People who use the video-streaming app Twitch can now join the platform’s “Watch Parties” on iOS and Android devices, according to a tweet sent out Friday.
Focused since its launch on bringing people together to watch and comment on video gameplay, Twitch also does drama and comedy. Its Watch Parties let Twitch users stream Amazon Prime content.
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Participants can watch the movie, TV show or whatever the content is “together” on the host’s channel and join in a chat at the same time. You can probably imagine the streaming commentary as fans watch favorite players battling away in a first-person shooter game. It’s kind of like that with romantic comedies, too.
Watch Parties are now rolling out on an Android or iOS device near you.
To learn more about Watch Parties, including how to host your own, check out the help article at https://t.co/YvqLMCD5c6. pic.twitter.com/5aQC9It02G
— Twitch (@Twitch) June 30, 2021
Before now, Watch Parties took place only through Twitch’s web-based desktop client. That is, since Watch Parties themselves launch as a feature in September. But now you can join in the fun from your smartphone.
Watch party functionality as increased on streaming services during the Covid-19 pandemic as people sought ways to do things together but not in person. Another example we’ll see soon is Apple’s addition of SharePlay in the upcoming iOS 15 update. It will let folks watch content with other people over FaceTime.
Twitch Watch Parties: a few limits apply
Naturally, there are some limitations in place to keep folks from taking in Prime content for free. The person streaming the content and each participating watcher needs to have an active Prime Video subscription. Regional restrictions limiting available content in local Prime Video libraries may also sometimes interfere.
But Twitch is owned by Amazon, so what do you expect? Twitch, founded in 2007, was acquired by Amazon in 2014 for $970 million.
For a helpful Twitch primer and troubleshooting guide, click here.
