KOLKATA: In the era of social distancing, most people have sorely missed the experience of watching a movie in theatres with a gang of friends. Now, Amazon Prime Video is introducing a virtual group watch feature – so even if you're alone while tuning in to your favourite show, you will no longer be lonely. The streaming giant's customers in India can enjoy Prime Video Watch Party, a native social viewing experience on desktop that is available for Prime members at no additional cost to their membership. Earlier this year, Prime Video rolled out this feature in the US.

Customers will be able to choose from thousands of titles available in Prime Video’s SVOD catalogue, including Amazon Originals such as The Family Man, Mirzapur, Inside Edge and Made In Heaven, and award-winning and critically acclaimed global Amazon Originals including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Boys, Hunters, Fleabag, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Borat: Subsequent Movie, among many others.

Prime Video customers are able to host and participate in Watch Party, providing synchronised playback which the host controls, and a chat feature to communicate with participants. Watch Party will accommodate up to 100 participants per session.

In the wake of the Covid2019 crisis, co-viewing on OTT platforms has been on the rise as a way to stay connected with friends and family, to counter a crippled social life. In India, only Netflix offers such a feature, but on third-party extension.

How can you enjoy the experience?

1.      Find a movie or TV show – Click on the Watch Party icon on your screen for movies. You’ll find it in the episode list for TV shows.

2.    Enter your name – Choose the name you’d like to use while chatting. Create your Watch Party.

3.    Invite your friends – Share your Watch Party link with up to 100 people. Your friends can join by clicking on their link.

4.   Start watching and chatting – Once everyone is ready, start your Watch Party. The host can play, pause, and skip for the group.