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The BBC has launched its own version of the Netflix Party tool, allowing small groups of family and friends to watch shows together while in separate locations during lockdown.
BBC Together will allow one host to play, pause and rewind a chosen show for everyone who has chosen to watch at the same time.
Users will be able to paste a link to a show from BBC iPlayer or BBC Sounds –as well as any Bitesize, news or sport content – into the BBC Together tool, which will then generate a link for the host to share with others.
BBC Together is still in the testing stage, but has been made available on Taster, the broadcaster’s website for experimental tools.
Dr Libby Miller, senior producer at the BBC research and development department explained: “There may be physical distance between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy great programmes with our friends, family, colleagues and classmates.
“We wanted to see if technology could bring people together to watch and listen to BBC shows remotely as a shared experience, which we’ve done with BBC Together.
“It’s important to say that it’s just a test at this stage – and we’ll be monitoring how well it works and thinking about how we could change it in the future, but we’re looking forward to seeing and hearing about the creative ways that people use it and getting their feedback on Taster.”
A Netflix equivalent tool has proved especially popular with groups of friends during the lockdown period.
The Google Chrome plug-in also allows participants to speak to one another while they are watching a show with an instant chat service.
If you’re in need of some inspiration of what to watch on the BBC’s new Together tool, we recently recommended some brilliant shows from the broadcaster in our round up of the best free boxsets.