Netflix Party Chrome extension: how the streaming service lets you watch TV with friends during self-isolation

As more and more people are forced to stay home due to the coronavirus, Netflix will be a vital source of entertainment.

Netflix will have to fill the hole left by cinemas for many people. Picture: Shutterstock

With large gatherings cancelled, events postponed and venues shut down, our social lives are going to have to move online for the next while.

Now that the UK’s cinemas are closing, the Netflix Party extension app could be the perfect way to enjoy a movie with your friends.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

While it's not quite the same as being in the room together, Netflix Party is the next best thing Picture: Shutterstock

What is the party extension?

Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension which allows you to watch films and TV series while chatting with your friends. It has actually existed for a few years but has enjoyed a newfound popularity due to the number of people currently staying home.

The extension allows you to create a digital chatroom for any movie provided by the streaming service.

You can then invite your friends, allowing you all to talk using a sidebar on the screen as the movie plays. The extension also allows you to use screenshots, emojis and gifs to add a little flavour to your conversation.

The extension will also keep you all perfectly in sync – so one of you doesn’t fall behind and have the big reveal at the end ruined before you’ve seen it!According to the Chrome Store, the Netflix Party extension already has over 900,000 users.

How do I get it?

The Netflix Party extension is available now for free via the Chrome Store.

Of course, you will have to use Google Chrome to download it and everyone will need to have an active Netflix subscription to watch a movie together. As it is only available via Chrome, you’ll only be able to use it with Netflix in a browser rather than using the Netflix app.

Once you’ve got it installed, simply boot up Netflix, pick the film you want to watch and hit the NP button to open the Netflix Party extension. You’ll then be given a party URL to share with whoever else you want to watch the movie with.

All participants will need to download the Netflix Party Extension but only person then needs to be responsible for creating the chatroom and sending out invites.

What other options are there?

Netflix Party is far from the only extension available if you’re looking to enjoy a movie together while you’re apart.

Rather than text messaging, Scener allows you to video or audio chat while you take in a movie on Netflix.

Or, if you enjoy using a variety of streaming services beyond Netflix, Kast is also compatible with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube and videogames.

Kast provides audio and video chat as well, and it is also perfect if you are part of an especially large friend group, allowing for up to 100 people to join the same chat.

Both of these options are also completely free.