Disney Plus GroupWatch lets you watch with friends - Here’s how it works - Android

Disney Plus continues to gain subscribers worldwide with its library of classic and new movies and TV shows. Now, the service is launching a new feature that allows you to watch Disney Plus with friends, remotely. It’s officially called Disney Plus GroupWatch.

Read more: What’s new on Disney Plus

Here’s how the new feature works, where it’s currently available, and its current limitations. You can sign up for the service at the link below:

What is Disney Plus GroupWatch and where it is available?

This new feature allows up to seven people to watch movies like the Pixar films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, and TV shows like The Mandalorian together, from wherever they might be located. While testing went live earlier this month in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, the feature is only officially available for US Disney Plus subscribers at the moment. Some European countries will get the feature later this fall.

What platforms are supported?

Disney Plus GroupWatch is available for subscribers via the DisneyPlus.com website. It’s also available on its iOS and Android mobile apps. Finally, it is accessible via set-top boxes and smart TVs. This makes this feature different than other streaming group watch services like Netflix Party and Scener, which are limited to just web browsers.

Read more: Watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more with friends

How do I start a Disney Plus GroupWatch party?

Here’s how to begin a Disney Plus GroupWatch event for your online friends.

1. First, go to the movie or TV show that you want to watch with your friends on the Disney Plus web site or mobile app.

2. You should see an icon showing three people on the page. That’s the GroupWatch icon. Tap or click on it.

3. You should then see the GroupWatch page pop up. You can then start inviting up to six of your online friends to watch the Disney Plus movie or TV show with you. First, click or tap on the “+” icon next to your avatar name.

4. A URL link will then pop up. Copy that link and then send it to your friends via email, text, or chat apps. They must be subscribers to Disney Plus. They also need to accept the URL invite on their Disney Plus mobile app or web site. You and your friends can then move your viewing experience to a smart TV app if you wish.

5. When all of your online friends have joined in, anyone in the party can then tap or click the “Start Stream” button to begin the DisneyPlus GroupWatch party.

What other features does it have?

Anyone in the watch party can stop, fast forward, or reverse the video during the event. This is helpful in case someone wants to replay a particularly cool scene, or alternatively wants to bypass a dull one. Of course, pausing is great if someone needs a bathroom break.

Unfortunately, unlike other web-based watch party services, Disney Plus GroupWatch does not currently support native text chat or video chat. Instead, you can react within the Disney Plus apps or web site with a series of emojis. CNET reports, via a Disney rep, that a native chat feature could be added in the future. Of course, you and your friends can still use your favorite third party chat or text apps to communicate with each other while watching Disney Plus.

Read more: Best messenger apps for Android

Finally, you can only watch Disney Plus with friends on one stream at a time during a GroupWatch session. You will need to leave the session you are currently in to join a new GroupWatch party.

That’s all you need to know about Disney Plus GroupWatch. If there are any changes made to this new way to watch Disney Plus with friends, we will update this article.