Streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we watch films and series. But how can you share these moments when your friends or partner can’t be physically present? Here’s how you can organize virtual movie nights without breaking the rules of account sharing. A social experience just a click away that brings you closer together despite the distance!
Streaming together: a new way to stay connected
Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max… these names are now part of our everyday lives. We have become accustomed to watching what we want, when we want. Gone are the days of having to wait for a movie to be shown on TV!
Who has never organized a series night with friends? Or a movie marathon on Disney+? It’s great to share these moments together, react live to the most memorable scenes and discuss them during the credits.
But sometimes distance separates us. Your best friend has moved across the country. Your partner is on a business trip. Or simply no one wants to go out on a rainy night.
The good news? The internet offers us solutions to have these shared experiences without leaving our couch. And the best part is that these methods don’t break the rules of streaming platforms for sharing accounts.
Applications that synchronize television
If you want to watch content with someone remotely at the same time, there are several dedicated apps. They all work on a similar principle: they synchronize the playback of content on the participants’ devices and offer a chat system to chat while watching.
What features should you look out for?
A good shared viewing app should offer the following..:
- Perfect synchronization of content (pause, play, fast forward)
- Integrated chat or the option to use an external chat box
- Compatibility with various streaming platforms
- Easy installation and use
- Free options and affordable premium features
Let’s take a look at the best options available in 2025.
Teleparty: the extension that made shared viewing popular
Teleparty, formerly known as “Netflix Party”, was one of the first solutions to democratize the concept of watching TV together. The name says it all: the aim is to organize virtual “teleparties”.
It’s as simple as that. Install the extension in your browser, launch the content on the platform of your choice, create a Teleparty channel and invite your friends via a single link.
The free version gives you access to text chat, while the paid version adds voice and video chat features. Just between us, if you already use Discord or WhatsApp in parallel, the free version is more than enough.
Teleparty is compatible with Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video and Max in France. The extension is available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. There is also a dedicated application for macOS and a version for Android.
I tried Teleparty last month to watch the latest season of “Stranger Things” with my sister, who lives in Lille (I live in Marseille). It worked very well, although we had a slight delay at the beginning, which we quickly fixed.
Rave: the full multiplatform option
Rave is characterized by the fact that it is available on almost all devices. You can install it on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. A practical option if some of your friends prefer to watch on their tablets while others use a computer.
Like Teleparty, Rave is also compatible with the main streaming platforms: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video and Max. The app is free, with paid options to remove ads.
An interesting feature: Rave also lets you stream your videos stored on Google Drive. You can also use the integrated tool to listen to music together or mix tracks.
Imagine meeting up virtually with your friends to watch videos from your last trip and then switching to a Netflix movie – all without switching apps. A pretty interesting concept, don’t you think?
Watch2Gether: the solution without installation
If you prefer not to install anything, Watch2Gether is just the thing for you. This platform works directly in your browser without the need for an account (but you can register).
The interface is similar to a classic chat room, but with an integrated video player that automatically synchronizes the content for all participants. You can use it anonymously, but if you create an account, you have access to more options.
Watch2Gether is perfect for free content like YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch or Dailymotion. It also supports audio platforms like Soundcloud and Apple Music. For Netflix or other paid services, you need to use the screen sharing function.
A little tip: Watch2Gether’s browser extensions (available for Opera, Firefox, Edge and Chrome) make the experience with paid platforms much easier. I discovered it by accident and it has changed my life as a remote viewer!
Flickcall: the option with integrated video conferencing
The last option on our list, Flickcall, is characterized by the natural integration of video conferencing. If you want to see your friends’ reactions during the movie (watch out for friends who talk too much, we know them!), you might like this solution.
The principle is always the same: install the extension for Chrome, launch a piece of content on a compatible platform, create a viewing area and share the link with your friends.
The video conferencing function is subject to a fee, while the text chat is available free of charge. As with the other solutions, each participant must have their own account on paid platforms such as Netflix or Disney+.
It is therefore not a solution for sharing the subscription, but for sharing the viewing experience. An important nuance at a time when platforms are trying to detect unauthorized account sharing.
Tips for a successful virtual movie night
Once you have chosen your instrument, here are some tips to make your virtual movie night a success:
Before the screening
Do a technical test! There’s nothing more frustrating than spending the first half hour trying to fix connection problems. Check that all participants:
- A stable internet connection (ideally via cable and not WLAN)
- The required application or extension has been installed correctly
- Access to the chosen streaming platform
- A quiet and comfortable environment in which to enjoy the movie
Don’t forget to select the movie or series in advance. We all know the evenings that start with 45 minutes of “What should we watch?”. It’s even more complicated online.
During the viewing
Lay down some ground rules. Can we comment freely? Are discussions reserved for the breaks? Do we activate the webcams during the movie or only before and after?
If you use a text chat, don’t hesitate to respond regularly. After all, that’s what makes it so social! But beware of spoilers if some have already seen the content.
The great thing about these tools is that they also allow for “asynchronous annotated” viewing. A friend told me that despite the time difference, she watches series with her brother who lives in Canada. They use the chat to leave comments, which the other person then discovers later. Very ingenious!
Ultimately, these technical solutions remind us that movies and TV series are above all a shared experience. Even if distance physically separates us, there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying these moments together.
Have you tried any of these apps? Or do you have any other tips for sharing content remotely? There is no doubt that technology still has many surprises in store for us in this area.