HBO Max Free Episodes on Snapchat: Co-Watching with Friends

HBO Max and Snap Collaborate for Streaming Access

To increase subscriptions to its streaming platform, HBO Max is collaborating with Snap. This partnership will deliver complimentary episodes of original programming directly to Snapchat users throughout the United States.

These episodes will be accessible through a Snap Mini – a lightweight, third-party application integrated within Snapchat. This provides a novel method for users to enjoy popular content, including both recently released shows like the new “Gossip Girl” and established hits such as “Game of Thrones,” all while communicating with their friends.

Accessing the HBO Max Mini Experience

Snapchat users can initiate the HBO Max Mini experience by navigating through the rocket icon found in Chat or via the Search function. Upon launching, viewers will be prompted to enter their date of birth to ensure access to age-appropriate content.

Interactive Features Enhance Viewing

The Snap Mini experience distinguishes itself through its interactive capabilities. Users can invite up to 63 Snapchat contacts to participate in a synchronized viewing session.

Invitations can be extended via in-chat messages containing a direct link to the Snap Mini, or through the use of clickable sticker links within Snapchat’s camera interface. Once joined, playback is synchronized for all participants, enabling real-time chat and the sharing of Bitmoji reactions.

The Rise of Co-Watching

Shared viewing experiences gained significant traction during the previous year, coinciding with pandemic-related lockdowns. As in-person gatherings were restricted, individuals turned to online platforms to enjoy television and movies with family and friends.

Third-party extensions like Netflix Party and similar services facilitated these virtual gatherings. Several streaming providers, including Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, integrated co-watching features directly into their platforms. HBO Max previously partnered with Scener, a browser extension developer, to enable co-viewing functionality.

Driving Subscriptions Through Social Viewing

HBO Max’s Snap Mini presents another avenue for online socialization centered around favored shows. The focus extends beyond in-app chatting, aiming to leverage the co-watching experience to encourage subscriptions to the premium service.

WarnerMedia, the parent company of HBO Max, intends to utilize the Snap Mini as a promotional tool. Following each episode, users will be presented with the option to subscribe to HBO Max to continue watching the series. (This offer will be limited to viewers aged 18 and above).

A Sample Before You Subscribe

The Snap Mini also provides a means for potential subscribers to preview HBO Max’s content without the commitment of a full subscription. This offers an alternative to traditional free trials that often require credit card details.

Currently Available Titles

The selection of available titles will be updated regularly. Currently, the first episode of numerous HBO Max shows are featured, including “Craftopia,” “Euphoria,” “The Flight Attendant,” “Game of Thrones,” “Genera+ion,” “Gossip Girl” (2021), “Looney Tunes,” “Love Life,” “Lovecraft Country,” “Selena + Chef,” “Titans,” “Warrior,” and “World of Calm.” Episode 1 of the second season of “Betty” is also included.

HBO Max’s Vision for Connected Viewing

“People love to come together to watch their favorite HBO Max shows and talk about what’s unfolding,” stated Sarah Lyons, EVP, DTC Global Product Management at HBO Max. “Our partnership with Snapchat is another step towards fulfilling that desire for human connection and providing our fans with co-viewing opportunities, while deepening their emotional relationship with the brand.”

Lyons further added, “We believe humans value recommendations that come from other humans, so having the opportunity for friends to suggest, and then subsequently watch content together paves the way for more meaningful discovery.”