- Steps to use Watch together
- What you can watch
- Why Watch together isn't working
- A trick for smoother playback
- Instagram content needs a connected account
- Privacy: who knows what you watched
- Watch together on the desktop app
- Who controls what plays
- Ideas for using Watch together
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To use Watch together on Messenger, start a video call in the Messenger app (not a web browser), tap the Watch together icon at the bottom of the call and pick a video. It plays for everyone on the call at once. It works with Facebook Reels, Facebook Watch videos and Instagram videos, not YouTube.
Watch together turns a Messenger video call into a shared screening: everyone sees the same video at the same moment and can talk over it. It's a lovely feature for long-distance friends and family. Two things trip people up straight away: it only works in the Messenger app, not in a browser, and it plays Facebook and Instagram videos rather than anything on YouTube.
Steps to use Watch together
- Open the Messenger app on your phone, tablet or computer (the desktop app, not a browser).
- Start a video call with at least one other person.
- Tap or click the Watch together icon at the bottom of the call screen.
- Choose something to watch from the suggestions or search.
- The video plays for everyone on the call.
What you can watch
| Source | Available in Watch together? |
|---|---|
| Facebook Reels | Yes |
| Videos on Facebook Watch | Yes |
| Instagram videos and posts | Yes, with a connected Instagram account |
| YouTube videos | Not listed by Messenger |
| Your own video files | Not listed by Messenger |
This is the catch behind a lot of searches for "watch YouTube together on Messenger". Messenger's help lists Facebook Reels, Facebook Watch videos and Instagram content as what Watch together plays. If you want to watch a YouTube video with someone, screen sharing on a computer is the closest option, though quality depends on your connection.
Why Watch together isn't working
- You're in a browser. Messenger says Watch together is only in the Messenger app for mobile and desktop, not in a browser like Safari.
- You're not in a video call. It needs an active video call with at least one other person.
- The content is restricted. Messenger lists age restrictions, location licensing limits, and content that's been deleted or made unavailable.
- Your app is out of date. Update, or uninstall and reinstall Messenger.
- Your connection is weak. Watch together needs a strong connection to stream.
A trick for smoother playback
Messenger's own troubleshooting suggests turning your video camera off during Watch together, especially on a weaker connection. That frees up bandwidth for the shared video. You can still talk and hear each other, just without your face on screen while the video plays.
Instagram content needs a connected account
If Instagram videos don't appear, Messenger says you need a connected Instagram account to see Instagram content in Watch together. Connect your accounts through Accounts Center, then try again.
Privacy: who knows what you watched
Messenger says Meta will know which videos are played on Watch together, but nobody outside the call can see or hear what's happening on it, not even Meta. It also says you may see featured video suggestions during calls, chosen from the kinds of content you've viewed and your interests.
Watch together on the desktop app
On a computer, you need the Messenger desktop app, which Messenger offers for Windows and Mac. Start a video call there and the Watch together icon appears at the bottom of the call. If you only use messenger.com in a browser, you won't see the option, which is the single most common reason people think the feature has disappeared.
Who controls what plays
Once a video is playing, everyone on the call sees it at the same time, so it helps to agree who's choosing. In a bigger group call, one person picking and sharing a few videos in a row works better than everyone jumping in. If someone can't see the video, it may be restricted for them because of age or location, which Messenger lists among the reasons Watch together won't work, even if it plays for everyone else.
Ideas for using Watch together
- A weekly catch-up with family where you share funny Reels.
- Watching a creator's new video together with a friend who follows them too.
- A quick team call to review a competitor's Reels or ads.
If the call itself is the problem, see my guides to Messenger saying waiting for network and Messenger crashing.
My verdict
Start a video call in the Messenger app, tap Watch together and pick a Reel or Facebook or Instagram video. Use the app rather than a browser, turn your camera off if playback stutters, and don't expect YouTube: for that, share your screen instead. It's simple, free and surprisingly good fun once everyone's on the call.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Watch together on Messenger?
Start a video call in the Messenger app, tap the Watch together icon at the bottom of the call and choose a video.
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Can I watch YouTube together on Messenger?
Messenger lists Facebook Reels, Facebook Watch and Instagram content for Watch together, not YouTube. Screen sharing is the alternative.
Why can't I find Watch together on Messenger?
It's only in the Messenger app for mobile and desktop, not in a browser, and only during a video call.
Why won't a video play in Watch together?
It may be restricted by age or location, or no longer available. Check your connection and update the app.
Does Meta see what we watch together?
Meta knows which videos are played, but no one outside the call can see or hear it, not even Meta.
Can I use Watch together on a computer?
Yes, in the Messenger desktop app for Windows or Mac, but not on messenger.com in a browser.
Why can my friend see the video but I can't?
Content can be restricted by age or location, so it may play for some people on the call and not others.
Do I need Instagram for Watch together?
Only for Instagram videos. Messenger says you need a connected Instagram account to see Instagram content.
How do I make Watch together smoother?
Turn your camera off, which Messenger says helps streaming on weaker connections.
