How to Watch Movies and TV Shows Together Using Facetime

In today’s digital age, staying connected with loved ones, no matter the distance, has become easier than ever. And with the advancements in technology, we now have the ability to not only hear each other’s voices but also see each other in real-time through video calls. But did you know that you can take your video calls to the next level by watching movies and TV shows together with your friends and family over FaceTime? Yes, that’s right! The latest version of FaceTime introduces a fantastic feature called SharePlay, which allows you to enjoy synchronized streaming experiences with your loved ones, even if you’re miles apart. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of using SharePlay to watch movies and TV shows together over FaceTime.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of using SharePlay, let’s take a moment to understand what this feature is all about. SharePlay is a revolutionary addition to FaceTime that enables users to share their screens with others on a video call. Not only can you share your screen, but you can also stream movies, TV shows, videos, and even listen to music together with your friends and family. The best part is that everyone on the call will see the same synchronized playback and have control over the video controls. However, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind. Both parties need to be using FaceTime on an Apple device that supports iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1. Unfortunately, SharePlay is not compatible with the browser version of FaceTime or macOS Monterey. Now that we have a basic understanding of SharePlay, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of using this incredible feature.

Step 1: Initiating a FaceTime Call

The first step in watching movies and TV shows together over FaceTime is to initiate a FaceTime call. To do this, follow these simple steps:

1. Launch the FaceTime app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Choose the contact you want to call and tap on their name.
3. Once the call has connected, you are ready to start using SharePlay.

Step 2: Enabling SharePlay

Now that you’re on a FaceTime call, it’s time to enable SharePlay and start watching movies or TV shows together. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Locate the SharePlay button at the top-right corner of the screen in the new control panel.
2. Tap on the SharePlay button to access the dropdown menu.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Share My Screen to initiate screen sharing.
4. After a three-second countdown, the screen sharing will be activated, and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Selecting and Playing Content

With SharePlay enabled, it’s now time to choose the content you want to watch and start playing it. You have a variety of options for selecting content, including the TV app and other streaming apps. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Navigate to the TV app or another streaming app of your choice.
2. Browse through the available content and select the movie or TV show you want to watch.
3. Once you’ve made your selection, tap on the Play button to start streaming the content.

Step 4: Inviting Others to Join SharePlay

Watching movies and TV shows together over FaceTime is more fun when you have others joining in on the experience. SharePlay allows you to invite others on the call to join you in watching the content. When prompted, they can choose to join SharePlay or decline the invitation. Here’s how you can invite others to join SharePlay:

1. When prompted to SharePlay the content, select SharePlay.
2. A notification will be sent to others on the call, asking if they want to join SharePlay with you.
3. Each participant can choose to accept or decline the invitation.

Enjoying the Shared Streaming Experience

Once everyone has joined SharePlay, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the shared streaming experience with your loved ones. As you watch the content together, the volume will automatically adjust to ensure everyone can hear each other without missing out on the show. It’s worth noting that if you fast forward or rewind the video, the other participants on the call will be notified. Additionally, SharePlay not only allows you to watch movies and TV shows but also listen to music together. If you’re in the mood for some music, simply launch Apple Music and choose a song for everyone to listen to simultaneously. The SharePlay music interface will display synced playback controls, and everyone can contribute to the shared music queue.

Apps That Support SharePlay

SharePlay works seamlessly with a variety of apps, enhancing your streaming experience. Here are some notable apps that support SharePlay:

• Disney+: Enjoy your favorite Disney movies and TV shows with your loved ones.
• TikTok: Share funny and entertaining videos with friends during a FaceTime call.
• Twitch: Watch live streams and gaming content together with your friends.
• Paramount+: Stream popular TV shows and movies from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.
• Apple Music: Listen to music simultaneously and create a shared music experience.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and more apps may be added to the list of SharePlay-compatible apps in the future.

Troubleshooting and Limitations

While SharePlay is an incredibly useful feature, it’s essential to be aware of potential troubleshooting and limitations that you may encounter. Here are a few common issues you may come across and some tips to overcome them:

Incompatible Devices: SharePlay requires both parties to have devices that support iOS 15.1 or iPadOS 15.1. Make sure that both you and the person you’re calling have updated their devices to the latest operating system.

Unavailable SharePlay Option: If you don’t see the SharePlay option in the FaceTime control panel, it may be because the app you’re using doesn’t support SharePlay or you’re using an unsupported device. Check the list of supported apps and ensure that you’re using a compatible device.

Poor Network Connection: SharePlay requires a stable internet connection for smooth streaming. If you experience buffering or lag during the call, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a faster internet connection.

Limited Control: While participants can control the playback of the shared content, certain settings like closed captions and volume control are specific to each individual’s device.

Conclusion

Thanks to the SharePlay feature on FaceTime, you can now enjoy synchronized streaming experiences with your friends and family, no matter where you are. Whether you want to watch movies, TV shows, or listen to music together, SharePlay makes it possible to have shared entertainment experiences over FaceTime. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide and ensuring that you and your loved ones have compatible devices and apps, you can create unforgettable moments and share your favorite content in real-time. So, grab your popcorn, start a FaceTime call, and enjoy an immersive streaming experience together with SharePlay.

Remember, technology is constantly evolving, and new updates and features may be introduced over time. Stay up to date with the latest developments to make the most out of your FaceTime experience. Happy streaming!

Additional Information:

• SharePlay is not currently compatible with non-Apple devices or the browser version of FaceTime.
• SharePlay supports a wide range of apps for streaming movies, TV shows, and music, including Disney+, TikTok, Twitch, Paramount+, and Apple Music.
• SharePlay allows participants to control playback, while certain settings like closed captions and volume control are individualized.
• Troubleshooting tips include ensuring compatible devices, a stable internet connection, and checking for app support.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.