Disney has taken a significant step towards curbing password and account sharing by officially launching its “paid sharing program” in the U.S. and other regions this week. This move comes after the company hinted at such changes in earlier earnings calls.
The paid sharing program offers users two primary options:
- Add an Extra Member: For $6.99 per month for Disney+ Basic or $9.99 for Disney+ Premium, users can add someone outside their household as an “Extra Member” to their account. This discounted rate allows for sharing while still generating additional revenue for Disney. However, only one Extra Member is allowed per account, and it’s not available with the Disney Bundle.
- Transfer Profile and Subscribe: Users sharing an account can opt to subscribe to Disney+ themselves, transferring their profile to the new account to retain watch history and settings.
Disney+ will employ various methods to detect and establish households based on subscription activity, linked devices, and internet connections. Users watching outside their household may be prompted to verify their location or add a new one.
This crackdown on account sharing coincides with Disney+’s upcoming price increases for most plans next month. Additionally, the platform is set to premiere several high-profile titles, including “Agatha All Along” and the Disney+ debut of “Inside Out 2.”
Disney follows in the footsteps of Netflix, which successfully implemented its password-sharing crackdown last year, reporting minimal account cancellations. Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max has also announced plans to address account sharing later this year.
As the streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, companies are actively seeking ways to maximize revenue and ensure fair usage of their services. Disney’s paid sharing program represents a strategic move to balance these objectives while providing options for users who have been accustomed to sharing accounts. The effectiveness of this program and its impact on Disney+’s subscriber base remain to be seen, but it marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to account sharing.