Facebook Watch Party was discontinued on April 16, 2021, so it cannot be started on PC or mobile today. This article preserves the 2020 method as an archive and explains the distinct Messenger Watch Together option that remains relevant for private, call-based viewing.
Facebook Watch Party cannot be started anymore. Meta retired the original feature on April 16, 2021. The Watch Party option was removed from Facebook profiles, Groups, and Pages, and past parties are no longer available to rewatch. Changing browsers, reinstalling the app, or looking in Group/Page settings will not restore it.
If you want a small private co-viewing session now, Messenger’s separate Watch Together feature may be useful: begin a Messenger video call with at least one other person, then use the in-call watch control to choose available content. It works in Messenger’s mobile and desktop apps, not Messenger in a web browser. It is not a renamed version of Facebook Watch Party and does not recreate its public Group or Page post format.
How Facebook Watch Party worked in 2020 (archived)
The following instructions preserve the 2020 workflow for historical reference. The labels and placement could vary by account, country, and Facebook rollout at the time.
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Watch Party was Facebook’s synchronized viewing feature: people watched eligible Facebook videos at the same time and reacted or commented together. It was designed around videos available on Facebook, not as a way to remotely control Netflix, local video files, YouTube links, or any arbitrary website.
Start a Watch Party on a PC
- Sign in to Facebook in a desktop browser.
- Open the post composer in the place where you wanted to host:
- On your profile or feed, choose Create Post.
- In a Group, open the Group and choose Create Post.
- For a Page, switch to a Page you managed and open its post composer.
- Open the additional post options, usually an ellipsis or more-options control, then select Watch Party.
- Search or browse Facebook’s video choices. Select Add to Queue beside each video you wanted to play.
- Select Done.
- Add an optional description, tags, or invitation message, then select Post. The Watch Party began from that Facebook post.
For Pages, the historical guidance required the person starting the party to be a Page admin or editor. That was a 2020-era permission rule, not a setting available today.
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Start a Watch Party on mobile
- Open the Facebook app and sign in.
- From a profile or feed, tap What’s on your mind?, then select Watch Party.
- Choose videos from recommendations, search results, or category tabs, and add them to the queue.
- Tap Done.
- Add optional post text and tap Post.
Historical Group and Page routes on mobile
For a Group, the documented route was:
Menu (hamburger icon) → Groups → choose the Group → What’s on your mind? → Watch Party → choose videos → Done → add a caption → Post.
For a Page, the historical route was to open the Page, create a post, select Watch Party, choose a video, tap Done, and publish it.
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What a host could do during a 2020 Watch Party
- Invite people to join the party.
- Add more eligible Facebook videos to the running queue.
- Comment and react alongside viewers in the party thread.
- End the party when the viewing session was finished.
On PC, archived guidance described an Add videos control in the side panel and an ellipsis menu for ending the party. On mobile, it described a + button below the video for adding content; leaving with the back action then confirming the end option stopped the party. These are legacy interface notes, not steps that can be followed in the current Facebook app.
What to use instead today
Use Messenger Watch Together only when a call-based session suits the occasion. Start a video call, then select something to watch from within the call. Supported material can include Facebook Reels, Facebook Watch/IGTV videos, and connected Instagram videos or posts, subject to the participants’ audience, location, and content availability.
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Each person needs a reliable connection because the experience depends on simultaneous playback. It also does not grant rights to play commercial streaming content that is not available through Messenger’s supported catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the old instructions no longer match Facebook
The 2020 steps were valid for a feature that no longer exists. Facebook’s retirement applied broadly across Pages, profiles, and Groups, so a missing Watch Party button is expected—not evidence that your account is broken or that you need a particular update, extension, device, webcam, or paid service.
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- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find Watch Party on Facebook?
No. Facebook retired Watch Party on April 16, 2021 across profiles, Groups, and Pages. The missing option is expected and cannot be restored by changing apps, browsers, or settings.
Is Messenger Watch Together the same as Facebook Watch Party?
No. Watch Together is a separate Messenger feature for watching supported content during an active video call. It does not recreate the old Facebook Watch Party post, Group, or Page experience.
Could Watch Party stream Netflix or any video link?
No. Watch Party was limited to eligible video available through Facebook. It was not a shared remote control for Netflix, local files, or arbitrary external links.
The Bottom Line
Facebook Watch Party is a retired feature. For current private co-viewing, use Messenger Watch Together from an active video call in the Messenger app; use the archived steps above only to understand how Watch Party worked in 2020.
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