Disney+ launches GroupWatch so you can watch with six friends
Everyone knows Disney is better with friends and family - here's how you can watch its streaming service with your pals.
Disney+ has rolled out a co-watching feature letting you watch movies and shows with up to six other friends that started out in the US but has now expanded to more countries - including here in the UK!
Titled "GroupWatch", the feature syncs Disney Plus playback with other subscribers no matter where they are, with each user having the ability to pause, rewind or fast forward.
GroupWatch is currently compatible with the Disney+ website and the app for iPhone, Android, smart TVs, and connected TV devices.
Disney+ is the latest streaming service offering a co-watching feature, following the launch of Netflix Party Chrome Extension in March Prime Video Watch Party in June las year.
The "watch party" trend has become popular during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing friends and family to enjoy streaming services together during lockdown and self-isolation.
GroupWatch the latest experimental feature from Disney Plus, which offered the 2020 remake of Mulan as a £19.99 rental through the streaming service's Disney Plus Premier Access and did the same with the newly-released Raya and the Last Dragon in March 2021.
Not got Disney Plus UK yet? You've got more reason to than ever before. That's because of the arrival of Star on Disney Plus, an add-on service that doubles the amount of content available on the platform, largely with a much more mature slate of TV shows and films, from The X-Files to Die Hard. For a full list of what to expect, look at our round-up of Disney+ Star content.
How to watch Disney Plus with friends
Using Disney+ GroupWatch is surprisingly easy. Here's your quick how to:
- Open Disney+ on your iPhone, Android, or on Disney's website.
- Select a movie or TV show.
- On the Details page, click the GroupWatch icon (an outline of three people).
- Invite up to six other Disney+ subscribers.
- Once everyone has accepted the invite, press play on your chosen movie or TV show.
Just bear in mind you'll have to start the group on the mobile app or through the website - you can then move to a different device once everything is set up if you'd like. To change devices, simply boot up Disney+ on your chosen gadget and click the GroupWatch icon again.
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
Once playback has started, any invited member can pause, rewind or fast forward should they wish to take a break or rewatch a scene. Unlike Netflix Party there is no chat feature, but users can instead react through six available emojis: “like,” “funny,” “sad,” “angry,” “scared” and “surprised”.
You can sign up to Disney+ now for £79.90 for a year or £7.99 a month. Check out the best movies on Disney+ – or see what else is on with our TV Guide.
