How to use SharePlay in Messages on iOS 16


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SharePlay allows Apple users to watch media in sync, and in iOS 16 this feature can be launched in Messages. Here’s how to do it.

With SharePlay, people can share experiences over a FaceTime call, e.g. B. listening to music, watching a movie or TV show, or even doing a workout.

It’s not a feature found in Settings, but it’s supported in Apple apps and services like Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Fitness+. Third-party apps that support SharePlay include TikTok, Twitch, NBA, and others.

Using SharePlay in Messages

The media will play simultaneously for everyone with access to the content. The system then prompts users without access to start a free trial, buy a subscription, or perform some other transaction for access.

Using SharePlay in Messages for Apple Music

Using SharePlay in Messages for Apple Music

  1. First, find a show, song, movie, or other content you want to share. There are a few ways to find SharePlay that depend on the app. Tap the share button and then tap SharePlay. Or tap the three-dot menu icon, tap the Share button, and then tap SharePlay. A third option is to tap the three-dot menu icon and then tap SharePlay.
  2. Next, select a contact in the To field and tap Messages.
  3. Tap Start or Play.
  4. The recipient can tap the content title at the top of the message conversation, and then tap Open.

For group chats, selecting the content and tapping the Play button may include an option called Play for All. Anyone on the call can play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward for everyone else. Each one controls settings like subtitles and volume.

Using SharePlay in messages is great for not interrupting the audio of the content. People can still text each other while the content is playing. If you tap FaceTime instead of Messages in step one, a FaceTime video call will open for more interaction.

SharePlay in other Apple apps

SharePlay can be found in different areas depending on the app. In Apple Music, tap the three-dot icon next to a track or album and it’s in the first menu. In the Fitness app and Fitness+ tab, find a workout in the bottom center and tap the three dots icon in the top right. Within the share sheet is a green SharePlay button.

Search for SharePlay in the Apple TV app

Search for SharePlay in the Apple TV app

For the Apple TV app, SharePlay works with supported services such as Apple TV+, Paramount+, SHOWTIME and Disney+. Navigate to a show or movie from any of these services. When you tap the share icon, which looks like a square with an arrow in the top-right corner of the screen, the green SharePlay button will appear on the share sheet.

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