BBC launches Together platform to hold iPlayer viewing parties with friends

Viewers can watch iPlayer, Sounds, Bitesize, News and Sport at exactly the same time

(Credit: BBC)

The BBC has announced “BBC Together,” which allows viewers to watch iPlayer, Sounds, Bitesize, News and Sport at exactly the same time as others.

Available on Taster, the BBC’s experimental platform for new projects, users can share a link with friends so they can join the simultaneous viewing party. The host will be able to pause, rewind, skip forward or choose a different programme.

“If viewers want to binge-watch hit new drama Normal People or the latest episode of spy-action thriller Killing Eve with their friends, practice their Spanish on Bitesize with classmates, or exercising remotely to Radio 1’s Workout Anthems music mix with their family, they can now do that all at the same time,” the corporations press announcement says.

Dr Libby Miller, senior R&D producer at BBC R&D, said in a statement: “There may be physical distance between us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy great programmes with our friends, family, colleagues and classmates. We wanted to see if technology could bring people together to watch and listen to BBC shows remotely as a shared experience, which we’ve done with BBC Together.

“It’s important to say that it’s just a test at this stage – and we’ll be monitoring how well it works and thinking about how we could change it in the future, but we’re looking forward to seeing and hearing about the creative ways that people use it and getting their feedback on Taster.”

The move is expected to be welcome during the lockdown, with other companies offering similar products.

Netflix recently announced a Google Chrome extension called “Netflix Party”, which enables users to watch the same shows concurrently.

Although the feature existed for a few years, it gained popularity as more people are stuck in their houses during the coronavirus pandemic.