01
Getting Started
Install, sign in, and set up your profile in under two minutes.
Add MatchWatch to your home screen
iPhoneTap the Share button in Safari, then “Add to Home Screen.”
AndroidOpen the menu and select “Add to Home Screen” or “Install App.”
Sign in
Sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple. No separate password needed. Use whichever account you prefer.
Set your region and streaming services
Choose from NZ, AU, UK, or US. You can select multiple regions. MatchWatch only shows content that's actually available in the services you pick.
Tip: Adding a second region like AU alongside NZ dramatically expands your content pool.
Create or join a group
One person creates the group and invites others via email. Groups support up to 6 members. Invited members receive a branded link with settings pre-filled.
02
Swiping & Matching
How the core swipe-to-match mechanic works.
Swipe mechanics
Swipe right (or tap the heart) to like a title. Swipe left (or tap the ✕) to pass. Your choices are completely private until a match occurs.
Match threshold
For pairs, both need to swipe right. For groups of 3 or more, approximately 60% agreement is required. When a match is found you'll see a confetti notification.
Trailer preview
Each swipe card has a trailer button. Tap it to watch the trailer right inside the app before you commit your swipe.
Undo a swipe
Tap Undo immediately after a swipe to reverse it. Titles you've passed on also live in Watchlist → Passed tab so you can revisit them later.
03
Search & Discover
Find specific titles or browse by mood.
Search
Search by movie title, TV show, actor, or director. Each result opens a full detail card with trailer and streaming availability. (Search was suggested by Sam, age 10, our youngest beta tester.)
Mood filters
Browse by mood to filter your deck:
TrendingDate NightActionFunnyScaryRomanceFeel GoodThrillerKidsFamilyDocumentaryTV
For You deck
Your personalised deck improves the more you swipe. The more activity, the better the recommendations.
Want a starting point for action picks specifically? Our guide to the best action movies on streaming right now covers what is worth your time across Netflix, Prime, and Disney+.
04
Picking Tonight's Watch
Tools to get you from “matched” to “playing” fast.
“Pick For Me” Roulette
Still can't choose from your matches? Hit Pick For Me and let the app randomly select from your matched titles. Full details and trailer shown for the result.
Fancy This Tonight
See something you're in the mood for? Tap Fancy This Tonight to send a gentle notification to your group. No pressure, just a nudge.
Suggest to group
Recommend a specific title to your group. It gets placed at the top of their swipe deck so they see it next.
Watchlist tracking
Track what you plan to watch, are currently watching, and have already seen with the To Watch / Watching / Watched status buttons.
05
Groups & Inviting
Managing your watch group.
Email invitations
Invites are sent as branded links. When someone clicks the link, their region and streaming settings are pre-filled to match yours.
Group size
Groups support up to 6 members. The match threshold scales automatically with group size. Larger groups require approximately 60% agreement.
Nudge inactive members
If someone hasn't swiped in a while, send them a nudge notification directly from the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we have to swipe at the same time?
No. You each swipe whenever you feel like it. Matches happen automatically when both of you have swiped right on the same title.
Can my group see what I swipe?
No. Your swipes are completely private until a match occurs.
What if I swiped wrong?
Tap Undo immediately after the swipe. Passed titles also appear in your Watchlist → Passed tab.
Why can't I find a particular title?
MatchWatch only surfaces content available on your selected streaming services. Some services (like HBO Max) are US or UK only. Common NZ services include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, NEON, and BINGE.
How do I get more content?
Go to Profile and add a second region. Adding AU alongside NZ dramatically expands your content pool.
Can I use it on a desktop browser?
Yes. Go to app.matchwatch.tv in any browser.
What sign-in options are available?
Google, Facebook, and Apple. All options are shown on the login screen.
Wondering how MatchWatch compares to other apps? See our full MatchWatch vs Matched comparison.
For the longer version of why MatchWatch exists, read our piece on ending the what-should-we-watch argument.