A Rave alternative for a small private movie night
Want a Rave alternative for a movie date or a few close friends? Compare how your group joins, where the video plays and which Drive permissions you need. Both tools offer conversation while watching; their setup is different.
At a glance
| Feature | Rave | LofiCouch |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation | Talking and texting advertised | Voice and text; video calls coming soon |
| Access | Android and Windows apps; removed from Apple's App Store and blocked on Mac, according to Rave | Web app in your browser, nothing to download; desktop extension for subscription services |
| Google Drive | Sign in through Rave to select a video | Publicly shared, streamable links |
| Group size | FAQ advertises no participant limit | Four people total |
Rave on iPhone and Mac
Rave has said publicly that Apple removed it from the App Store and revoked its Mac developer certificate. That means no new downloads, updates or reinstalls on iPhone or iPad, and macOS warns against opening the Mac app. Rave says it is challenging the decision, so check its current status if your group relies on it.
LofiCouch doesn't need an app store. It runs in your browser, so an iPhone, iPad or Mac can join a YouTube or Google Drive watch party straight from a link. Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and Crunchyroll nights run on desktop Chrome or another Chromium browser with the free extension, from the Chrome Web Store. Here's what everyone needs.
Choose by your group’s devices
Rave still lists Android and Windows apps. LofiCouch has no native phone app: it works in the browser you already have. Confirm everyone's browser and video source before you invite them.
The important Google Drive difference
LofiCouch requires publicly shared, streamable Drive files; it does not offer private-file access through Google sign-in. Rave describes signing in to Drive or Google Photos to select a video. For LofiCouch, a private room does not change the source file’s public permissions. Only use content you own or have permission to share.
Choose this if…
Choose LofiCouch if your group is on iPhone, iPad or Mac and four people is enough. Choose Rave if everyone is on Android or Windows, you need more than four people, or you want to pick private Drive files by signing in.
Questions before you choose
Can I still download Rave on my iPhone?
No. Rave says Apple removed it from the App Store, which blocks new downloads, updates and reinstalls on iPhone and iPad. With LofiCouch there's nothing to download: open your room link in Safari or another mobile browser for YouTube and Google Drive watch parties.
Does Rave work on a Mac?
Rave says Apple revoked its Mac developer certificate, so macOS blocks the app with a malware warning. LofiCouch runs in your Mac's browser. For Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and Crunchyroll, use Chrome or another Chromium browser with the free extension.
I can't sign in to Rave with Apple. What can I use instead?
Rave says Apple disabled Sign in with Apple for Rave, locking some people out of their accounts. LofiCouch accounts use Google or an email address and password, so you can start a fresh room tonight.
Does Rave support Google Drive?
Yes. Its FAQ describes a Drive sign-in workflow. Do not confuse that with LofiCouch’s public-link requirement.
Does Rave have voice chat?
Rave advertises talking and texting while watching.
When might another tool fit better?
If you need more than four participants, a native Android app or account-restricted Drive access, compare those requirements before choosing LofiCouch.
Make your next movie night a little closer
Pick something everyone can watch, open your room and send the link to your partner or friends. Start with a short video to say hi, then settle in for the main film. The next best thing to being on the same couch.