Photo illustration of the Disney Plus mobile app and the content library.
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You can start a Disney Plus GroupWatch on desktop or mobile.
Choose the movie or TV show you want to watch, then select the GroupWatch icon.
Invite friends and family by sharing a link, then select "Start Stream" to start watching.
GroupWatch is a feature on Disney Plus that allows you to watch any movie, short, or TV show on the streaming platform with friends and family. It's included with any subscription to Disney Plus, including Disney Basic (which has ads) for $7.99 per month and Disney+ Premium (without ads) for $10.99 per month.
GroupWatch syncs streams so that up to seven people have the same viewing experience, even if you're unable to watch together in person. Everyone will need to have a Disney Plus account to join, although up to four different profiles on the same account can stream together.
Here's our guide on how to use the Disney Plus GroupWatch feature and all of the settings you can change.
How to start a Disney Plus GroupWatch
You must be the host to invite people to a GroupWatch. Here's how it's done:
On desktop
1. Open the Disney Plus webpage and log into your account.
2. Select the movie or TV show that you want to watch.
3. Click the GroupWatch icon on the title Details page to the right of the Play button – it looks like three people in a circle.
Choose the GroupWatch icon on your video’s details page.
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4. Click the Plus button, then click Copy Link and share the link with any family or friends you want to invite.
Use the Plus button to invite friends and family to your Disney Plus video showing.
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5. You can paste the link in a text or share it in an email; use whatever method is most convenient.
6. When you're ready to start watching, click Start Stream.
7. To pick a new show or to add more people, leave the video that's playing by clicking the Back arrow.
8. To exit GroupWatch entirely, click Leave GroupWatch and then confirm you want to do this by clicking Leave.
Choose the Leave GroupWatch button at the bottom of the details page to exit the shared viewing.
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On mobile
1. Start the Disney Plus app.
2. Select the movie or TV show that you want to watch.
3. Tap the GroupWatch icon on the title Details page (it looks like three people in a circle).
When you choose to invite someone to a GroupWatch, you can copy the link, email or text it to your friends and family.
Dave Johnson/Insider
4. Tap the Plus button (it's labeled Invite) and then tap Invite to add family and friends to the group.
Click or select any emoji to have it appear on everyone else’s screen.
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5. Tap to select your preferred method of sharing the GroupWatch link. Options include copying the link, sending it via text, AirDrop, and more.
6. When you're ready to start watching, tap Start Stream.
7. To pick a new episode or add more people, exit the GroupWatch by tapping the Back arrow.
8. To exit GroupWatch entirely, tap Leave GroupWatch on the title Details page and then confirm you want to do this by clicking Leave.
How to join a Disney Plus GroupWatch
You can join Disney Plus GroupWatch on your computer, mobile device, or smart TV. Simply accept the invitation you received from the GroupWatch host, whether via email, text message, AirDrop, or some other method. When you see the option, select Join Stream.
Accept the host’s invite, which will lead you to the option to join the stream.
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Why you might not be able to join a GroupWatch
To join a GroupWatch you have to be an active Disney Plus subscriber — there's no way around that limitation. Secondly, no more than seven people can be in a GroupWatch stream at once. If there are already seven people logged in, you won't be able to join.
There are also some content restrictions. Although all titles are available to GroupWatch, not all Disney Plus titles are available in every country. You can't stream a title that's not available in your country, and kids' profiles do not have access to the GroupWatch feature.
Additionally, some titles are considered Premier Access — this means that they're new movies that you have to pay to stream on the app. Anyone who's paid for the movie will be able to join a Premier Access stream, but those who haven't paid will be blocked.
How to use Disney Plus GroupWatch emoji reactions
Once you are watching a show or movies within a GroupWatch, you can share your feelings about the video using emoji.
1. While the movie is playing, move the mouse or tap/click on the screen to see the overlay. You should see the Emoji icon, which looks like a smiley face.
The Options button in Disney Plus GroupWatch.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest/Business Insider
2. You'll see a number of reactions appear. Click a reaction to select it. It will pop up on everyone's screen at the bottom-left side with your profile name to indicate whose reaction it is.
The emoji reaction options in a Disney Plus GroupWatch.
1. Depending on whether you are watching on a mobile device, in a webpage, or in an app on your TV, tap the screen, move the mouse or use the Up/Down control on your remote control until you see the overlay on top of the video.
2. Select the Settings icon (shaped like a square with two lines at the bottom).
When you choose the Options button, you'll see all the Subtitle language options.
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3. In the Audio & Subtitles Settings, choose the subtitle language you prefer on the right (or select Off to disable subtitles)
