Despite the fact that iOS 15 includes a tonne of amazing improvements, FaceTime has undoubtedly received the most attention. Apple’s video-calling app appears ready to compete with video conferencing services like Zoom and Google Meet, whether it’s due to the redesigned interface, the thoughtful functionality to make a FaceTime call from an iPhone to an Android device, or the exciting SharePlay feature that lets users watch movies together on FaceTime. So let’s learn how to use SharePlay on FaceTime to watch movies with friends and family if you’re ready to start your binge-watching marathon!
Use SharePlay in FaceTime to Watch Movies Together
Clarifying any questions up front is the best course of action, especially when dealing with a brand-new function like Facetime SharePlay. So let’s first review the fundamentals before looking at how to watch movies using a FaceTime chat.
What is SharePlay and How Does It Work?
While on a FaceTime chat, users can utilise SharePlay to watch movies and TV series in sync, share their screen, and listen to songs using Apple Music. It provides real-time connections for fluid gaming by integrating access to apps from within the call itself. Anyone participating in a video conversation may easily play, pause, or advance a video clip thanks to the nifty shared playback controls. Even better, customers can watch episodes and movies on a huge screen thanks to SharePlay’s support for Apple TV.
FaceTime SharePlay is nothing new because providers like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have long offered the co-watching feature. However, Apple’s ability to give seamless play across platforms, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac, sets its offering apart from the competition. Apple may have been a little late to the party (as usual), but in contrast to its competitors, it has very much nailed the co-watching functionality.
Apple hopes to make a lot of money off the growing custom of watching movies and TV episodes remotely with loved ones during the pandemic.
Which Services Does FaceTime SharePlay Support?
In addition to working with Apple Music and Apple TV, SharePlay also uses an API to connect to a number of outside video services.
- Disney+
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Paramount+
- Pluto TV
- NBA TV
- Twitch
- TikTok
- MasterClass
- ESPN+
The following is a list of well-known streaming providers that have already joined:
Can Android and Windows Users Join Your FaceTime Watch Party?
Currently, if you’re wondering if you and your pals can stream Netflix while on a FaceTime conversation. Sadly, Netflix does not yet support the FaceTime SharePlay feature. The streaming juggernaut will likely join the group sooner rather than later, though. Additionally, in the upcoming weeks, we anticipate Spotify to integrate the SharePlay API into its iOS app.
They can’t, though! Apple now permits iPhone users to FaceTime their pals who use Android and Windows, but you can’t watch movies or TV episodes with them.
Create and Start a FaceTime Watch Party
- Launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
According to the Cupertino giant’s Shareplay API page, SharePlay is supported on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and users can even integrate their Apple TV into the experience when they wish to view material on a bigger screen.
2. Click the Create Link button to create a watch party link. As an alternative, you can tap on New FaceTime to start a group video conference with all of your pals.
3. After the FaceTime watch party has been established, click the I button next to the shareable link in the section under Upcoming.
4. After that, choose the Share Link option.
5. Next, you may share the FaceTime watch party link using the iOS share sheet across a variety of platforms, such as iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, text, email, and more. You can invite your friends using the method of your choice.
6. At this point, invite your pals to the watch party. Be sure to allow them inside. Once everyone has agreed to participate, start your preferred compatible video streaming app. Then, pick a thrilling film or television programme to watch together, and presto! Oh, and don’t forget to pack some popcorn so you can enjoy the entire show. Photo Credit: Apple
Enjoy FaceTime Watch Party Using SharePlay
7. As I mentioned earlier, FaceTime provides convenient shared controls that allow anybody participating in the conference to easily play, pause, and fast-forward. This is particularly useful if one of your friends wants to go the restroom, pick up his Uber Eats delivery, or take a critical call. Photo Credit: Apple