How to Watch Netflix Together on Desktop

ByJim Miller

During these times of quarantine, you may find yourself wanting to share your Netflix binge-watching experience with your friends or loved ones. While it's easy to do so on a smartphone, watching Netflix together on a desktop can be a bit more challenging. The popular Netflix Party chrome extension is currently facing issues due to a high volume of users, resulting in poor ratings and reviews on the Chrome store. But don't worry, there are other ways to watch Netflix together on your desktop without relying on this Netflix extension.

1. StreamParty

StreamParty is a chrome extension that works similarly to Netflix Party. You can download and use it on any operating system as long as you have the Google Chrome browser or any other chromium-based browser installed. To get started, download and install the StreamParty chrome extension from this link.

Once the extension is installed, sign up for an account. Without signing up, the extension won't work. After signing in, go to the Netflix website, log in, and play the video you want to stream. Click on the StreamParty extension icon and select the “Start Party” button. This will generate a share URL that you can send to your friends.

StreamParty also provides a chat window on the right side, which is quite handy. There is no limit to the number of people who can watch together, but each person needs to have their own Netflix account. However, if someone accessing the link doesn't have the StreamParty extension installed, there will be no notification. It will simply play the Netflix video normally without redirecting or informing the user to install the extension. Therefore, it's important to ensure that everyone has the StreamParty extension installed and logged in.

What's good?

  • Works with both Netflix and YouTube
  • Chatroom works even in full-screen mode
  • Anyone in the stream can control the video player
  • Notifications when the player is paused or resumed

What's bad?

  • Requires every person in the party to have a Netflix account (or 2-screen plan)
  • No notification if someone doesn't have the extension installed
  • No option for video chat with other users
  • Need to create a new chatroom for each new movie
  • No apps available for smartphones or TVs

Download StreamParty Beta

2. Kast

If you only have a single Netflix account but still want to watch Netflix together with your loved ones, you can use Kast. Kast is a rebranded version of the popular movie streaming app Rabb.it, but it offers the ability to share your entire desktop. Think of it as a desktop sharing app, similar to TeamViewer. To use Kast, you can either install the desktop app or use the web version.

Kast has both Public and Private streams. In our scenario, where we want to watch Netflix videos with our friends, it's important to set the party visibility to Private.

What's good?

  • Works with other services like YouTube, Vimeo, and other video streaming sites
  • Share multiple videos under a single room
  • Option to host and join other public streams
  • Available on multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

What's bad?

  • Chat screen disappears in full-screen mode
  • Web app doesn't allow sharing of your screen or window
  • Not available for Linux distros

Download Kast

3. Scener

Scener is another Chrome extension that allows you to share your Netflix videos. Like StreamParty, all users need to have their own separate Netflix accounts. The highlight feature of Scener is video chat while Netflixing. Sharing is simple. One person can create a virtual theater and share the code with others to join the stream. Only the owner of the theater can play/pause the stream, but there is an option to pass on the remote control to someone else in the stream.

What's good?

  • Video chat while watching Netflix videos
  • Works with HBO Now and HBO Go as well
  • Only the host can control the stream
  • Option to pass on the remote to other participants in the room

What's not?

  • Doesn't work on Chromium in Linux

Download Scener

These services are relatively new, and the number of users is still growing. As they gain popularity, you may encounter some issues, but we will update this article with other lesser-known alternatives as time goes on. If you have any other issues or queries, let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Netflix Tips and Tricks for All Those Who Watch It on Mobile