How To

Play SketchParty TV Via Video Conferencing Using Zoom or Google Hangouts

As I write this, the world is in the middle of a global pandemic due to the novel coronavirus and COVID-19. In an effort to #FlattenTheCurve, most people are finding themselves stuck at home with their immediate families or roommates, or alone.

For many, being unable to see extended family and friends has been and is going to be incredibly trying.

But people are being creative! Some are using video conferencing software to throw parties and play games traditionally played in-person. In looking for ways to spend time over video chat a number of people have asked if it's possible to play SketchParty TV like this.

We've come up with the following approach. It's not perfect, but it should work well enough to be fun.

What You'll Need

To play, you'll need the following:

  • SketchParty TV on iPad or iPhone.
  • Video conferencing software. Zoom, Google Hangouts, or similar. We'll be using Zoom1.
  • Zoom, or an AirPlay receiver app. Reflector or AirServer are both great. For this guide, we'll be using Zoom's built-in AirPlay receiver2.

How to Play: Zoom

First, Start Zoom on your Mac or PC.

Begin your Zoom session with your friends and family. Catch up with everyone once they've joined.

Next, AirPlay your iPad or iPhone screen to Zoom.

Designate a player who is physically able to hold the iPad or iPhone as the artist. Everyone else on the call will be split into teams, and will take turns guessing.

Rotate the designated artist responsibility to keep things interesting.

How to Play: Google Hangouts

First, begin the Google Hangout in your browser. Catch up with everyone once they've joined.

Start Reflector or AirServer.

Next, AirPlay your iPad or iPhone screen to Reflector or AirServer.

Launch SketchParty TV on your iPhone or iPad.

Designate a player who is physically able to hold the iPad or iPhone as the artist. Everyone else on the call will be split into teams, and will take turns guessing.

Rotate the designated artist responsibility to keep things interesting.

What Do You Think?

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and while this is certainly an unusal way to play SketchParty TV, it should work well enough for everyone to have fun. Let us know how it goes!

The best way to connect with us is on Twitter. Follow @SketchParty and let us know there.

Have fun, and be safe!


  1. Zoom has some limitations, including a 40-minute time limit on its free plan. On iPad, SketchParty TV provides an estimate of how long a game will take based on the number of players, rounds, and words to draw per round. 

  2. A guide on how-to use Zoom as an AirPlay receiver is here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201379235-iOS-Screen-Sharing-with-the-Zoom-Desktop-Client 

Stay tuned!

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