Disney Plus Launches GroupWatch Feature

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Enhancement that lets up to seven people stream a show together in different locations rolls out in the U.S.

(Image credit: Disney)

Disney Plus has joined the “watch party” trend that’s sweeping streaming services, adding a new “GroupWatch” feature that lets a host connect up to six other co-watchers for a show. 

Unlike watch party gizmos for other services, Disney Plus isn’t enabling chat — users are collaboratively limited to expressing six emojis, “like,” “funny,” “sad,” “angry,” “scared” and “surprised” through the Disney Plus app.

GroupWatch is enabled on all platforms that support the Disney Plus app, but all participating users must subscribe to the $6.99-a-month Disney Plus service.

The feature first surfaced earlier this month, with Disney Plus trialing it in Canada. It was also deployed in Australia and New Zealand. 

So-called “party-watch” features have been cropping up on SVOD services ever since the early phases of the pandemic. Disney, however, claims that GroupWatch was in development prior to the emergence of COVID-19. 

Daniel Frankel
Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!