6 ways- how to Watch Party On Roku (2023)

If you’re like me, you love binge-watching your favorite shows and movies on your trusty Roku device.

But what if I told you that you can take your streaming experience to the next level with Roku watch parties?

Important:

Can I host a watch party directly on Roku?

Unfortunately, Roku itself doesn’t offer built-in watch party functionality. You’ll need to use third-party apps and browser extensions which i’ve mentioned in the blog post, to host watch parties on Roku.

1. Plex Watch Together

Plex is a powerhouse when it comes to organizing and streaming your media content.

What’s even cooler is its ‘Watch Together’ feature.

Here’s how it works:

1. Set up a Plex server: If you don’t already have one, create a Plex server on your computer and organize your media library. This might sound a bit techy, but Plex has an easy-to-follow setup guide.
2. Invite your friends: Once your content is sorted, invite your friends to the Plex party. Plex will generate a unique link that you can share with your crew. They can join the party even if they don’t have a Plex account.
3. Enjoy synchronized playback: Start your movie or show, and voilà! Everyone watching will be in sync, so you can laugh and cry together, even if you’re miles apart.

Plex’s ‘Watch Together‘ feature is perfect for when you want to enjoy your own content library with friends. Plus, it’s free, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs.

2. Netflix Party on Roku

If you’re a Netflix fan (who isn’t, right?), you’ll be thrilled to know that you can have virtual Netflix nights with your buddies. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install the Netflix Party extension: If you use a Chrome browser, head over to the Netflix Party extension and add it to your browser. This nifty extension is free!
2. Start a Netflix Party: Launch a Netflix show or movie and click on the Netflix Party icon in your browser. This will generate a unique link you can share with friends.
3. Chat and watch together: As you all watch, a chat window will appear on the side. Share your thoughts, laugh at the same jokes, and discuss the plot twists – all in real-time.

Netflix Party is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite Netflix content with your friends, and it doesn’t require any technical know-how.

3. Scener – For More Streaming Platforms

Want to host a watch party, but your friends have different streaming preferences?

Enter Scener. It’s a versatile watch party platform that supports several streaming services. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Sign up on Scener: Create a free Scener account. It’s super easy and quick.
2. Install the Scener extension: Add the Scener extension to your browser. It’s available for Chrome.
3. Host a party: Choose your streaming service (Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, etc.) and start the party. Scener will create a link to share with your friends.
4. Enjoy the show: Watch the content together while having a chat window on the side. You can even use video and audio chat for a more immersive experience.

Scener is my go-to option when I want to watch with friends who have different streaming subscriptions. It’s not just versatile; it’s also super user-friendly.

4. Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party)

If you thought Netflix Party was cool, you’re in for a treat. Netflix Party has rebranded to Teleparty, and it’s not just about Netflix anymore. Here’s how it works:

1. Install the Teleparty extension: If you’ve previously used Netflix Party, you might already have this. Otherwise, head to the Teleparty website and add the extension to your Chrome browser.
2. Open a supported streaming site: Teleparty supports Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Start watching a show or movie on one of these platforms.
3. Start a party: Click on the Teleparty icon in your browser to create a party link and share it with your friends.
4. Chat and watch together: Enjoy your content in sync with friends, and chat alongside the video player.

Teleparty is a versatile choice for hosting watch parties across multiple streaming platforms. It’s simple, free, and a fantastic way to stay connected with your pals while enjoying your favorite shows and movies.

5. Kast – A Streaming and Chat Hub

Kast is like your virtual living room, where you can hang out with friends and enjoy movies and shows together. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up on Kast: Create a free Kast account to get started.
2. Create a ‘Kast’: Start a Kast by selecting your content from various sources like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
3. Invite your friends: Share your Kast link with friends, and they can join your session.
4. Watch and chat together: Kast offers a chat feature to keep the conversation going while watching your content.

Kast is a fantastic option if you want an all-in-one hub for streaming and chatting, especially when you and your friends have different content preferences.

6. Watch2Gether – Beyond Streaming

Watch2Gether takes watch parties to a whole new level by not only supporting streaming services but also offering the ability to watch YouTube videos together. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit Watch2Gether: Head to the Watch2Gether website.
2. Create a room: Click on “Create a room” and select your content source (YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, or many streaming services).
3. Invite friends: Share the room link with your friends. No sign-up is required.
4. Watch and interact: Enjoy your content while chatting in real-time, adding videos to your queue, and customizing your room’s settings.

Watch2Gether is your go-to choice when you want to mix up content sources, combining streaming platforms and YouTube videos into one epic watch party.

FAQs

Q1: Can I host a watch party directly on Roku?

Unfortunately, Roku itself doesn’t offer built-in watch party functionality.

You’ll need to use third-party apps and browser extensions, like those mentioned in the blog post, to host watch parties on Roku.

Q2: Do all my friends need a Roku device to join the watch party?

No, your friends don’t need a Roku device to join a watch party hosted on your Roku.

The watch party platforms mentioned in the blog post typically work through web browsers, so your friends can use their computers, smartphones, or other devices.

Q3: Are these watch party platforms free to use?

The majority of the watch party platforms mentioned in the blog post offer free options, making it easy for you to get started.

However, some may have premium features or subscription options that come with additional benefits.

Q4: Can I use these watch party methods for live TV or sports events?

Most of the platforms mentioned are designed for on-demand content like movies and TV shows.

If you’re looking to host a watch party for live TV or sports events, you might need to explore other options, like dedicated live streaming platforms or screen sharing solutions.

Q5: Can I use these methods for international watch parties?

Absolutely! These methods can be used for international watch parties as long as all participants have access to the content.

Keep in mind that some streaming services and content might have regional restrictions, so ensure your friends can access the content in their respective regions.

Q6: Is there a limit to the number of people I can invite to a watch party?

The number of people you can invite may vary depending on the platform you choose.

Some platforms may have limits on the number of participants in a single watch party.

Be sure to check the platform’s guidelines for specifics.

Q7: Can I use these watch party platforms for audio-only watch parties?

While these platforms are primarily designed for synchronized video playback, some of them may have text chat and audio chat features.

However, they might not be the best choice for audio-only experiences.

Consider dedicated audio conferencing tools for such purposes.

Q8: How do I troubleshoot if the watch party isn’t working correctly?

If you encounter issues, make sure everyone is using compatible browsers and extensions.

Check your internet connections and try refreshing the watch party page or extension.

Also, clear browser cache and cookies if needed.

For more specific troubleshooting, consult the platform’s support or FAQ section.

Q9: Are there any legal considerations for hosting watch parties?

Be aware of the legal aspects regarding watch parties, especially if you’re sharing copyrighted content.

Always ensure you have the necessary rights to stream or share the content, or choose platforms that have the appropriate licensing agreements in place.