Love the idea of Rave but tired of "download the app first"? WatchTogether does watch parties entirely in the browser: create a room, send one link, and watch any streaming service together with video chat — on desktop or mobile, with nothing to install for anyone.
Rave is a popular watch party app, but it comes with real friction: it's built mobile-first, so everyone has to download the app before the movie night can start. Desktop users are second-class citizens. For paid platforms like Netflix, every participant typically needs their own subscription — and needs the content available in their region. And convincing a less techy friend or parent to install and set up a new app is often where the plan dies.
A browser-based watch party removes all of that: nothing to install, nothing to configure, and the invite is just a link.
| Feature | WatchTogether | Rave |
|---|---|---|
| App download required | No — runs in the browser | Yes — mobile app for everyone |
| Desktop / PC experience | First-class — built for the browser | Mobile-first |
| Guests join without an account | Yes — one-click invite link | App install + account |
| Streaming service support | Everything a browser can play | Limited to integrated platforms |
| Who needs the paid subscription | Only the host | Usually every participant |
| Regional catalog problems | None — everyone watches the host's stream | Content must be available for each viewer |
| Video & voice calls | Built in | Text & voice, app-dependent |
| Price | Free | Free with ads / paid tier |
WatchTogether — it's free, runs entirely in the browser, and does synced watch parties with video chat for any streaming service. No app download for hosts or guests.
No app required, desktop-first experience, every streaming service supported via screen share, and only the host needs the subscription. Rave requires the app for everyone and per-viewer subscriptions on paid platforms.
No — they click your invite link in any browser and join instantly. No app, no account, no setup.
No. The host shares their screen, so one subscription covers the whole room — and regional availability differences stop mattering.
Yes, completely — no ads interrupting playback, no premium tier required, no room time limits.
Yes — guests can watch from any mobile browser. Hosting (screen share) works best from a desktop or laptop.