GroupWatch

GroupWatch is a Netflix feature that enables synchronized, remote viewing of Netflix titles with friends or family. Announced in 2021, it supports up to seven participants in a single session and is designed to provide a shared viewing experience without a separate voice or text chat.

Overview and usage: A host starts a GroupWatch from a title’s page by selecting GroupWatch, then invites others via a shareable link or the app’s invite function. Participants join with their own Netflix accounts on compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs. Playback is synchronized across all participants; when someone pauses, plays, or seeks, the change is reflected for everyone. The session includes on-screen emoji reactions to convey reactions, while there is no built-in text chat.

Availability and limitations: GroupWatch was rolled out in multiple markets during 2021 and has since become available on supported Netflix apps across major platforms. It requires a Netflix membership and a title that is available in the user’s region. The feature supports up to seven participants; it relies on participants' internet connections and device compatibility. Some titles or regions may not support GroupWatch due to licensing.

Reception and context: As a social viewing feature, GroupWatch is one of several options offered by streaming services to enable collaborative watching. It has been described as convenient for casual viewing but criticized for lacking a real-time voice chat and for occasional synchronization issues.