As the world is now facing the threat of the COVID-19 Pandemic, most people are isolating themselves to avoid contracting the virus. Netflix is a brand names recognized today as one of the entertainment sources for people that are doing self-quarantines or being quarantined as advised by their health departments, including the CDC of the United States. People are encouraged to avoid mass gatherings even at small crowds.

According to Comicbook.tv, Netflix announced that they are reviving the Party Mode plugin that can be installed on Google Chrome so that users can watch together even without being physically present together in one room; they can be entertained while in isolation and may interact through a Chat Box.

How Party Viewing on Netflix Works                              

An article from USA Today give tips on how to activate the Netflix Party. This is done so that friends can watch their favorite shows on Netflix even they are having social distancing. Here are the tips.

1.)    Go to netflixparty.com on Chrome and click "Get Netflix Party for free". This will direct you to the site's page on Chrome's web store

2.)    Click "Add to Chrome" and then "Add extension" appeared on the pop-up window. The site will add up on Chrome browser next to the address bar with the initials NP written on it.

3.)    On Chrome, go to Netflix's site and play the show you want to watch.

4.)    Make sure that your friends also downloaded the Party app on their own Chrome browser as well

5.)    Click the NP button. You will have the option of pausing, fast-forwarding, or rewinding by checking the "Only I have control" box. If not, the others can do it.

6.)    Click "Start the Party" and copy the URL that will be given. Send the URL to the people who joined the watch party

7.)    Once they join, they must log in to their account and click the NP button in their own Chrome browsers.

8.)    You are now synced! Enjoy Netflix binge watching with your friends and chat with each other while watching. You can make a festive icon and screen name and share all your thoughts on the chat.

Some Setback

According to Gizmodo, the Netflix Party has a setback. It cannot switch between shows and movies or change an episode of the same show being watched on the Party, but Netflix is now working on it. In the Party, there is a need to install an extension for the app to work properly or if not, it will just direct to a normal Netflix watching mode without connecting to the watch party. It will take a moment or longer for the stream to buffer and catch up to the part where the party is on, but once it gets there, the party will play the show smoothly.

Just In Time

The situation right now is fit for people who want to binge watch on Netflix without being in the same room with their friends but still not cutting relationships in the process. Party Mode brings friends together while practicnig social distancing to avoid becoming part of the pandemic statistics.

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