Disney+ Adds SharePlay Support for FaceTime Co-Viewing

Disney+ Now Supports Apple’s SharePlay for Co-Viewing

The Disney+ streaming service has integrated support for Apple’s SharePlay feature. This iOS 15 functionality enables a shared viewing experience during FaceTime video calls on devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

Initially unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, SharePlay became accessible with the iOS 15.1 release. It quickly expanded to include co-viewing capabilities within various applications.

Expanding Co-Viewing Options

These apps include NBA, TikTok, Twitch, Paramount+, and Showtime, alongside Apple’s own services such as Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Fitness. Disney+ was previously announced as a forthcoming addition to this growing list.

With a recent app update, Disney+ subscribers can now utilize SharePlay on Apple’s iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS platforms. The feature is globally available and encompasses the entire Disney+ content library.

Content Availability with SharePlay

This includes offerings from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. New releases like Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye,” “Welcome to Earth,” and upcoming premieres such as “Encanto” (December 24) and “The Book of Boba Fett” (December 29) are also compatible.

How SharePlay Enhances the Viewing Experience

Following the update, users can host or join SharePlay sessions, accommodating up to 32 participants for a synchronized Disney+ viewing experience. This provides a convenient way for families separated by distance to enjoy a movie night together.

It also offers a means to entertain children by allowing them to stream Disney+ with friends while traveling.

Using the SharePlay Feature

The SharePlay feature is seamlessly integrated into the FaceTime app. Initiate a FaceTime call, then launch the Disney+ application. A notification will appear, indicating SharePlay availability.

Simply select and play the desired content to begin co-watching with others on the call. Playback controls—play, pause, rewind, and fast forward—are accessible to all session participants.

Customization and Flexibility

Disney highlights that each viewer can independently choose their preferred audio language and subtitle options. Furthermore, the feature supports diverse viewing setups.

Users can watch content on their Apple TV while continuing the FaceTime call on their iPhone, offering greater flexibility.

SharePlay and the Future of Social Viewing

SharePlay represents a noteworthy addition to iOS 15, aligning with the increasing prevalence of social distancing, remote work, and the rise of platforms like Zoom. Beyond co-watching, SharePlay enables screen sharing.

This allows users to launch apps and browse together, facilitating activities like online shopping or providing remote technical assistance to family members.

System Requirements and Continued Support

To utilize SharePlay with Disney+, all participants must have devices running at least iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, or tvOS 15.1, and an active Disney+ subscription is required.

Disney’s existing in-app co-viewing feature, GroupWatch, will remain available to subscribers in the same country and on compatible devices.

Disney’s Statement on the Launch

“We’re very excited to launch SharePlay on Disney+ for Apple users in time for the holidays and ahead of several highly anticipated premieres,” stated Jerrell Jimerson, EVP of Product & Design, Disney Streaming.

“With thousands of movies and shows and a growing content catalog of new titles and originals, SharePlay provides another opportunity for personal friends and family around the world to come together and create new memories with their favorite stories on Disney+,” he concluded.