How To Use Disney+ GroupWatch
INTRODUCTION:
The Disney+ GroupWatch feature allows a subscriber to create a private viewing party, wherever they're located. Host virtual movie nights, sync-up for season premieres, throwback with friends, or learn something new together!
Up to 6 D+ subscribers can be invited by the host to simultaneously watch the same content — reacting with 6 emojis (“like, funny, sad, angry, scared, surprised”) that pop up on the bottom of everyone’s screens. (Text or video chat isn't available, though a third-party chat or text app can be used, if you must!)
Anyone in the watch party can play, pause, fast-forward, or rewind the video. This is helpful in case someone wants to replay a particularly cool scene, bypass a dull one, or pause for refreshments or a bathroom break!
GroupWatch is available via the DisneyPlus.com website, and on D+ iPhone and Android mobile apps (phone and tablet). It's also accessible via some set-top boxes and smart TVs. The feature is supported on Sony’s PlayStation PS4 and PS5 game consoles, along with some devices that use the Roku OS.
The following GroupWatch instructions may seem complicated because they're described in detail — in practice, the procedure is relatively easy!
HOW TO START A GROUPWATCH AND INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
You must be the host to invite people to a GroupWatch; everyone must be a Disney+ subscriber. Log into your D+ account; and if on mobile, open the D+ App.
Select the video that you want to watch.
Click/Tap the GroupWatch icon on the Title Details page; it looks like 3 people in a circle. This opens the GroupWatch page.
Click/Tap the plus "+” button next to your Avatar Name to invite up to 6 family and friends. A URL Link will then pop up.
Click/Tap to select your preferred method of sharing the GroupWatch link: copy/paste into email, text or chat apps, or send it via AirDrop or any other option your device allows.
Those invited need to accept the URL invite on their D+ mobile app or website.
Anyone can then move their viewing experience to a smart TV app, if preferred.
Once everyone’s added, anyone can click/tap the “Start Stream” button to begin the GroupWatch party!
To pick a new episode or add more people, exit out of the GroupWatch by clicking/tapping the back arrow.
Click/Tap Leave GroupWatch on the title Details page to exit out of the group altogether.
The video stream will keep going until everyone clicks/taps this button.
HOW TO JOIN A GROUPWATCH:
On Desktop or Mobile Device (phone, tablet):
Log into your Disney+ account (and if on mobile, open the Disney+ app)
Select your Profile.
Select the movie or TV show that you're watching with family and friends.
Select the GroupWatch icon on the Title Details page, then select Join Stream.
Like magic, GroupWatch then syncs with your connected device!
React in real time: share emoji reactions, pause for a break, fast-forward, or rewind.
Use your phone to chat as usual (if you must!).
On a Smart TV:
1. Before switching over to a smart TV, you must accept a GroupWatch invite through the Disney+ mobile app or website.
2. Open D+ on your smart TV.
3. Select the same Profile you used to accept the GroupWatch invitation.
4. Search for the title of the GroupWatch that you’ve joined, then navigate to that Title Page.
5. Select the GroupWatch icon and select Join Stream.
6. Once you’ve joined on your TV, you’ll be able to share reactions through the D+ mobile app as long as you’re logged in with the same Profile.
HOW TO USE EMOJI REACTIONS:
When you're using GroupWatch, you might not be able to see one another — but you can send 6 emoji reactions in real-time to help emulate the experience of watching together (“like, funny, sad, angry, scared, surprised”). The emoji appears at the bottom of all Groupwatch participant viewing screens.
On a Desktop:
1. Start or join a GroupWatch on Desktop.
2. While the program is playing, hover over the Reactions Icon. It looks like a smiley face, located in the bottom right of the screen (next to the volume icon).
3. Click a Reaction to select it. It will pop up on the bottom-left side of the screen, with your profile name alongside it to indicate whose reaction it is. Reactions from other participants will also appear there.
On a Mobile Device:
1. Start or join a GroupWatch on Disney+ App.
2. While the program is playing, swipe left to bring up Reactions. You can also tap the screen, then tap the smiley-face Reactions Icon to reveal Reactions. The Reactions Icon is in the top right on the mobile app, located between the GroupWatch Ticker and Language Icon.
3. Tap a Reaction to select it. It will pop up on the bottom of the screen, with your profile name alongside it to indicate whose reaction it is.
4. Participants watching a GroupWatch on a Connected TV can use their mobile devices to share emojis.
GROUPWATCH LIMITATIONS:
You must be an active Disney+ subscriber. Kids' profiles do not have access. Only 7 people (including the host) can be in a GroupWatch stream at once. Up to 4 different profiles can stream from the same D+ account. Although all titles are available to GroupWatch, you can't stream a title that's not available in your country. For Premier Access titles (new movies that you have to pay to stream), those who haven’t paid for the movie will be blocked. You can only watch D+ on one stream at a time during a GroupWatch session — you need to leave the current session to join a new GroupWatch party. Finally, you won't be able to join a GroupWatch that's already ended (duh!).
Click here to go to Disney+ GroupWatch webpage