While iOS 15 has a lot of super cool features, FaceTime probably got the most attention. Whether it’s a revamped design, well thought-out functionality for making FaceTime calls from iPhone to Android, or the exciting SharePlay feature that lets users watch movies together on FaceTime, Apple’s video calling app looks set to rival video conferencing services like Zoom and Google Meet. . If you’re ready to start your binge watching frenzy with your friends and loved ones, let’s learn to watch movies together on FaceTime with SharePlay!
Use SharePlay on FaceTime to Watch Movies Together
Especially when dealing with an entirely new feature like Facetime SharePlay the way to go is to clear any doubts. So let’s learn the basics first and then we can go over the steps to watch movies together over FaceTime call.
What is SharePlay and How Does It Work?
SharePlay is designed to allow users to listen to songs, share their screen or watch movies and TV shows together in sync with Apple Music during a FaceTime call. With Provides real-time connections for uninterrupted gameplay by integrating access to applications from within the call. With pretty neat shared playback controls, anyone on a video call can play, pause, or skip ahead with ease. Better still, SharePlay also extends to Apple TV to let users watch shows and movies on the big screen.
There’s nothing new about FaceTime SharePlay, as services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have long offered co-watching. However, what puts Apple’s offering ahead of the curve is its deep integration and ability to deliver seamless gameplay across devices including iPhone, iPad and Mac. As such, Apple may be a little late to the party (as always), but unlike other competitors, it has somehow nailed the co-tracking functionality.
As the trend of watching movies and TV shows virtually with family and friends becomes popular during the pandemic, Apple wants to capitalize on this opportunity to a large extent.
What Services Does FaceTime SharePlay Support?
In addition to supporting Apple Music and Apple TV, SharePlay also works with various third-party video services via an API. Popular streaming services already built in are listed below:
- Disney+
- hulu
- HBO Max.
- extraordinary+
- Pluto TV
- NBA TV
- Twitch
- TikTok
- master class
- ESPN+
Now, in case you’re wondering – can you watch Netflix with your friends on a FaceTime call? Unfortunately, Netflix does not yet support the FaceTime SharePlay feature. However, we expect the streaming giant to step in soon. We also expect Spotify to integrate the SharePlay API into its iOS app in the coming weeks.
Can Android and Windows Users Join Your FaceTime Watch Party?
No they can’t! While Apple now lets iPhone users make FaceTime calls with friends on Android and Windows, you can’t stream movies and TV shows with them.
“SharePlay is supported on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and users can even include their Apple TV in the experience when they want to view content on a larger screen.” own the Cupertino giant Shareplay API page.
Create and Start a FaceTime Watch Party
- start FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap now. Create Link to create a watch party link. Alternatively, you can tap “New FaceTime” and invite all your friends to a group video call.
3. After the FaceTime watch party is created, tap on it. “i” button It’s located next to the shareable link under the “Upcoming” section.
4. Then, “Share link” choice.
Next up, the iOS share sheet allows you to share the FaceTime watch party link through various channels including iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, text, email and more. You can choose the environment you want to invite your friends.
6. Now let your friends join the watch party. Make sure you bring them in. After they all got on the ship, launch your favorite supported video streaming app. Then choose an exciting movie or show to watch together and have a blast! Oh yes, be sure to bring popcorn so you can enjoy every bit of the show.
7. As I said above, FaceTime offers useful shared controls so anyone in the call can play, pause and skip forward with ease. This can be especially handy when one of your friends needs to use the bathroom, pick up an Uber Eats delivery, or answer an emergency call.
Enjoy FaceTime Watch Party Using SharePlay
That’s how you can create a watch party using FaceTime SharePlay and watch movies with your friends and loved ones. Now that you know how it works, we hope you make the most of it to improve your viewing experience together. As always, we’re researching Apple’s latest iOS update to discover all the new features. So, if you want to capture more of such exciting features, be sure to check out what Breathing Rate is and how to use it on Apple Watch and how to blur background on FaceTime video calls. There is also a way to download the iOS 15 beta without a developer account.