All Facebook Groups around the globe can now share and watch videos together in real time.
Facebook expanded the availability of Watch Party, which the social network has been testing since January, to everyone. With Watch Party, a group leader sets up a group video chat and adds videos for watching. Once others have joined the group, the videos play in sync, allowing all the viewers to comment in real time as the video plays. The host is in control of video playback.
Facebook says in its tests, Watch Parties have generated thousands of comments from participants, with some viewers spending hours together online. Testers say it has been useful for sharing cooking or crafting videos, home improvement or decorating tutorials, and other skill-teaching videos.
Facebook says it is testing the ability for people to initiate Watch Parties for friends outside of official groups.
For now Watch Parties are only available to organized groups within Facebook. Watch Party is available on PCs and mobile devices.
