How To Use GroupWatch On Disney+ For Streaming Parties

Planning your Zoom watch parties just got even easier: Disney+ has officially launched its new GroupWatch feature. The streaming service will now allow users to simultaneously stream TV shows and movies with up to six other people. If you’re familiar with the Netflix Party feature, it’s very similar. Disney+ GroupWatch lets you synchronise your watching without the faff of counting down and all trying to press play at the same time—has that ever actually worked well for anyone? Evidence points to ‘no.’

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It comes perfectly timed too, with October seeing the release of Disney’s major Star Wars hit show, The Mandalorian. Unlike Netflix Party, GroupWatch is inbuilt to the Disney+ app and doesn’t require any extra downloads or set up.

How to use GroupWatch on Disney+

If you’re wondering how to use GroupWatch, the process is pretty simple! Per Bustle, “To access the new feature, simply access the title you want to stream, click on the GroupWatch icon right next to the “play” and “add to list” icons, and voila: it’ll take you to a separate page where you can add up to six additional users (via the “+” icon) to join the group stream. All streamers must be Disney+ subscribers in order to join GroupWatch, and it can be used on TVs and other devices.”

Does GroupWatch have a chat feature?

At the moment GroupWatch is only for syncing your streaming together, there isn’t currently a chat or extra video call function. That said, most group watch parties have a separate chat or Zoom video call going anyway. Jerrell Jimserson, Disney+’s SVP of product management told CNN that it might be explored in the future. “We really wanted to create a product feature that was great for small groups, for friends and family, that was really easy to use,” Jimerson explained about the GroupWatch feature. “We didn’t want your grandmother having to figure out a Chrome extension.”

“It provides a really easy way to watch with friends and family, particularly in times when you can’t have four friends over on a Friday or Saturday night to watch something like The Mandalorian,” Jimerson said. “This is a great way to have a similar kind of experience with other people you would otherwise be hanging out with in person.”