Netflix’s Private subscription option, it is possible to watch broadcasts from 4 different devices at the same time through the same account. In the standard subscription option, this number drops to two. This is where one of the streaming giant’s biggest problems begins. By paying for a single account, it is possible to watch broadcasts in 4 different households at the same time. In other words, in a situation where 4 separate subscriptions are normally required, 4 people can enjoy Netflix on the same subscription by sharing the password.
Unfortunately, this is actually against Netflix’s terms of use. Despite this, 14% of all Netflix users in the US watch Netflix for free, according to a 2019 study.
Netflix has been working on resolving this issue for a while, and now account sharers may incur additional fees. .
The streaming giant is testing a couple of new features that will allow it to activate memberships used outside of the main account household, while charging some additional fees.
The “Add Extra Members” feature allows Standard and Premium plans to add “sub-accounts” for up to two people living at a different address. For an additional $2.99, these downline members can get their own ID and password, profile, and personalized recommendations.
This feature is currently in testing in select countries: Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru.
The second feature allows you to transfer your profile to one of these new Extra Member accounts or a new account. In both cases, viewing history, list and recommendations are preserved.
There is no guarantee that Netflix will make these changes globally available. “We want to see how useful these two features will be for members in these three countries before we make changes anywhere in the world,” the company says in its blog post.
However, such a change could have big implications for those who happily share an account in multiple households. Of course, only two to four households can use Netflix at the same time, depending on account level. Therefore, when an extra person who knows the password enters the business, it has to stay outside. In the new system, everyone will be able to use their own account with a lower price than normal.
But will this new system be enough to entice those who are already watching Netflix without paying? Only time will tell that.
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