Scener is a Seattle-based co-watching platform that enables creators and audiences to watch streaming content together in synchronized virtual theaters with live video chat and interactive messaging. Creators can set up profiles at Scener.com to host public or private watch parties. The platform’s virtual theaters can accommodate up to one million viewers. Scener supports a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, Prime Video, Funimation, Vimeo, YouTube, Alamo On Demand and Hotstar; participants must have subscriptions for premium services. The company raised $2.1M in seed funding to accelerate product development of its social platform. Scener’s product combines social engagement features with synchronized playback to help creators engage large audiences around streaming content. Scener is a browser extension that provides a virtual movie-theater experience enabling synchronized co-watching of subscription streaming content with up to 20 viewers via video, audio, or text chat in a sidebar. The company expanded to support HBO NOW and HBO GO after WarnerMedia approached it to allow co-watching in a way that preserves the content owner’s IP. Scener plans a “1-to-many” mode to host larger synchronous audiences similar to Instagram Live and says it is in talks to support more SVOD and some ad-supported (AVOD) providers. The extension works through Chrome by requesting permission to the streaming sites and is already asking to read/change data on Hulu.com and DisneyPlus.com, indicating potential future integrations. Desktop usage surged 15x during the COVID-19 quarantine, prompting a full rebuild of the product. Scener has raised $1.6 million since spinning out from RealNetworks and generates revenue through partnerships with streaming services; WarnerMedia confirmed it does not have a financial stake.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Oct 2020