Teleparty

Teleparty is a browser extension that enables synchronized video playback and shared chat for online streaming. It originated as Netflix Party, a tool designed to help friends watch Netflix together, and later expanded to support additional services and was renamed Teleparty. The extension coordinates playback across participants and provides a chat sidebar for real-time text discussion during a viewing session.

Teleparty supports Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Paramount+, among others, and works by connecting participants via a shared party URL. To use Teleparty, each participant must have a subscription to the respective streaming service and the appropriate browser extension installed; Teleparty does not host video content or provide streaming accounts.

Teleparty coordinates playback controls such as play, pause, and seek to keep everyone in sync and also offers a real-time group chat feature. The service uses servers to relay chat messages and playback signals between participants.

History and availability: It started as Netflix Party and was rebranded after adding multi-service support. The tool gained widespread use for remote social viewing in the early 2020s, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reception and limitations: Teleparty was widely adopted for co-watching but users report occasional synchronization drift, reliance on browser extensions, and varying compatibility with services due to licensing or platform restrictions.

Security and privacy: Teleparty does not provide content; it relies on browser permissions and communicates with its servers to relay chat messages. Users should review the privacy policy and permissions before use.