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Will Plex’s Controversial Decision to Remove Watch Together Destroy User Loyalty Forever?
Plex users are expressing significant frustration over the removal of the Watch Together feature from the platform’s redesigned application launched several months ago. This synchronized viewing capability enabled users to watch movies and television shows simultaneously with friends and family members regardless of geographical location, making it particularly valuable for maintaining connections during periods of physical separation.
The Critical Role of Watch Together in User Experience
The Watch Together functionality served as more than a convenience feature for many Plex subscribers. It provided synchronized playback across multiple devices, allowing users to share viewing experiences in real-time. This capability proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical gatherings became restricted, enabling families and friends to maintain their entertainment traditions despite distance barriers.
User testimonials highlight the feature’s emotional significance. One community member explained how the feature connected family members across different states, describing it as “the only thing that brought us together to enjoy the films we love.” Another user shared how Watch Together facilitated their relationship with a long-distance partner who later became their spouse, and continues to help them connect with relatives after relocating internationally.
Platform Migration and Alternative Solutions
The removal has prompted users to explore competing platforms. Jellyfin, an open-source media server solution, has gained attention within the Plex community due to its SyncPlay feature, which offers similar synchronized viewing capabilities. While users acknowledge that Jellyfin’s setup process requires more technical expertise, many consider it a viable alternative worth investigating.
Several Plex Pass subscribers have indicated they are reconsidering their subscriptions, with some actively testing alternative platforms. This migration pattern suggests the feature’s removal may have broader implications for Plex’s user retention rates.
Community Response and Advocacy Efforts
The Plex community has mobilized through multiple channels to advocate for the feature’s restoration. A recent Reddit discussion garnered over 700 upvotes, demonstrating widespread support for bringing back Watch Together. Even users who didn’t personally utilize the feature have joined the advocacy efforts, recognizing its importance to other community members.
Community speculation regarding the removal centers on usage analytics and cost considerations. Some users suggest that Plex’s data may be incomplete due to disabled analytics settings, potentially underrepresenting actual usage numbers. Others theorize that the decision reflects cost-cutting measures aimed at appealing to investors rather than prioritizing user preferences.
Strategic Implications for Plex
The controversy extends beyond a single feature removal to broader questions about Plex’s commitment to user feedback and community needs. The passionate response indicates that Watch Together represented significant value for a dedicated user segment, particularly those using Plex to maintain long-distance relationships and family connections.
The situation presents a test case for how Plex balances operational decisions with community expectations. User trust, built over years of platform loyalty, faces potential erosion if the company appears unresponsive to community concerns.