Patent ID: 11856242

Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are described for synchronizing primary and secondary content. In some embodiments, a host device may livestream primary content to a number of user devices in a group-watch setting. Secondary content (e.g., live or video-on-demand (VOD) content) from a separate source may also be provided to the user devices. A host user of the host device may initiate a control action (e.g., pause, seek, display advertisement) to the secondary content. To signal the control action to the user devices, the host device may embed metadata indicative of the desired control action into the primary content. A user device receiving the primary content including the metadata may apply the control action to the secondary content. Since control action data is embedded in the livestreamed primary content, the primary and secondary contents are synchronized, providing an optimal viewer experience without time lag between the intended action and the implemented action.