How to Watch a Movie on FaceTime with SharePlay

By August Garry Updated 11/02/2023

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. Sign Up. *

The wait is over, and SharePlay is finally here! This new feature lets you watch movies on FaceTime with your friends using a variety of different streaming platforms. In this article, we'll show you how to watch together on FaceTime using SharePlay.

Discover your iPhone's hidden features

Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Make a long-distance date night or social gathering feel like you're in the same theater.
See your friends' reactions to everything on screen when you watch together on FaceTime.

How to Watch a Movie with SharePlay in FaceTime

According to Apple, SharePlay will work with Apple TV Plus, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN Plus, the NBA app, Twitch, TikTok, MasterClass, Paramount Plus, Digital Concert Hall, MUBI: Curated Cinema, Pantaya, SHOWTIME, Shudder, STARZ, UFC, and Pluto TV. More streaming platforms may join the SharePlay lineup soon, as Apple has released a SharePlay API for developers to bring their apps to FaceTime. Here, we'll show you how to use SharePlay to stream an Apple TV Plus show with your friends and family, but the steps will be very similar regardless of the streaming platform you choose. To learn more about features new to iPhone and iPad, make sure to check out our Tip of the Day newsletter. If you'd like more privacy while on a FaceTime call, read through our article to learn how to blur your background.

Important: Before you begin, make sure that you and the person or people you'll be FaceTiming all have Apple TV Plus subscriptions and are iPhone users running iOS 15 or later.

Start a group FaceTime call and invite everyone you want to watch with.
Once your FaceTime has started, swipe up on your screen to minimize the FaceTime app.

Open the Apple TV Plus app.
Find the show or movie you'd like to watch, and play it.

You will get a notification that the video has started playing for those on FaceTime and see a green SharePlay icon in the top-left corner.
Anyone on FaceTime can play, pause, rewind, fast forward, or stop the video.

When you close out of the video, you can choose whether to end playback for everyone or only for you.

We apologize that our screenshots don't show actual video playback since Apple doesn't allow it, but these steps will guide you nonetheless. Happy watching! You might also be interested in checking out how to create a shared music playlist with Apple SharePlay. You'll have a blast experimenting with SharePlay to create a high-quality listening experience for friends and family.

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

August Garry

August Garry is an Associate Editor for iPhone Life. Formerly of Gartner and Software Advice, they have six years of experience writing about technology for everyday users, specializing in iPhones, HomePods, and Apple TV. As a former college writing instructor, they are passionate about effective, accessible communication, which is perhaps why they love helping readers master the strongest communication tools they have available: their iPhones. They have a degree in Russian Literature and Language from Reed College.

When they’re not writing for iPhone Life, they’re reading about maritime disasters, writing fiction, rock climbing, or walking their adorable dog, Moosh.

Featured Products

Hands Down One Of The Best 0% Interest Credit Cards

If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Our credit card experts identified top credit cards that are perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it! Click through to see what all the hype is about.

The Best Calendar & Advanced Task Manager for iOS

Now you can try Informant 5 for free and experience a productivity boost by managing projects with tasks and notes, syncing your calendar among all your devices, enjoying a user-friendly 30-day calendar view, and so much more. Informant 5 features SmartBar navigation which makes it so much easier to use and master this calendar app. Plus, you can use it almost anywhere thanks to Dark Mode. With a dark background, you can check in on your tasks and schedule anywhere, even the movie theater. Upgrade to the best calendar app and task manager for iOS! Embrace an "out with the old, in with the new" spirit with Informant 5.