Disney+ users in the U.S.A. are now able to simultaneously watch a series or film with friends in different places with the GroupWatch feature.
Users can hit the GroupWatch icon on whatever title they want to watch, then invite other Disney+ users to join. Once other users have accepted the invite, you can start watching the series or film. Any of the GroupWatch viewers are then able to pause the film as needed.
There is no messaging service attached to GroupWatch, but viewers can send each other six different reaction emojis: like, funny, sad, angry, scared, or surprised.
Jerrel B. Jimerson, SVP Product Management for Disney+, said in a press release, “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.” According to Jimerson, GroupWatch was in development before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For now, the feature is only available in the U.S.A, but it will be rolled out in Europe later in the fall. Users across countries will be able to watch programs together if the title is available in both countries.
You can check our list of everything coming to Disney+ this fall and start planning your GroupWatch parties.
Source: Deadline