Disney+ Is Launching a GroupWatch Feature for All US Subscribers

September 29, 2020

Ever wanted to have a movie night with your distant friends or relatives remotely? Well, thanks to this new feature on Disney+, now’s your chance!

On Tuesday, Disney+ introduced GroupWatch, which allows users to co-view with other subscribers all of the streaming platform’s movie and TV show library from a distance. The new function will allow up to seven people to watch together in a synced playback experience across the web, mobile, connected TV devices, Smart TVs and other devices with access to Disney+.

Disney+
Credit: Disney

“Storytelling comes alive when you’re able to share and enjoy it with others, and in this moment when many are still apart from their friends and family, GroupWatch offers a way to safely connect virtually by co-viewing your favorite Disney+ stories with your favorite people from the comfort of your living room,” said Jerrell B Jimerson, SVP Product Management for Disney+ in a press release.

Pictured below, users can access the function when selecting the GroupWatch icon located on the Details page on both series and movies on Disney+. Upon selecting the option, you will receive a link to invite up to six other people to co-view with. After clicking the link, each of the subscribers in your party will have access to your co-viewing session.

Disney+
Credit: Disney

For those viewing on a smart TV or other connected device, it’s worth noting that GroupWatch’s synchronized playback has to be initiated from these links, whether they be from mobile or web. However, subscribers can watch them on a connected TV device or Smart TV.

As part of the new feature, viewers in your co-viewing session will be able to pause, play, rewind, or fast forward for the entire group. Additionally, while watching, viewers can react in real-time with six different emojis. These include “like,” “funny,” “sad,” “angry,” “scared,” and “surprised.” All of which, are located within the Disney+ app.

For those already planning their first co-viewing session, you can plan a last minute movie night today as the feature just became available this morning!

Will you be testing out GroupWatch with your distant friends or relatives on your next movie night? Let us know in the comments! 

Sean Sposato

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