The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown all of us into the deep end and forced many people to isolate themself from time to time. The ones you usually meet up with for hangouts or get-togethers are suddenly available only through a screen. Not being able to communicate face-to-face, especially in this daunting reality, can make people feel anxious.

Is it possible to be physically distant but emotionally connected? What if you can't sit on a couch next to your loved ones, but still want to enjoy your favorite films together?

Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party)

As you may already knew, with the help of the Teleparty extension for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Opera browsers, you can keep the fun going from afar.

This extension supports Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and HBO. Before creating or joining a Teleparty, make sure each member has a subscription connected to the related streaming service. Up to 1,000 people can join a party at once, so you can invite as many friends as you wish.

However, one thing will probably spoil the fun of your virtual party: If you and your party members are streaming from different countries, region-blocked movies or shows may not be available on both sides, and thus, you cannot watch such content together. Which country (streaming service providers think) you're logging in from decides which libraries you can access.

Video unavailable on Teleparty?

The best way to watch geo-restricted content is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), enabling an encrypted and secure connection from anywhere to the location you wish you were in. Of all the VPN services in the market, iTop VPN is especially recommended for streaming purposes.

Free to use without registration

If you're unwilling to fill in your credit card number and other personal information most VPN providers require, iTop VPN is a good option for you. After installation, you can choose a free server located in the other region right away.

Streaming dedicated servers

With a subscription, you're able to gain access to more than 1800 servers around the world. Some of them are streaming dedicated ones with no limits on bandwidth. You can therefore enjoy HD video quality and fast buffering.

One subscription for up to 5 devices

Family and friends can share one account. What you need to do, is to make sure each of you has connected to a server in the same region. You'll then have access to the same video libraries, so that you can join a Teleparty, regardless of your physical location.

Conclusion

In addition to watching movies together, there are many activities you can explore to somehow make up for the lack of in-person social interaction. Technologies like VPNs capable of online socializing are booming as the pandemic causes frequent lockdowns. Make use of various technologies and explore creative ways to counteract the crisis!