Have you ever wanted to simulate cozy movie nights or TV show binges with friends online? Well, I‘ve discovered a fantastic way to stream Netflix remotely using a versatile chat app called Discord.
In this step-by-step guide, I‘ll share how I leverage Discord‘s robust screen sharing to easily stream Netflix video and audio to all my friends across cities and timezones! Soon, you‘ll also become a pro at setting this up.
Why Choose Discord for Remote Netflix Streaming?
But first, why opt for Discord over popular remote streaming extensions like Netflix Party? Well, here are some killer advantages:
- All-in-one Platform: Discord allows voice chat, text chat, and video streaming seamlessly in one place. No need to juggle multiple apps.
- Flexible Streaming: You aren‘t restricted only to Netflix. Discord can stream any website/app on your computer.
- Better Control: Only the stream owner needs a Netflix subscription. Others join for free!
In fact, Discord has over 140 million monthly active users, many leveraging its top-notch screening sharing to remotely stream entertainment together.
As per Backlinko, remote streaming saw massive spikes during 2020 COVID lockdowns, rising by incredible 1,192%! No surprise friend circles are now streaming concert films or sitcoms virtually via apps like Discord.
Ready to replicate the fun with your own #DiscordMovieNights? Grab some snacks and let‘s get rolling!
Step 1: Set Up Discord and Join a Server
Since you‘re reading this, I‘ll assume you already have a Discord account. If not, head over to discord.com or install their app to sign up instantly. It‘s 100% free!
Next, here‘s how to join a Server (think of it as a themed chatroom).
- Click the Add a Server button visible on the left.
- Choose to Join an existing public Server from the list or Create your own custom one.
- I recommend joining an entertainment-focused Server like WatchParty or search for others around Netflix.
Once you select your Server, you‘ll see available voice and text Channel options on the left pane.
Pro Tip: For movie nights, I prefer voice Channels. It adds a personal touch! All streaming participants can chill over voice chat just like in-person viewing parties.
Go ahead and select the voice Channel titled 🎥netflix-stream🎞️
We‘re all set to stream!
Step 2: Get Netflix Ready to Stream
Of course, the most vital component is sourcing the media you actually intend to stream!
For this walkthrough, we‘ll stream Netflix. So fire up Netflix on your computer via their website or desktop app.
Browse and select something you want to stream. I‘m choosing to binge new episodes of the reality show Love is Blind.
Tip: You can even continue an in-progress Netflix show seamlessly mid-way for your stream audience!
Once content is picked, pause playback for now and minimize the Netflix window. We‘ll return here shortly.
Step 3: Initiate Screen Sharing in Discord
Here comes the fun part! We‘ll initiate Discord‘s screen sharing feature to broadcast Netflix onto the voice Channel.
Within your Channel, notice the row of icons near the bottom right. Click on the one labeled Go Live.
A popup will open with stream preferences:
You can tweak Resolution, Framerate and other criteria here according to your computer and internet capabilities.
By default, Discord allows streaming up to 720p, 30 fps quality without lag. I find that sufficient for most casual viewing.
Pro Upgrade: Discord Nitro starts at $9.99/month and unlocks 1080p, 60 fps high-def streaming!
Under the Applications tab, you need to select the exact app window you wish to broadcast. Click on the minimized Netflix icon.
Hit Go Live when ready!
The stream will now start broadcasting Netflix to the voice Channel.
Step 4: Maximize Netflix and Enjoy!
Return to the Netflix app/website and maximize it. Press play on your selected show/movie and enjoy!
Discord will now remotely stream your entire Netflix window audio and video to your Channel‘s participants in a synchronized manner.
So grab your snacks, mute your mic if needed and start streaming!
Note: Only you as the stream owner need an active Netflix subscription. Your viewers can watch completely free on Discord!
Step 5: Exit Streaming Mode
When ready to end your stream, simply hover back to the Discord window and click "Stop Streaming" visible at the bottom.
The Netflix stream will stop broadcasting to the Channel.
And that‘s a wrap! Wasn‘t that easy? Now you can host virtual movie nights and Netflix streaming sessions seamlessly using Discord.
Here are the key steps summarized:
- Set up Discord: Create account, join entertainment Server
- Get Netflix Ready: Choose show/movie, minimize
- Initiate Stream: Enable Screenshare to Channel
- Maximize and Play: Netflix app fullscreen, hit Play!
- Stop Stream: End when ready by clicking Stop Streaming
So what are you waiting for? Go binge those shows with friends online!
Troubleshooting Common Netflix Streaming Issues
Facing glitches when streaming Netflix via Discord? Not to worry – many can be easily fixed!
Problem:choppy audio
Solution: Close unnecessary apps and boost Discord priority to maximize bandwidth. Also try Tinker with audio subsystem option.
Problem: Video Buffering/Lag
Solution: Pause stream, reduce resolution/framerate if needed check internet speeds meet 5 Mbps upload recommendation. Upgrade to Nitro for better performance!
And there you have it – my foolproof guide to stream Netflix on Discord seamlessly so you can recreate those beloved co-viewing experiences virtually!
Happy streaming. Stay connected with friends 🙂
