In a major update for the YouTube app on Meta Quest, users can now enjoy videos with friends in virtual reality. The new Co-Watch feature, currently in beta, allows you to invite up to seven people to watch videos together in VR, transforming the app from a solitary experience into a social one.
How Co-Watching Works
To access this feature, you’ll need to make sure you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your Quest headset. Once updated, simply launch the app and look for the Co-watch icon, which looks like a group of three people, at the top of your screen. Selecting this icon will open a new window, where you can choose the “Invite people” option. From there, you can send invites to people from your followers list — but keep in mind that the people you invite will also need to follow you back in order to join the co-watching session.
Once your friends accept the invitation, you can start watching content together in a shared virtual space. Whether you’re catching up on the latest viral videos, enjoying a concert, or exploring interesting new channels, this feature offers a way to connect with others without leaving the comfort of your VR headset.
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
While the Co-Watch feature brings a more interactive way to enjoy YouTube, there are a few important limitations to be aware of:
- Content Type: At launch, the feature is only available for 2D videos. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to co-watch 3D content or immersive VR videos in this mode.
- Paid Content: If you want to watch a paid video, such as a rental or a movie, everyone who’s co-watching must individually pay for their own access to that content. So, if you plan to watch a new release or a premium video with friends, each person will need to make their own purchase.
Despite these restrictions, the feature is still a solid way to hang out with friends in VR, especially if you’re not keen on navigating more complex virtual spaces like Horizon Worlds. It’s a casual, low-pressure way to connect, share, and enjoy content together in the metaverse.
More Social, Less Awkward
Meta’s Co-Watch feature aims to make VR more social and engaging, offering a fun alternative to more traditional social platforms. It provides a sense of togetherness while consuming content, making it feel more like a shared experience than just a passive viewing session. It’s a step forward in the evolution of social VR experiences, potentially offering a more seamless and natural way to interact with friends in virtual environments.
It’s also a notable development when compared to other platforms, like Apple’s Spatial Personas for the Vision Pro, which has its own social features but can feel more disconnected or awkward in some cases. In contrast, YouTube’s Co-Watch feature is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to jump in and start watching videos together.
The Future of Social VR
As VR technology continues to develop, we can expect more social features like Co-Watch to roll out across platforms. This update shows that Meta is committed to making social experiences in VR more accessible, interactive, and fun. Whether you’re watching your favorite YouTube creators or just enjoying a casual video with friends, the Co-Watch feature is a great way to turn VR from a solo activity into a shared adventure.
So if you’ve got a Meta Quest headset and a group of friends who love YouTube, this new feature might be just the thing to make your VR sessions more social than ever.
