Your Guide to Hosting an Amazon Watch Party
When you wanted to schedule a movie night & Amazon Watch Party with friends from afar, you used to have to awkwardly call each other to have one person start the movie and pause to give the play countdown at the start of each scene. Even without the countdown, at least one person’s internet would buffer, and someone else would pause the movie for a random snack break, which would eventually make everyone watch the movie out of sync.
Fortunately, Amazon Watch Party is here to solve that issue. It’s a feature with Prime Video. Up to 100 people can watch a movie or show at the same time and the feature makes sure that the playback stays synced. There is also a chat feature that you can use while the movie is playing.
You are in the right place if you are looking to use a virtual watch feature with family or friends. I will explain to you how Amazon Watch Party works, what you need to set it up, the exact steps to set it up, and how to host the very first one.
What is an Amazon Watch Party?
Amazon Watch Party is a feature exclusive to the Amazon Prime Video platform. It allows for private movie viewings where the host can make a viewing room and send a link to those that they wish to invite to the room. From that point, the host has total control of the room. So if the host needs to pause the movie to go to the bathroom or give a break to the people in the room, it will also pause for everyone else.
A sidebar chat accompanies the synchronized video player and lets viewers send messages, emojis, and talk about the movie in real time without talking over the characters.
Before you send the invites, you’ll want to make sure you’ve checked the boxes on the short but strict checklist:
An Amazon Prime account: the host and guests must all have an Amazon Watch Party, or a Prime Video account.
Location: everyone (meaning all guests) must be in the same country as the host. So, if you host a party using a US Prime account, all guests must be using US Prime accounts as well.
A suitable device: You can host a party or join a party using most common web browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge), and you can also host or join a party from the Prime Video app on smart devices and TVs and the Prime Video App on iOS and Android.
A Prime Video title: You can only show videos that are included in your Prime Video content, or that your guests will all have to rent or buy to show the content and join the party.
How to Host
It really does only take a few clicks to set up a virtual theater, so follow the steps to set up a smooth event.
1. Find Something to Watch
On your smart device or computer, open your Prime Video app and browse the catalog. Once you find a movie or TV episode to watch, click on the title for additional details.
2. Making the Party
A party popper icon or party watch may be directly under the title of the show. Click on the icon and add your fun people name for the party. Click “Create Watch Party” to complete.
3. Sending the Invitations
After you create the party, a link will be generated to the party. Copy the link and send it to your friends via text, email, or message. Once your friends click the link to your party, their party names will show in the chat.
4. Press Play
Grab your snacks and wait for the last friend to join and then click play. You control your party and can pause or rewind to let people see something they missed.
The Fun Virtual Movie Night Tips
To have fun movie viewing over the internet, the first thing to consider is preparation. Something to keep in mind is to test your internet connection.
A wired connection to the internet and a strong Wi-Fi signal help unexpected buffering delays to get screen delays.
Choosing the right genre: Comedies, horror, and action films are great for interactive chat. Long dramas may bring silence to the chat.
Setting the rules: Participants should be informed before the meeting about unannounced pauses. Hosts must meet the challenges of uncompleted movements.
FAQ
Amazon Watch Party on TV?
Yes, it used to be available on desktop only. Amazon Watch Party has made it available on Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku. Select the Prime Video app on your TV, search for the title, and click the Watch Party icon.
Is Amazon Watch Party free?
Yes, the feature is available to everyone who accesses it through subscribed accounts.
How many participants can watch a movie together?
Up to 100 people can join a watch party.
Your Friends are Invited to Movie Night!
Take distance out of the equation. With Amazon Watch Party, you can enjoy your favorite movies with your loved ones, share the laughs, and even gasp at the cliffhangers! All you need is a Prime membership, decent internet, and of course, a bowl of popcorn.
For the next great weekend activity, grab that Watch Party link to join your friends and get ready to play.
