* Allows for larger group sizes.
* Available as a Chrome extension and a desktop app.
* **Cons:**
* Requires users to create a Scener account.
* Can be more resource-intensive than Teleparty, potentially leading to performance issues on older computers.
* All participants need subscriptions to the streaming services being watched.
* **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Install Scener:**
* Go to the Scener website ([www.scener.com](www.scener.com)) and create an account.
* Download and install the Scener Chrome extension or the desktop app.
2. **Connect Your Streaming Accounts:**
* Open Scener and connect your Netflix (and any other streaming service you want to use) account. You’ll need to log in to each service through Scener.
3. **Create a Virtual Theater:**
* Click on the “Create a Theater” button in Scener.
* Choose the streaming service you want to watch from (e.g., Netflix).
* Select the movie or TV show you want to watch.
4. **Invite Your Friends:**
* Share the theater link with your friends or family you want to watch with. You can send it via email, text message, or any other messaging app.
5. **Join the Theater:**
* Participants click on the theater link you shared.
* They’ll be prompted to log in to their Scener account (if they’re not already logged in).
* They’ll also need to connect their Netflix account (if they haven’t already).
* Once logged in and connected, they’ll join the virtual theater, and the video will start playing in sync with everyone else.
6. **Interact with Each Other:**
* Use the video, voice, or text chat features to communicate with each other during the movie or show.
7. **Control Playback:**
* The host (the person who created the theater) can control the playback (pause, play, fast forward, rewind) for everyone in the theater.
* Scener also offers collaborative control options where multiple users can control playback.
8. **Enjoy the Show!** Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching Netflix together in your virtual theater.
3. **Discord Screen Sharing**
* **What it is:** Discord, primarily known as a communication platform for gamers, also offers screen sharing capabilities that can be used to watch Netflix together. This method involves one person streaming their screen to others in a Discord voice or video channel.
* **How it works:** One person plays the Netflix video on their computer and shares their screen with others in a Discord channel. Participants can then watch the video together and communicate via voice or text chat.
* **Pros:**
* Relatively easy to set up if you’re already familiar with Discord.
* Free to use (with a Netflix subscription).
* Offers voice and video chat.
* Can be used to share other content besides Netflix.
* **Cons:**
* Screen sharing can sometimes be laggy or have quality issues, especially with slower internet connections.
* Only one person needs a Netflix Subscription, however this can be considered a violation of Netflix’s terms of service
* Audio quality may not be as good as dedicated watch party apps.
* Requires everyone to have a Discord account and be in the same Discord server.
* Netflix may detect the screen sharing and display a black screen. (Workarounds are available, see below)
* **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Create a Discord Server (if you don’t have one):**
* Open the Discord app or website and log in to your account.
* Click on the “+” icon on the left-hand side to create a new server.
* Follow the prompts to create a server and give it a name.
2. **Create a Voice Channel:**
* In your Discord server, click on the “+” icon next to “Voice Channels” to create a new voice channel.
* Give the channel a name (e.g., “Netflix Night”) and click “Create Channel.”
3. **Start Netflix:**
* One person should open the Netflix website ([www.netflix.com](www.netflix.com)) and log in to their account.
* Choose the movie or TV show you want to watch.
4. **Share Your Screen:**
* In the Discord voice channel, click on the “Share Screen” icon (it looks like a computer screen with an arrow).
* A window will pop up asking you what you want to share. Choose the window that’s displaying Netflix (or your entire screen if you prefer).
* Click “Go Live” to start sharing your screen.
5. **Adjust Audio Settings (Important):**
* **Crucially, you need to adjust your audio settings in Discord so that others can hear the Netflix audio.**
* Go to Discord’s User Settings (the gear icon in the bottom left corner).
* Click on “Voice & Video” in the left-hand menu.
* In the “Input Device” section, make sure your microphone is selected.
* **In the “Output Device” section, select your computer’s default audio output device (the one that’s playing the Netflix audio).** This is often labeled as “Default” or the name of your speakers or headphones.
* **Disable “Attenuation”. This will reduce the sound of other applications when you are speaking which is not desired.**
* **Increase the audio output volume in the Netflix player.**
6. **Join the Voice Channel:**
* Have your friends or family join the Discord voice channel.
7. **Watch Together!**
* The person sharing their screen should play the Netflix video.
* Everyone else in the voice channel can watch the video and communicate via voice or text chat.
8. **Troubleshooting Black Screen Issues:**
* Netflix often prevents screen sharing via DRM protections and may display a black screen when screen sharing.
* **Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome:** This is the most common fix. In Chrome settings, search for “hardware acceleration” and turn it off. Restart Chrome.
* **Use a different browser:** Try Firefox or Edge. Some browsers are more resistant to Netflix’s screen sharing blocking.
* **Share Your Entire Screen:** Instead of sharing just the Chrome window, share your entire desktop. This sometimes bypasses the detection.
* **Lower the Resolution:** Reduce the resolution of your screen. This may reduce the load on the screen sharing and prevent detection.
4. **Amazon Watch Party**
* **What it is:** Amazon Prime Video offers a built-in feature called “Watch Party” that allows you to watch movies and TV shows together with friends and family. Note that this is for content available on Amazon Prime Video, not Netflix.
* **How it works:** The host starts a Watch Party and invites others to join. Playback is synchronized, and there’s a chat window for real-time communication.
* **Pros:**
* Integrated directly into Amazon Prime Video.
* Easy to use.
* Synchronized playback and chat feature.
* **Cons:**
* Only works for content available on Amazon Prime Video, not Netflix.
* All participants need an Amazon Prime subscription.
* **Why it is still important to include:** Although this cannot be used for Netflix, it is a popular alternative that users may be interested in.
* **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Find a Movie or TV Show:**
* Go to the Amazon Prime Video website or app and find a movie or TV show that’s included with your Prime membership or available for purchase/rental.
2. **Start a Watch Party:**
* Look for the “Watch Party” icon on the details page of the movie or TV show. It’s usually a small group of people icon.
* Click on the “Watch Party” icon to start a new Watch Party.
3. **Name Your Watch Party:**
* Give your Watch Party a name.
4. **Invite Your Friends:**
* Copy the generated Watch Party link and share it with your friends or family.
5. **Join the Watch Party:**
* Participants click on the Watch Party link you shared.
* They’ll be prompted to log in to their Amazon Prime account (if they’re not already logged in).
* Once logged in, they’ll join the Watch Party, and the video will start playing in sync with everyone else.
6. **Chat and Enjoy!**
* Use the chat window to communicate with each other during the movie or show.
* The host can control the playback (pause, play, fast forward, rewind) for everyone in the party.
## Tips for a Successful Netflix Watch Party
To ensure your Netflix watch party is a success, consider these tips:
* **Test Your Setup:** Before the official start time, test your chosen method with a friend or family member to make sure everything is working correctly. This will help you troubleshoot any technical issues in advance.
* **Choose a Movie or Show in Advance:** Avoid wasting time arguing over what to watch. Decide on a movie or show ahead of time to maximize viewing time.
* **Set a Schedule:** Agree on a start time and any breaks you want to take. This will help everyone stay on the same page.
* **Have Snacks and Drinks Ready:** No movie night is complete without snacks and drinks. Encourage everyone to prepare their favorite treats.
* **Mute Your Microphone When Not Speaking:** To avoid background noise and distractions, mute your microphone when you’re not actively speaking. This is especially important when using voice chat.
* **Be Respectful of Others:** Avoid talking over others or making excessive noise. Remember that everyone is trying to enjoy the movie or show.
* **Use Headphones:** Using headphones can help improve audio quality and reduce distractions for yourself and others.
* **Adjust Video Quality:** If you’re experiencing buffering or lag, try lowering the video quality in Netflix settings. This can help improve streaming performance.
* **Communicate Clearly:** If you’re having technical issues or can’t hear something, communicate clearly and politely with the other participants.
* **Most Importantly: Have Fun!** Remember, the goal is to relax and enjoy a shared experience with friends and family. Don’t stress too much about the technical details.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best planning, technical issues can sometimes arise. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Video Buffering or Lag:**
* **Check Your Internet Connection:** Make sure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
* **Lower Video Quality:** Reduce the video quality in Netflix settings.
* **Close Other Applications:** Close any other applications that are using your internet connection.
* **Restart Your Router:** Try restarting your router to refresh your internet connection.
* **Audio Issues:**
* **Check Your Volume:** Make sure your volume is turned up and that your speakers or headphones are properly connected.
* **Check Your Microphone Settings:** If you’re using voice chat, make sure your microphone is properly configured.
* **Try a Different Audio Device:** If you’re having trouble with your speakers or headphones, try using a different audio device.
* **Synchronization Problems:**
* **Ensure Everyone Has the Same Extension/App:** Make sure everyone is using the same version of the Teleparty extension or Scener app.
* **Restart the Party/Theater:** Try restarting the Teleparty or Scener theater to re-synchronize the playback.
* **Check for Updates:** Make sure your browser, extensions, and apps are up to date.
* **Netflix Not Working:**
* **Check Netflix Server Status:** Sometimes, Netflix servers may be down. Check the Netflix website or social media for updates.
* **Restart Your Browser/App:** Try restarting your browser or the Netflix app.
* **Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies:** Clearing your browser cache and cookies can sometimes resolve issues with Netflix.
## Alternatives to Netflix for Watch Parties
While Netflix is incredibly popular, other streaming services also offer watch party features or can be used with third-party tools:
* **Disney+:** Disney+ offers a built-in GroupWatch feature that allows you to watch movies and shows together with up to six other people. It’s similar to Amazon’s Watch Party.
* **Hulu:** Hulu offers a Watch Party feature for select content. It allows you to watch together with up to eight other people.
* **HBO Max:** HBO Max can be used with Scener to create virtual watch parties.
* **Amazon Prime Video:** As mentioned earlier, Amazon Prime Video has its own Watch Party feature.
* **YouTube:** YouTube allows you to create watch parties with synchronized playback and a chat feature. This is great for watching music videos, documentaries, or other content available on YouTube.
## Conclusion
Watching Netflix together is a fantastic way to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and combat loneliness. Whether you choose Teleparty, Scener, Discord screen sharing, or another method, the key is to find a setup that works best for you and your group. With a little planning and troubleshooting, you can create memorable remote movie nights that bring you closer to the people you care about, no matter where they are in the world. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the show!