Read: How to Live Stream With 2+ People on YouTube for Free (It’s Easy)
1. Rave (For Mobile)
Rave is an app, lets you watch YouTube videos with others in real-time and the best part is it’s available on both iOS and Android. Just download and open the app and tap on the plus sign at the bottom right of the screen. It not only gives you the option to sync YouTube but other platforms like Netflix, Vimeo, Tubi, etc. To start a video, use the search bar at the top. This will open the player where you can choose who to share with. You can share it with people around you through GPS, keep it public or restrict it to invite-only as well. There is no video-chat option however you can chat and also talk with others via real-time audio messages.
What’s good?
Available on iOS and Android Talk feature with Chat option Admin control over playback and voice chat Subtitle support
What’s not?
Cluttered Interface “Nearby” feature a privacy concern
Download Rave (iOS | Android)
2. AirTime
Frankly, Rave glitches a lot and I don’t really like the cluttered UI. Airtime is an alternative that fills that gap and it’s fairly easy to use. The best part is you can video chat with friends while watching the video and pause anytime. It works on a similar concept where you can create a party (public room) or private room. There are 2 ways you can view content, either search for shows within the app or share photos or videos from your gallery. There are plenty of movies like Donnie Darko, Shrek, TV shows, music videos, etc. The issue I have with the app is it’s YouTube integration, while you can search for influencers name and video. It often shows no-results found. Therefore I wouldn’t recommend it until you’re able to find YouTube content you’re looking for.
Pros
Integrated movies, shows, and trending videos Video chat with up to 10 users Supports chat feature, stickers, and sound reactions
Cons
Not a robust YouTube search option Needs a phone number to sign-up
Get AirTime for ( iOS | Android )
3. Squad – Be Together
This app is still under development so you have to settle for an early access version. The main reason why I added this is the ease of usage. You just have to open the app, tap on the + sign, and start the video chat. From here you can click on the screen share option and share your mobile screen. Along with YouTube, you can open any app that you want to share with your friends. For instance, you can show which food you’re ordering, or teach your grandparents how to use the phone. Besides that, the app also has a Web app, which requires no sign-in and supports YouTube, Tik Tok, and movies available within the web app. The web app is highly recommended if you want to watch YouTube together with a chat option.
Pros
Available on Web as well Super easy to operate Includes voice calling and chat feature
Cons
Frequent audio and video lags No filter for profanity for children Requires phone number to sign in
Get Squad for ( iOS | Android )
4. Plex VR
Enough of watching everything on your phone or desktop screen. Now you can have a theater-like experience with Plex VR. You can either browse through Plex’s own collection of movies, documentaries, music, etc or create a server to store content you love. You also have the option to choose virtual environments like an apartment or a drive-in theater. All the content is synced so you can view them simultaneously. It allows up to 4-users to watch content together which is free for the first week. After which you need to get a Flex Pass which comes at $4.99/month. This also gives you a discount on Tidal’s HiFi music catalog, Live TV, Parental controls, etc. It sounds great however you would need Daydream-ready phone along with support VR headsets like Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR, or Google’s Daydream View. Pros
Supports 360-degree and 3D videos Supports voice chat Watch Netflix, Live TV together
Cons
Needs a VR device Takes time to set up Not available on iOS
Get Plex VR for Android
Closing Remarks
Personally I would choose Rave even if it’s a bit cluttered. It’s fluent and it gives you the option to watch Netflix, Vimeo, and others as well. But you can try them all out and see what works the best for you. Now, all you have to do is take a back seat and chill with your friends. The best part is you’re keeping your vow of social distancing as well. Enjoy! Also Read: Best YouTube Tech News Channels To Stay Updated
