How Shared with You Works in Apple TV on iOS 15

The Shared with You feature in iOS 15 integrates the Apple TV app directly with Messages, creating a dedicated space where media recommendations sent by friends and family are automatically organized. Instead of losing links inside ongoing chat threads, users can access shared movies, shows, and documentaries directly within the Apple TV interface. This guide explains how the feature populates content, how to navigate and interact with shared media, and how to manage its settings.

How Content Appears in the Apple TV App

When a contact sends a link to a supported movie or TV show via the Messages app, iOS 15 detects the media and catalogs it in the background. The content then appears in the Apple TV app under the Watch Now tab within a dedicated shelf labeled Shared with You.

The feature works with:

  • Apple TV+ original series and movies.
  • iTunes Store purchases and rentals.
  • Supported third-party streaming apps connected to the Apple TV app (such as Disney+, HBO Max, or Hulu).

Interacting with Shared Media

Each item displayed in the Shared with You shelf includes a small badge showing the name and profile photo of the person who shared it.

Tapping the title opens the standard details page, allowing you to stream, rent, or purchase the content, depending on its availability and your active subscriptions.

Tapping the contact's name beneath the title opens a direct overlay of the original Messages thread. This allows you to quickly reply, send a reaction, or join the conversation without manually switching between apps.

Pinning Important Recommendations

If a contact sends a recommendation you want to prioritize, you can pin the message directly in the Messages app:

  1. Touch and hold the link in the Messages thread.
  2. Select Pin.

Pinned items are given priority placement in the Shared with You row in the Apple TV app, ensuring they remain visible even as new recommendations arrive.

How to Manage or Disable the Feature

You can control the Shared with You feature globally, per app, or for specific contacts.

  • Turn off for the Apple TV app only: Go to Settings > Messages > Shared with You, and toggle off Apple TV.
  • Turn off for specific contacts: Open the conversation thread in Messages, tap the contact's name at the top of the screen, scroll down, and toggle off Show in Shared with You.
  • Remove individual items: In the Apple TV app, touch and hold the shared item, then tap Remove from the context menu. This removes the item from the Apple TV app without deleting the original message in Messages.