What is JustWatch?
Your ultimate guide to streaming movies and TV shows
In the vast world of streaming platforms, finding the best movie or TV show to watch can be a daunting task. With multiple subscription services offering a range of content, keeping track of where to watch your favorite films and series can sometimes feel overwhelming. This is where JustWatch comes in.
JustWatch is an online service that helps users navigate the world of streaming content by providing an easy-to-use search engine that aggregates information about where movies and TV shows are available to stream. Whether you’re an expat living in Spain or someone looking for a reliable streaming guide, JustWatch simplifies the streaming experience.
In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about JustWatch, how it works, its features, and how it can enhance your streaming journey.
What is JustWatch?
JustWatch is a search engine for streaming content that helps users find out where they can watch their favorite movies and TV shows online. By searching for a specific title, JustWatch presents a list of streaming platforms (such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and others) where the content is available. This can save you time and prevent you from hopping between different platforms to find your desired movie or series.
Founded in 2014 in Berlin, Germany, JustWatch has become one of the most popular tools for content discovery. Today, the platform serves users in over 40 countries, including Spain, the United States, Germany, and the UK. For expatriates, JustWatch is particularly useful as it allows you to easily search for content available in different regions.
How does JustWatch work?
The concept behind JustWatch is quite simple. Instead of checking each streaming platform individually, you can use JustWatch to see which services offer a particular title. All you need to do is:
- Search for a Movie or TV Show: Enter the title you’re looking for in the JustWatch search bar.
- View Streaming Options: JustWatch will provide a list of streaming services that offer the title in your country or region. This includes services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, and many others.
- Direct Links to Streaming Services: JustWatch offers direct links to the streaming platforms, making it easier for you to start watching immediately.
Key features of JustWatch
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Content Search Engine: JustWatch acts as a search engine that helps you find out where movies and TV shows are streaming. It consolidates content from over 20 popular streaming platforms.
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Country-Specific Streaming Availability: One of the standout features of JustWatch is its ability to filter results based on your country. If you’re an expat or someone who frequently travels, this feature is incredibly useful as streaming services may offer different content in different regions.
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Customizable Filters: JustWatch offers several filters to narrow down your search, such as genres, release year, price (whether the title is free or available for rent/purchase), and more.
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Streaming Recommendations: Based on your browsing habits and watched content, JustWatch also provides personalized recommendations for new movies and TV shows you might enjoy.
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Free and Paid Content: JustWatch indicates whether a title is available for free with a subscription or if it needs to be rented or purchased. This transparency is incredibly helpful for users who don’t want to pay extra fees.
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Track Watchlists: You can create a watchlist of movies and shows that you want to check out later. JustWatch will notify you if any of these titles become available on your subscribed streaming platforms.
JustWatch for expats
For expatriates living in countries like Spain, access to streaming content can vary based on the region. While Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime may offer the same platforms worldwide, the available content may differ greatly due to licensing restrictions. JustWatch can solve this problem by showing you what content is available in your current location.
For instance, if you’re an expat from the UK living in Spain, JustWatch will allow you to easily see which services offer your favorite British TV shows or movies that are otherwise restricted or not available in Spain. This can save you the frustration of not knowing where to find specific content or trying to navigate complicated regional settings on various platforms.
How to use JustWatch effectively
Using JustWatch is easy, and here are a few tips on how to make the most out of this service:
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Use Filters to Narrow Down Choices: If you’re unsure of what to watch, you can filter movies and shows by genre, release year, and popularity to find something new that suits your mood.
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Set Up Alerts: JustWatch lets you set alerts for when certain titles become available on streaming platforms, so you’ll never miss out on something you’ve been waiting to watch.
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Use the JustWatch App: JustWatch is available both as a website and as a mobile app for iOS and Android. You can search for content on-the-go and keep track of your favorite titles anywhere.
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Explore Free Streaming Content: You can use the “Free” filter to search for movies and TV shows available for free on supported streaming platforms, which is especially useful if you’re on a budget.
JustWatch alternatives
While JustWatch is one of the best streaming content search engines, there are a few alternatives worth mentioning:
- Reelgood: Reelgood offers a similar service to JustWatch but also supports features like tracking your watched content and organizing your streaming services.
- Can I Stream It: Another platform that lets you check where content is streaming, but it supports fewer countries than JustWatch.
- Decider: This service offers streaming guides and recommendations but doesn’t provide the same robust search engine as JustWatch.
Is JustWatch free to use?
Yes, JustWatch is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions required to access its features. You can search for content, view streaming options, and create watchlists without paying a cent.
Conclusion: is JustWatch worth it?
For anyone who enjoys streaming movies and TV shows, JustWatch is an invaluable tool. It saves time, reduces frustration, and helps you make the most of your subscriptions by showing you exactly where content is available. For expatriates who might experience different content libraries depending on their location, JustWatch is an essential app to have.
With its simple interface, helpful filters, and cross-platform support, JustWatch makes navigating the complex world of streaming services easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for the latest blockbuster or an old classic, JustWatch will help you find it without the hassle.
So, if you’re an expat looking to keep up with your favorite shows, or someone who just loves to stream, JustWatch is definitely a tool you should start using today!
