In the age of technology, staying connected with our loved ones has never been easier. With the advent of video calling applications like FaceTime, we can now see and talk to our friends and family no matter where they are in the world. But what if we could take our virtual hangouts to the next level and enjoy a movie night together? Well, now we can, thanks to SharePlay on FaceTime. In this article, we will explore what SharePlay is and how it works, which services are supported, whether Android and Windows users can join your FaceTime watch party, and how to create and start a FaceTime watch party. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a virtual movie night like no other!
What is SharePlay and How Does It Work?
SharePlay is a groundbreaking feature introduced by Apple that allows FaceTime users to share experiences in real-time while on a call. With SharePlay, you can watch movies, listen to music, or browse through photos together, all without leaving the comfort of your own home. It creates a synchronized playback experience, so everyone in the call is watching or listening to the same content simultaneously. SharePlay also enables users to chat and react to what they are watching or listening to, making it feel like you’re in the same room with your friends or family, even if you’re miles apart.
To use SharePlay, all participants in the FaceTime call need to have an Apple device running iOS 15 or later. This means you can enjoy SharePlay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Once you’re in a FaceTime call, you can initiate SharePlay by tapping on the SharePlay icon in the FaceTime controls. From there, you can choose the content you want to share, whether it’s a movie from Apple TV+, a song from Apple Music, or even a screen share of your photos. It’s a seamless and intuitive process that makes watching movies together on FaceTime a breeze.
Which Services Does FaceTime SharePlay Support?
SharePlay on FaceTime supports a wide range of services, ensuring that you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing what to watch. Currently, Apple TV+ and Disney+ are among the streaming platforms that integrate SharePlay directly into their apps. This means that you can access their extensive libraries of movies and shows and enjoy them together with your friends and family on FaceTime. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Disney movie or a gripping Apple Original, SharePlay has got you covered.
In addition to Apple TV+ and Disney+, SharePlay also supports other streaming services through screen sharing. This means that you can watch content from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video together on FaceTime, as long as one participant shares their screen. While screen sharing may not provide the same level of synchronization as direct integration, it still allows you to have a shared viewing experience and enjoy your favorite movies and shows with your loved ones.
Can Android and Windows Users Join Your FaceTime Watch Party?
As much as we would like everyone to be able to join in on the fun, SharePlay on FaceTime is currently exclusive to Apple devices. This means that Android and Windows users cannot directly participate in a FaceTime watch party. However, there are ways to include them in the experience. For Android users, they can join the FaceTime call using third-party apps like WhatsApp or Google Duo, and the host can use screen sharing to share the movie or show with them. Similarly, Windows users can join the FaceTime call through the FaceTime web interface and also utilize screen sharing to be a part of the watch party. While it may not be as seamless as using SharePlay on an Apple device, it still allows for cross-platform movie nights with your friends and family.
Create and Start FaceTime Watch Party
Now that you know all about SharePlay and its capabilities, it’s time to create and start your own FaceTime watch party. The first step is to gather your friends or family members who have Apple devices and ensure that everyone is running iOS 15 or later. Once you’re all set, open the FaceTime app and start a new call by tapping on the “+” button. Add the participants you want to invite to the watch party and initiate the call.
Once everyone is in the call, tap on the SharePlay icon in the FaceTime controls. Select the content you want to watch from the available options, whether it’s an Apple TV+ show or a screen share of a movie from another streaming service. Share the content with the participants, and voila, you’re now watching a movie together on FaceTime!
During the watch party, you can chat and react to the movie or show using the built-in messaging features in FaceTime. This allows for a shared experience where you can laugh, gasp, or discuss what you’re watching in real-time. And if someone needs to take a break or catch up, they can pause or rewind the content, keeping everyone in sync.
