It's not always possible to head to the cinema with friends or go round to a pal's place to enjoy some TV together. That's why Netflix Party was invented, only now it's called Teleparty. So, update that Netflix Party extension to the Teleparty extension and find out how to use it.
If you didn't try it out during one lockdown or another then Teleparty (Netflix Party) is a way of watching Netflix together while staying apart, all from the comfort of your respective homes.
The reason for the name change is that the service has now expended so that you can watch not only Netflix but also Hulu, HBO Max, HBO Now and Disney Plus with friends too.
Here we'll show you what Teleparty can do, how it works, and how to use it. It's time to get involved.
What is Teleparty?
Teleparty is an extension for the Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Opera web browsers – and it's free.
Install it, then head to the web versions of Netflix, Hulu, Hulu+, HBO Now, HBO Max or Disney Plus to sync the video streaming fun with friends, so that the film or TV show you've all chosen starts at the same time for all of you. That way you can all watch together in real time.
What can you do with Teleparty?
Teleparty lets you all watch at the same time through your individual accounts. It also includes a chatroom bar down the side of the screen.
Here you can type text to 'chat' with your friends – comment on the film/TV show, ask them how they are, talk about the weather, send hugs or say whatever you like. Naturally, you can send GIFs, emoji and screengrabs too. There are no voice or video-based chat options, but then that would detract from the viewing.
There is a limit to the number of people that one Teleparty can hold but it's a whopping 1000! Good luck organising that and do send us the pics. You can Teleparty with anyone across the globe but do bear in mind that the same TV show or film might not be available in every country.
Also, those conscious of privacy will be pleased to know that all chats are deleted from the Teleparty servers at the end of each Teleparty.
What devices does Teleparty work on?
The Teleparty extension only works on laptop and desktop computers, both Macs and PCs. That means you can't currently use Teleparty on iPads, games console or on your TV. Teleparty is not currently possible on Android or iOS.
When it comes to video quality, it's worth noting that Teleparty streams will only be at a maximum of HD resolution with Google Chrome. Opt for Microsoft Edge for 4K support.
How do you use Teleparty?
It's easy. Using your laptop or desktop computer, install the free Teleparty extension from the Google Chrome Store, the Teleparty extension on the Edge Web Store or on Opera. You can pin the extension icon to your toolbar to make it easy to find.
Then, on the same device, go to Netflix.com, Hulu.com, HBOMax.com or Disneyplus.com in your Opera/Chrome/Edge web browser and start a video – this can be a film, TV episode, documentary, whatever.
The Teleparty extension icon next to the address bar in your browser window should have changed from grey to red. Click it, then follow the instructions in the pop-up window to start a Teleparty.
You can either take total control over the video playback, or leave it open to anyone in the party. It's like leaving the remote control on the table for anyone to use.
You'll now have to copy the url from another pop-up window and share it with your friends.
You'll be assigned an icon to represent yourself, sort of like an avatar. You can change this if you like, along with your nickname.
Those invited to join will also need to install the Teleparty extension. Once they click the link they're sent, and then click the Teleparty icon, they'll be part of the party.
And there you go. Happy watching!
MORE:
How to watch 4K video online and on TV
The best live music streams and virtual concerts to watch in self-isolation
These are the best movies of the 1990s to test your home cinema
Look here for the best educational TV shows on YouTube, Netflix and more
