The coronavirus pandemic has ensured none of us are going out, especially not to theaters to watch movies. But while we social distance away from each other, streaming platforms like Hulu have found an innovative way to make us experience movies and TV shows together. If you’re a Hulu subscriber, you can now host Watch Parties with your friends and family. It’s a new feature that’ll allow you to watch your favorite Hulu content with your loved ones remotely, without having to leave the comfort of your own home.
Since Hulu Watch Party has just rolled out, it’s not available to every subscriber right now. Here’s everything you need to know about the new feature and how to use it.
What is Hulu Watch Party?
Hulu Watch Party is currently a test feature that allows eligible Hulu members to synchronize video playback amongst a maximum of eight people. Participants in a Watch Party can also chat with each other about the titles that they’re watching together. This is a great way of enjoying movies and TV shows with your loved ones remotely, and at the same time, maintaining the much needed social distance in order to remain safe.
Currently, only Hulu (no ads) and Hulu (no ads) + Live TV subscribers can host or join a Hulu Watch Party. The monthly Hulu plan with no ads costs $11.99, while the one with no ads and live TV is priced at $60.99. The $5.99/month or $54.99/month plans with ads are not eligible for Hulu Watch Party.
If you’re not yet a Hulu subscriber, you can get onto the streaming service by clicking the button below.
If you’re already signed up for Hulu, you can also have a Watch Party with everyone else who shares your account. The only exception is that accounts and profiles for users under 18 years of age will not be able to start or participate in a Watch Party.
How to use Hulu Watch Party?
A Hulu Watch Party can be initiated or joined only through supported web browsers for now. These include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. You can watch thousands of titles from Hulu’s streaming library with Watch Party, but to check eligible title’s you’ll have to look out for the circular Watch Party icon next to the name of the title. Live TV and premium add-on content are not available for Hulu Watch Party right now.
Here are the steps you need to follow to start a Hulu Watch Party:
- Visit Hulu.com on a supported web browser
- Find a title available with Watch Party — look for the group Hulu Watch Party icon next to a video
- Select the Watch Party icon on the Details page
- Click Start Watching
- Once in playback, select the chain icon to copy the link to the Hulu Watch Party, then send it to other participants so they can join you
If you’re joining a Watch Party instead, all you need to do is open the link you received from the Hulu Watch Party host. Those joining from the same account will have to do so through their individual profiles.
Which other streaming services have this feature?
This community streaming experience is not limited to Hulu. You can also host similar watch parties on Netflix, HBO Go, HBO Now, and Amazon Prime Video. Check out this link to learn how you can do so.
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Plex also has a new Watch Together feature now. It’s currently in beta but allows you to watch your content together on iOS, tvOS, Android phones, Android TVs, Fire TV sticks, Nvidia Shield, and Roku. Check out Plex’s official blog for more details.
What to watch on Hulu?
Looking for some suggestions about what you can watch with your friends and family? Check out these links below.