Much like Netflix Party, the BBC has created a way for people to watch or listen to content together with friends and family. Here’s how to use BBC Together to synchronise iPlayer, Sounds and more with other users.
With many people across the country self-isolating, BBC Together provides and easy way to watch iPlayer with friends at the same time.
At the moment, BBC Together isn’t a feature built into the Beeb’s range of streaming services. It’s available as an experimental trial via BBC Taster, which is where the broadcaster tests new technology and features.
With the link system you’re best off using a laptop but it should also work on other devices such as smartphones and tablets.
BBC Together works for content from BBC iPlayer, Sounds or Bitesize, plus BBC News and Sport websites.
How to use BBC Together
- Head to BBC Taster and click ‘try it’
- Find the piece of content you want to watch and copy the link via your browser address bar or share button
- Paste the link into the BBC Together site
- Now share the link to your group session so people can join
- As the host, you can decide when to play, pause, seek or choose a new programme
The BBC said “It’s designed for small groups to watch programmes in a closely synchronised fashion so that you can text, audio or video chat at the same time as watching.”
Since BBC Together works on the Standard Media Player, you don’t need to download or install anything to make it work. You can read more about how it works in this BBC Research & Development post which includes a short video.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.