Methods, systems, and media for adjusting quality level during synchronized media content playback on multiple devices

Abstract

Methods, systems, and media for adjusting quality level during synchronized media content presentation are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: transmitting, from a server to a first user device, first media content data corresponding to a first stream of a media content item and from the server to a second user device, second media content data corresponding to a second stream of the media content item, wherein the first media content data is to be stored in a buffer of the first user device, and wherein the second media content data is to be stored in a buffer of the second user device; transmitting, from the server to the first user device and to the second user device, instructions that cause the first user device and the second user device to begin presenting the media content item simultaneously; determining, by the server, that the first media content data is being stored in the buffer of the first user device at a slower rate than the second media content data is being stored in the buffer of the second user device; in response to determining that the first media content data is being stored in the buffer of the first user device at a slower rate than the second media content data is being stored in the buffer of the second user device, selecting a third stream of the media content item corresponding to the first stream of the media content item, wherein the third stream of the media content item has a lower quality level than the first stream of the media content item; and transmitting third media content data corresponding to the third stream of the media content item to the first user device.