Disney+ launches GroupWatch feature just in time for The Mandalorian season 2
By Mia Johnson
Disney+ has just introduced a new feature called GroupWatch.
If you were planning on hosting a remote watch party for The Mandalorian season 2 on Oct. 30, Disney+ has just made that easier for you. The streaming service announced today that it has a new feature called GroupWatch, and the feature is now live in the United States.
According to Disney, the feature is similar to Netflix Party, which was released earlier this year. One host will start the session, and you can invite up to six friends to simultaneously watch along with you — that makes seven people able to watch a feature at the same time. Take note that the invitees must have a Disney+ account, so Disney isn’t giving away any free passes here.
Jerrell B Jimerson, SVP product management for Disney+ said in a statement:
"Storytelling comes alive when you’re able to share and enjoy it with others, and in this moment when many are still apart from their friends and family, GroupWatch offers a way to safely connect virtually by co-viewing your favorite Disney+ stories with your favorite people from the comfort of your living room."
How to use Disney+ GroupWatch
In order to launch the feature, first make sure you’re using either the mobile app or you’re on the web. The content can be viewed on TVs (via smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, etc.) once the session is activated.
The initiator selects the content you want to watch. And at the top next to the play button, you’ll see the GroupWatch icon, which looks like three people grouped together.
Next, once that’s selected, you’ll get a link to send out to friends. Again, make sure they also have a Disney+ account. Once they click on the link and join your session, you’re good to go!
Once the video is set up, you’ll be able to play and pause in sync in case you need breaks. And while you’re watching, Disney+ has added an emoji reaction feature as well. Just like many live streams allow reactions, now you’ll be able to react in real-time with emojis that will show up on-screen with your name as you watch with friends and family. The emoji reactions can only be accessed through the app.
Disney+ says test versions of this featured had already been launched in Canada, New Zealand and Australia earlier this month. And the feature is set to come to Europe soon.
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Are you looking forward to using Disney GroupWatch? Let us know in the comments. And for more Disney and Star Wars news, keep up with Dork Side of the Force.