· 3 December 2020 ·
– It’s a limited test at launch
(Pocket-lint) – Hulu has officially launched a Watch Party feature that allows all subscribers to simultaneously watch a show or movie while in a group chat room.
While third-party services offer Watch Party features for popular streaming services, there hasn’t been a built-in way to stream Hulu with a friend. Now, however, it is joining the many streaming services that offer such a feature. Keep in mind this is arriving at a time when many are still social distancing and are eager to connect with friends. Here’s what you need to know.
How to use Hulu Watch Party
To access to the feature, look for the “Watch Party” icon on the details page of supported titles.
You’ll then get a link to send to other people who may want to join and watch along with you. Everyone watching must use Hulu’s website. It’s available to all subscribers – not just those people paying for the ad-free plan. Initially, when Hulu first trialed the feature, it wasn’t available to all.
Hulu’s Watch Party feature allows viewers to chat with each other in a shared group chat with a stream of the video they’re watching. Each participant can control their own playback. They can pause or “click to catch up” button to jump back to where the group is currently watching.
When can you try Hulu Watch Party?
It’s now available for everyone to try!
What can you watch with Watch Party?
Watch Party works on “thousands” of titles from Hulu’s on-demand library.
Do other services offer Watch Parties?
Yes. Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Movies Anywhere, and Sling TV all have begun offering their own Watch Party features.
Want to know more?
Check out Hulu’s Watch Party FAQ page for more details.
Chris DeGraw is a freelance writer and designer with 5 years experience in digital media publishing. In addition to art and bylines at How To Geek and Digital Trends, he helps head the Instagram content for @cagdeals. His combination of visual and written expression provides a unique vehicle through which to engage audiences about tech and Internet culture at large. Read more.
Hulu Watch Party is a feature that allows you and your friends to stream shows or movies simultaneously, even if you’re hundreds of miles apart. Here’s a quick guide on how to start your own Hulu Watch Party.
Watch Party is enabled for all Hulu subscribers, regardless of whether your plan is ad-supported or ad-free. Though, if even one user’s account is ad-supported, everyone will need to deal with a few silent pause breaks throughout the party’s duration for commercials, offering the perfect opportunity to grab a refill or use the facilities.
A total of 8 people over the age of 18 with individual accounts (or individual profiles from a shared account) can stream together.
At the time of writing, Watch Party is compatible on Windows 10 and Mac devices with supported browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Unfortunately, if you prefer to watch on your TV, iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you’ll have to keep your conversations in another app’s group chat.
While not all content on Hulu supports the feature, there are thousands that do. In order to find out whether the show or movie you want to watch supports Watch Party, head on over to its Details page on Hulu’s website.
If it’s supported, you’ll see an icon with three figures and a play symbol to the right of the Play button. Click this, followed by “Start the Party” in the subsequent prompt, to begin your Watch Party.
For TV shows, you can also start a party by clicking the three-dot menu button to the right of each episode’s thumbnail.
Once the stream is open, click the chainlink symbol to copy the invitation link. Share that unique URL with whoever you want to join. When everyone is in and such accompaniments as popcorn and mood lighting are staged, click “Start Party” to begin the show.
On the right side of the stream, you’ll see the chat window. Type messages to your friends and loved ones as you see fit.
Keep in mind, if you need to pause your content for any reason, your fellow audience members’ streams will continue to play. When you resume playback, Hulu will notify you that you’re out of sync with a blue notification in the chat window. Click it to immediately catch back up.
As the credits grow closer to rolling, you’ll receive a prompt to start a new party to continue watching together. You’ll need to start over and grab a fresh link in order to do so.
Even though the coronavirus pandemic seems to be slowly going away. many people still may not want to head to theaters to watch movies. As a response, streaming platforms like Hulu have found an innovative way to make us experience movies and TV shows together with distant family members and friends. If you’re a Hulu subscriber, you now have the option to have Watch Parties with others.
Hulu Watch Party has been available to subscribers since May 2020 and allows you to watch your favorite Hulu content with your loved ones remotely, without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Here’s everything you need to know about the feature and how to use it.
What is Hulu Watch Party?
Hulu Watch Party lets all Hulu members synchronize video playback amongst a maximum of eight people. Participants can also chat with each other about the titles they’re watching together. This is great for enjoying movies and TV shows with your loved ones remotely.
If you’re not yet a Hulu subscriber, you can get onto the streaming service by clicking the button below.
If you’re already signed up for Hulu, you can also have a Watch Party with everyone else who shares your account. The only exception is that accounts and profiles for users under 18 years of age will not be able to start or participate in a Watch Party.
How to use Hulu Watch Party?
This feature can be initiated or joined only through supported web browsers for now. These include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. You can watch thousands of titles from Hulu’s streaming library with Watch Party, but to check eligible title’s you’ll have to look out for the circular Watch Party icon next to the name of the title. Live TV and premium add-on content are not available for Hulu Watch Party right now.
Here are the steps you need to follow to start a Hulu Watch Party:
- Visit Hulu.com on a supported web browser
- Find a title available with Watch Party — look for the group Hulu Watch Party icon next to a video
- Select the Watch Party icon on the Details page
- Click Start Watching
- Once in playback, select the chain icon to copy the link to the Hulu Watch Party, then send it to other participants so they can join you
If you’re joining a Watch Party instead, all you need to do is open the link you received from the Hulu Watch Party host. Those joining from the same account will have to do so through their individual profiles.
Which other streaming services have this feature?
This community streaming experience is not limited to Hulu. You can also host similar watch parties on Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Check out this link to learn how you can do so.
Plex also has a Watch Together feature now. It’s currently in beta but allows you to watch your content together on iOS, tvOS, Android phones, Android TVs, Fire TV sticks, Nvidia Shield, and Roku. Check out Plex’s official blog for more details.
What to watch on Hulu?
Looking for some suggestions about what you can watch with your friends and family? Check out these links below.
We even tried it out!
While we might be social distancing right now, Hulu just gave us an easy way to watch all our favorite series and movies with our friends.
In a surprise to select subscribers, Hulu launched Hulu Launch Party, a new way for viewers to watch all their favorite stuff with their BFFs at the same time. Fans who are able to start Hulu Watch Parties can go on Hulu.com to start them.
Up to eight people can be on them at once and most shows/films are available to watch through Watch Party. Shows like Grey’s Anatomy, which still include ads even if you’re subscribed to Hulu’s ad-free plans, cannot be used. So ready to use Hulu Watch Party? Here’s everything you need to know about the new service.
How do I know I have Hulu Watch Party?
Since it is currently a test feature, not everyone might have access to Hulu Watch Party just yet. But only Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscribers are allowed to use the service. You’ll be able to tell if you’re eligible if you get the special pop-up telling you about the service when you first log in.
Can I use Hulu Watch Party anywhere?
Hulu Watch Party can only be used by users on Hulu.com. Users who are also joining an already formed party can also only jump in on the website. This means fans will not able to take part on any smart TV apps or on their phones.
How do I start a Hulu Watch Party?
If you can start one, you can already go to the show/movie that you want to see and click on the special watch party button on the episode/title that you want to watch with your friends.
Once you click that, you’ll get a special pop-up come up telling you to start the party, which will later take you to a separate page with the chat and video. The video won’t start right away and Hulu will also give you a link to share with your friends so they can join in.
Once everyone is online, go ahead and click play and the episode/movie will start for everyone else.
How do I join a Hulu Watch Party?
If you get invited to a Hulu Watch Party, just click the link that you’re sent. If you’re not already logged in, you might have to sign in and re-click the link.
How many people can be in a Hulu Watch Party?
Up to eight people, including yourself, can be in one watch party, so make sure you don’t go over.
What happens if I show up to a watch party late?
The one cool thing about the Hulu Watch Party feature is that it includes a catch up feature. So whether you came in late, you needed to go back to rewatch a scene, or you had to pause to grab some more snacks, you can easily jump back into it and follow along with everyone else.
Can you chat with your friends using Hulu Watch Party?
Hulu Watch Party includes a chat feature where you can talk with anyone who joined in. Only your first initial appears and you won’t be able to hover over anyone’s icon to see who it is, so probably let everyone know who it is if you share the same initial as someone. If you move to full screen, the chat does get blocked, so that’s not recommended if you’re also trying to talk about whatever is going on.
Can I be blocked by Hulu Watch Party?
According to Hulu, while they do not actively monitor what goes on in the chats (which are intended for users 18-years-old and up), they can ban users from using the service for any reason.
Everybody is stuck home during this pandemic, restricting us from catching up and hanging out with our friends. If you and your friends regularly hang out together and watch TV shows then it is probably quite difficult to do the same with all the restrictions that are in place.
Sure, you can use Netflix over Zoom, or use the Netflix Party extension, but they aren’t official means and are decent workarounds, at best. You might have come across other third-party solutions that allow you to watch your favorite content together remotely but they often pose the risk of leaking your details and misusing your streaming service account.
Thankfully, Hulu has come out with a new feature called Hulu Watch Party that lets you watch movies together with your SO or pals (via Tech Crunch). Let’s take an in-depth look at it.
- What is Hulu Watch Party?
- Do you need a browser extension for Hulu Watch Party?
- What do you require for a Hulu Watch Party?
- How to create a Hulu Watch Party?
- How to invite your friends to your Hulu Watch Party?
- How many people are allowed in the Hulu Watch Party?
- Does everyone attending the Watch Party need a Hulu subscription?
- Will Hulu Watch Party work with HBO Max?
What is Hulu Watch Party?
Hulu Watch Party is a new feature introduced by Hulu that allows you to watch your favorite show and movie together with your friends.
Unlike other services and features, Hulu Watch Party is completely integrated into the streaming service, which eliminates the need for any extensions or external software. Hulu Watch Party even comes with an in-built chat feature that allows you to chat with all of your friends and exchange emojis in real-time while watching your favorite show or movie.
Do you need a browser extension for Hulu Watch Party?
No, while many other services require third party extensions and add ons, Watch Party is a completely native feature by Hulu. It does not require any additional add ons and works flawlessly right out of the box. This means that you can simply launch Hulu in your browser and host a Watch Party directly with your friends and family.
What do you require for a Hulu Watch Party?
You require a desktop-grade system be it PC or Mac and a Hulu account. This means that you only need to have a Hulu account to get up and running.
Since it’s available for the free account holders as well, you can enjoy the Hulu Watch Party completely free of charge. However, if you’re looking for a seamless watching experience, you’ll need to shell out $12 for an ads-free account.
How to create a Hulu Watch Party?
Launching a Watch Party with your friends and family is an exceptionally easy feature that requires only a few clicks. Start by browsing the Hulu library and finding the show or movie that you guys want to watch together.
Compatible content on Hulu will now have a ‘Watch Party’ icon within the details section of each show or movie. This will allow you to filter out shows and movies that are compatible with this new feature.
Click on the Watch Party icon and you will be given access to a sharable link. Share this link with your friends and family and they will be able to join your Watch Party by simply clicking on it.
How to invite your friends to your Hulu Watch Party?
Find the show or movie that you want to watch together with your friends and make sure that the video is Watch Party compatible.
Watch Party compatible TV shows and movies will have a Watch Party icon in their details section.
This icon will give you a sharable link that you can share with your friends. Your friends can then click on the link and join your Watch Party from their devices with ease.
How many people are allowed in the Hulu Watch Party?
Well, Hulu says up to a total of 8 people — you and 7 of your friends — can attend a Watch party.
Does everyone attending the Watch Party need a Hulu subscription?
When it was first launched, just after the start of the pandemic, the Watch Party used to be an exclusive perk for paid users. Additionally, it was in the testing phase. So, not many got the chance to use the feature with their friends.
After serious work and consideration, Hulu has decided to make this service available for all — paid and free alike. All you need is a browser on your PC, and you’ll be able to host Watch Parties for free and enjoy them whole-heartedly with your friends.
Will Hulu Watch Party work with HBO Max?
Well, nope. Because you will need to use HBO Max app to watch its content, and not the Hulu app or web, you can’t make use of the Watch Party feature by Hulu in this case.
Think HBO will give you something to make watching movies together possible on HBO Max? For what it’s worth, HBO does let you have fun together via Scener Chrome extension, which works well for HBO Go and HBO Now right now. We are yet to confirm if it works already for HBO Max too.
We hope this guide helped you learn everything you needed to know about Hulu Watch Party. If you face any issues or have any questions for us, feel free to get in touch by using the comments section below
Looking for Netflix Party but for Hulu? Subscribers can watch shows and movies together directly through the Hulu app or browser in five easy steps.
Hulu’s new watch party feature lets up to eight people virtually cowatch shows and movies.
Hulu has officially rolled out its Watch Party feature for all Hulu and Hulu (No Ads) subscribers, letting you watch thousands of shows and movies on the streaming service with up to eight other people at the same time. The feature — which Hulu has been testing since May — also lets you chat with your fellow watchers, giving subscribers another way to connect virtually over the holidays, according to a release.
Hulu’s Watch Party feature follows similar ones released earlier this year from Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video , along with third-party extensions like Teleparty (formerly called Netflix Party) , which have gained traction during coronavirus quarantines. To use the feature, everyone in the party must have a Hulu subscription (and be over 18 years old).
Get more out of your tech
Here’s how to use Hulu’s Watch Party feature with your friends:
– Open up Hulu.com. …
– Find a movie or show to watch. …
– Once you’re on the Details page, click on the Watch Party icon.
– Click “Start the Party” in the pop-up window.
– Zoom, Skype & Houseparty. Looking for a hassle-free streaming solution? …
– Gaze. The software lets you video chat and sync-watch movies with others from a distance, meaning you’ll watch at the exact same time. …
– MyCircleTV. …
– Netflix Party. …
– TwoSeven. …
– Scener. …
– Rabbit.
Also question is, How can I watch anime with friends online?
Are you and your friends into anime and streaming gameplay? Then Metastream is the perfect software for you. Metastream is a browser extension that supports a number of video streaming sites such as Youtube, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Twitch, all of which you can queue and watch together with your friends while chatting.
Also, Can you watch movies together on Zoom? How To Watch A Movie On Zoom. … They can join either through the link, or by logging onto their own Zoom accounts (if they have one) and then entering the Meeting ID after selecting Join A Meeting. When everyone is logged on and ready, designate one person to play the movie on their screen.
Accordingly, How can I watch a movie online with a friend? – Zoom, Skype & Houseparty. Looking for a hassle-free streaming solution? …
– Gaze. The software lets you video chat and sync-watch movies with others from a distance, meaning you’ll watch at the exact same time. …
– MyCircleTV. …
– Netflix Party. …
– TwoSeven. …
– Scener. …
– Rabbit.
Where can I watch anime with friends online?
Are you and your friends into anime and streaming gameplay? Then Metastream is the perfect software for you. Metastream is a browser extension that supports a number of video streaming sites such as Youtube, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Twitch, all of which you can queue and watch together with your friends while chatting.
Can I watch Netflix on Zoom?
To ensure you and your Netflix viewing companion experience streaming in its best form, get your Zoom settings in order via User Icon > Settings > Share Screen. … Escape reality with any one of the various movies or shows Netflix has to offer together on Zoom.
Can you watch a movie with someone on Netflix?
Netflix Party, a Chrome extension, lets you watch videos with your friends and chat together at the same time. … Pick a movie or show to watch, and Netflix Party will sync the playback across your accounts, so you’re all watching the same thing at the same time from your individual accounts.
Why can’t I share Netflix on Zoom?
If your friends are seeing a black screen when you share Netflix movie or TV show with them, here’s a fix for it. Open the Zoom’s Desktop client, and go to Settings. … Play the Netflix movie again and share the window it is being played on with your friends via Screen Share option in Zoom.
Can you share Netflix on Zoom?
To ensure you and your Netflix viewing companion experience streaming in its best form, get your Zoom settings in order via User Icon > Settings > Share Screen. … Now, you don’t have to be in the same room or even the same country to experience Netflix with that significant other, friend, or family member.
How can I watch something online together?
– Zoom, Skype & Houseparty. Looking for a hassle-free streaming solution? …
– Gaze. The software lets you video chat and sync-watch movies with others from a distance, meaning you’ll watch at the exact same time. …
– MyCircleTV. …
– Netflix Party. …
– TwoSeven. …
– Scener. …
– Rabbit.
What websites can I watch free anime on?
– Comparing Some Best Anime Streaming Sites.
– #1) 9Anime.to.
– #2) Crunchyroll.
– #3) Funimation.
– #4) Gogoanime.so.
– #5) AnimeFreak.
– #6) Chia-Anime.
– #7) AnimeDao.
Can you watch things together on Netflix?
Watch Netflix Together enables you to watch Netflix with your friends and loved ones online. Chat and emojis included! Your videos are synced automatically even when you switch videos while watching. Install the extension and start sharing moments together even when you’re thousands of miles apart.
Can you share a movie on Netflix?
Netflix offers a way to share your favorite movies and TV shows with your friends and family. This sharing is optional and uses the standard sharing tool that comes on most mobile and tablet devices, including: Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. Android phones and tablets.
Where can I watch anime legally free?
– Crunchyroll.
– 2. Yahoo View.
– Crackle.
– Viewster.
– Tubi TV.
How can I watch Netflix with friends who don’t have Netflix?
– Visit netflixparty.com in your Google Chrome browser.
– Click Get Netflix Party for free.
– You’ll be redirected to the Google Chrome web store page to download the extension. Click Add to Chrome.
– A pop-up box will open. Select Add Extension. You’ll now see a grey NP icon in your browser toolbar.
How do I watch movies on virtually?
– Teleparty.
– Amazon Watch Party. You can add up to 100 (one! …
– Scener. Scener, which bills itself as a “virtual movie theater,” is probably the most flexible option on this list. …
– Hulu Watch Party. …
– TwoSeven. …
– Metastream. …
– Watch2Gether. …
– Groupwatch.
How do I watch prime movies with friends online?
To get started with a Watch Party, click on the Watch Party icon on the movie or show’s page on Amazon Prime Video’s desktop website. You’ll then get a link you can share with friends and family. Those who click the link will be able to join the session and can then chat with others.
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- You can use Hulu ‘s Watch Party feature if you have an ad-free subscription and are watching in a web browser.
- Watch parties are becoming a popular way for physically separated friends and family to watch the same show at the same time and talk about it in a chat window beside the video.
- To start a watch party, click the “Watch Party” icon in Hulu and share the link with other participants.
With fewer opportunities to socialize these days as people are spending more time at home, watch parties have become popular.
With the right video streaming service, it’s possible for a group of friends or family to watch the same show at the same time, and even share the experience via a chat window beside the video.
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Hulu monthly subscription (From $5.99 at Hulu)
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Google Pixelbook Go (From $649.00 at Best Buy)
Hulu Watch Party rules and limitations
Currently, Watch Party is a beta feature, which means it may not always work perfectly as Hulu resolves problems that users discover. And right now, it only works in a web browser, so you will need to use Hulu on a PC, Mac, or Chromebook – smart TVs and mobile apps are not supported.
In order to use Watch Party, you need to have an ad-free subscription package. If your subscription to Hulu includes ads, you can’t start or join a Watch Party.
Finally, you’re limited to a total of eight people per Watch Party – though multiple people can join a Watch Party using the same Hulu account if they are logged in using different profiles.
How to host a Hulu Watch Party
3. Make sure the show has a “Watch Party” icon to the right of the “Play” button. (Not all shows are compatible with Watch Party yet.)
5. In the middle of the video page, you’ll see the share link for your Watch Party. Click the “Copy Party Link” icon to copy the shareable link, and send it to up to seven other people. As attendees join, they’ll appear in the chat pane on the right side of the screen.
6. When you’re ready, click “Start Party.”
How to join a Hulu Watch Party
Joining a Watch Party is very straightforward – wait for the link from the host and then click it. You can get the link via email or any other communication method, but remember that a Watch Party only works in a browser on your PC, Mac, or Chromebook. If you’re not already signed into Hulu in your browser, you will be asked to do so upon clicking the invitation link.
The video will begin to play, and you and the other attendees can use the chat pane on the right side of the screen.
If anyone pauses, rewinds, or fast-forwards video, the playback will get out of sync with other party members. If that happens, you may see a message at the top of the chat pane that says “Out of sync.” You can get back in sync by clicking that message.
Hulu is testing a brand new feature that will let you watch movies and shows with your friends and family from afar. The feature, which became available on Thursday, May 28, is a social experience that lets viewers watch and chat together in a group of up to eight people. To host your own virtual movie night, here’s how to use Hulu’s Watch Party feature.
Announced on Thursday, May 28, the new feature will make easier to throw a virtual movie night party. It works with a simple click of a button and an invitation link, with little to no setup compared to trying to screen-share something on a video conferencing platform. You’ll just need a Hulu subscription, a computer, and a stable internet connection.
To start, you’ll need a Hulu account, but the feature is only testing on Hulu’s upgrade from its basic streaming plan: Hulu with no ads. The monthly cost of Hulu with no ads is $11.99, while the most basic Hulu subscription with ads is $5.99 per month. If you are already subscribed to Hulu’s ad-free plan, you can start using the test feature right away, but it won’t show up on your smartphone’s app or on your TV. Instead, Hulu is testing the feature solely on hulu.com. Hulu’s only restriction is that users are 18 years or older.
Here’s how to use Hulu’s Watch Party feature
1. Log in to your ad-free Hulu account on hulu.com.
2. Find the “Watch Party” icon on the Details pages of shows and movies and select it when you find what you’d like to watch together.
3. Share the link Hulu provides with the friends and family you want to invite to the Watch Party. (Anyone you invite will also need to have a Hulu no-ads subscription.)
4. Once everyone joins, you’ll be able to watch the show together, and chat with each other in a chat window on the right side of your screen.
Once you’ve started your movie night, you’ll be able to control your own playback, so if you need to hit pause or rewind, it won’t interrupt anyone else’s viewing experience. If you need to get back to where everyone else is at in the movie, you can hit the “click to catch up button” in the chat window.
The Watch Party feature is currently only available for select titles on hulu.com. To browse through compatible TV shows and movies, look for the “Watch Party” icon on the details page.
If you’re unable to try out Hulu’s Watch Party feature, you might want to try Scener, which allows you to watch Netflix and HBO shows with up to 20 of your friends at once and works with a Google Chrome browser extension. There is also a browser extension that works with Netflix in the same way, called Netflix Party. While Scener has officially partnered with HBO, Netflix Party is not affiliated with Netflix.
Unfortunately, those who don’t have Hulu without ads will either have to upgrade their subscription or wait and see if the feature makes its way to the basic plan. Those who have access to the feature can start planning a watch party ASAP, so break out the popcorn.
