In this project, I designed a native Group Watch experience for Netflix that enables long-distance partners, families, and friend groups to stream content together — without the hassle of third-party tools.
The goal was to create a seamless co-watching experience built directly into Netflix’s Web app — with minimal setup, cross-device compatibility, and built-in chat/video support — all while preserving Netflix’s clean, intuitive interface.
Click here to view the figma file
Product Designer
Figma
Perplexity, ChatGPT
UXPilot
FigJam
Before: Netflix lacked built-in co-watching features, forcing users to rely on third-party extensions like Teleparty or Zoom to stream content together — often leading to sync issues, poor UX, and privacy concerns.
After: This project bridges the gap between individual content consumption and shared social viewing, allowing users to connect naturally over Netflix — no extensions, no friction.
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As a regular Netflix user, I’ve often struggled watching shows remotely with friends. Using third-party extensions was clunky, and sync issues ruined the experience.
I started researching why Netflix hasn’t solved this yet. Using Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Google, I found that Hotstar and Prime once had native group watch features, but discontinued them post-COVID. Netflix tried a version in 2008, but it failed due to low adoption and timing.
But in 2025, remote viewing is the norm. People live apart, and content is mostly streamed — making this problem highly relevant again.
To align with Netflix’s design system, I used a Figma community file that followed their colors, styles, and spacing.
I also spoke to a few Netflix users to understand their pain points. Their feedback validated the need for a simpler, native solution.
For quick wireframing, I used UXPilot to explore layouts and refine flows before final designs.
Netflix briefly explored co-watching in 2008 (Xbox app), but it failed due to poor timing (<5% adoption). Today, with streaming as the norm and remote socializing more common, user expectations and behavior have shifted.
In fact, 80% of surveyed users want a native co-watching experience, and 60% value features like chat, sync, and ease of use — especially across web and mobile devices.
Platform | Features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
Disney + Groupwatch |
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Amazon prime Video watch party |
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Teleparty |
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Discord |
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Persona 01
Mukul Sharma, 24, Jaipur
Mukul watches Netflix regularly and has used Teleparty and other third-party extensions to co-watch shows with his partner. However, the friction and limitations frustrate him. He often has to guide his non-tech-savvy partner through the setup process, and they’ve missed emotional moments due to lag or desync.
Pain Points
Desync & lag ruining the mood
No way to see his partner’s live reaction (no video or voice)
Setups take too long
Extensions feel sketchy or raise privacy concerns
Partner finds it too technical
Goals / Needs
A simple, built-in solution with no need for external tools
Ability to talk or see each other while watching
Reliable sync that “just works”
Option to watch with more friends in future
Persona 02
Swara Singh, 29, Bangalore (From Delhi)
Product Manager
Swara manages movie night logistics by combining Teleparty for Netflix with Google Meet/Zoom for voice calls. She’s the tech support for her family, walking them through installations or fixing sync issues. Her dream is a frictionless group watch experience for her multi-generational, multi-device family.
Pain Points
Device mismatch: her dad uses a smart TV, her brother uses an iPad, and Teleparty only works on laptops
Everyone needs separate accounts
Older family members get overwhelmed with extensions and links
Sync often breaks and needs constant readjustment
Goals / Needs
A unified link that works across devices (TV, phone, web)
Zero setup for her parents — just “click and watch”
Native voice or chat support without juggling other apps
Ability to host recurring sessions with ease
Focus on zero-setup simplicity (esp. for non-tech users)
Enable cross-device support (web + mobile + TV if possible)
Prioritize reliable sync + integrated communication
Build flows for both a “host” and “guest” type user
Make the invite/join process seamless
As a family member, I want to receive a clear invite link and join the group watch no matter what device I use, so that everyone can participate together from wherever they are.
As a host, I want to host the jam-parties, having the control options, play/pause and other playback options, create watchparties with a single link to join.
As a group of friends staying in different cities, we want to co-watch a new show together, chat, and send reactions in real time, so that our remote watch party feels exciting and social.
As long distance partner, I want to watch Netflix with my significant other in perfect sync, with the ability to see or hear each other, so that it feels like we’re together even when we’re apart.
1. Homepage: The Netflix homepage remains familiar but now includes a Group Watch button in the top navigation. A subtle dropdown lets users quickly choose to either Host or Join a watch party — no new screen, no extra friction, just one click away from co-watching.
Options to Host or Join party - Clicking on Group Watch reveals a simple dropdown with two clear options: Host party or Join party. This minimal UX decision ensures users can start or join a session instantly, without navigating away from the homepage.
Host picks a movie - After choosing Host Party, the host is taken to a familiar Netflix interface to select the movie/series. This screen preserves the native browsing experience, now with the added context of starting a group session—making it feel seamless and intuitive.
Creating Group Watch after selecting the movie - After the movie is selected, the host is redirected to this page, where a clear CTA in Netflix's brand color has been added to start the Group watch.
Group Watch Lobby - Once a movie is selected, the host lands in the Lobby screen where they can:
🔗 Copy the party code or share the invite link
👥 View and manage participants
⚙️ Adjust host settings (chat, playback control)
🔴 Start the session with a bold Start Party CTA
This page brings clarity, control, and confidence to the hosting experience.
Video player: To ensure seamless viewing, a “Sync with others” button appears whenever a participant’s playback goes out of sync. This one-tap fix brings the user’s timeline back in line with the host’s, avoiding spoilers or delayed reactions.
A chat toggle also lets users open and close the chat panel at any point without disrupting the viewing experience, keeping the interface clean and distraction-free.
Chat: The host settings icon allows the host to manage playback controls, permissions, and chat preferences without interrupting the stream.
On the right, users can open the chat panel at any time and engage using quick emoji reactions, making the session feel more interactive and social.
This layout balances control and conversation while keeping the main content experience distraction-free.
Host settings: The settings panel allows the host to configure core party controls mid-session, from toggling playback permissions and chat visibility to enabling audio.
Participants are clearly listed with quick removal options, giving the host moderation capabilities.
A bold “End Party” button helps conclude the session cleanly once the watch party wraps up.
Join Watch Party: Participants can join a session by simply entering a shared party code in this clean popup.
No redirects, no extra steps — just paste the code and press Join Party to jump right in.
Group Watch Video Player - The enhanced video player lets users enjoy content while staying connected:
• 📹 Participant videos visible during playback
• 💬 Real-time group chat with smooth emoji support
• 😀 Emoji reactions to express without interrupting
• 🧠 Thoughtfully placed controls ensure the social layer doesn’t distract from the viewing experience.
Note: The video chat feature is just a proposal. This is an edge case as many users might not have the best internet connection due to which the streaming experience will hamper.
This project gave me the chance to reimagine how people could connect over streaming, without relying on third-party tools. I designed a native Netflix Group Watch experience focused on ease, emotion, and platform-native elegance.
Created a zero-friction join experience (code/link, no extensions)
Designed a seamless host-to-playback flow that works across user types
Balanced Netflix’s minimalist UI with robust, real-time features like chat, reactions, and video
Prioritized accessibility for non-tech-savvy users
Added emoji's and reactions along with chats and video playback functionality that were missing in the other tools