A first client device is associated with a first user hosting a shared playback session. While a first media content item from the shared playback session is being presented on a set of presentation devices, the first client device communicates with a set of observer devices for the shared playback session. The first client device receives a request to modify playback of the shared playback session from a second client device, the second client device being one observer device of the set of observer devices. In response to the request to modify playback of the shared playback session, the first client device determines an action to take with respect to the shared playback session. In response to determining the action to take with respect to the shared playback session, the first client device sends a command for the action to each of the set of presentation devices.