Disney+ is gearing up to tackle the issue of password sharing, similar to what Netflix did recently.
The streaming giant is introducing a new feature called ‘Extra Members,’ which will allow subscribers to add users from other households to their account for an additional fee.
While Disney+ hasn’t confirmed the exact cost, reports suggest that each Extra Member will cost £4.99. The specific launch date for this feature is still under wraps, as Disney has not provided further details.
Password sharing has become a common practice among users of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. It involves a subscriber sharing their login details with others who live outside their household.
This allows those individuals, often referred to as ‘freeloaders,’ to access content without paying for their own subscription. They can create their own profiles and enjoy movies and TV shows at no cost.
In a recent email to UK subscribers, Disney+ outlined the upcoming ‘Extra Members’ feature. Each Extra Member will be able to create one profile for their exclusive use and will not be allowed to share their account credentials with others. The main account holder, or ‘Subscriber,’ will be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of the account details.
The process for adding an Extra Member seems straightforward.
The Subscriber will need to invite someone from outside their household, likely via email, to join their account.
This additional member will create their own login credentials but will still be under the Subscriber’s account, meaning the Subscriber will cover the costs. The anticipated fee of £4.99 per Extra Member can quickly add up, especially if the Subscriber is already paying for a Premium Disney+ subscription, which costs £10.99 per month.
The Extra Member option could be particularly appealing to parents who live separately from their children but want to continue paying for their streaming services.
It may also work well for groups of friends who don’t live together, especially if one person is more financially capable of covering the costs. Disney+ isn’t entirely stopping password sharing; instead, it’s finding a way to monetize it, similar to Netflix’s approach.
Geographical Restrictions and Pricing Tiers
According to Disney, Extra Members won’t need to live in the same household but must reside in the same country as the Subscriber. It’s possible that Disney+ will monitor IP addresses to ensure compliance.
There are also reports that only subscribers on the Standard (£7.99/month) and Premium (£10.99/month) plans will be eligible to add Extra Members, excluding those on the cheapest tier, ‘Standard with ads,’ which costs £4.99/month.
Disney’s Pricing and User Reactions
The move follows Disney+’s recent overhaul of its pricing structure in the UK.
Previously, there was a single price for the service, but it has since been divided into three tiers.
The least expensive tier, at £4.99 per month, includes advertisements before and during shows and movies, which has not been well-received by all users. Some have expressed frustration at having to pay for a service and still see ads.
Comparison with Netflix’s Approach
Disney+’s steps come after Netflix implemented similar measures to curb password sharing in 2023. Netflix subscribers on Standard or Premium plans can also invite Extra Members for a fee of £4.99 per person.
This strategy has proven financially successful for Netflix, with the company reporting record profits of £1.6 billion in early 2024. However, Netflix has faced criticism from users for discontinuing its £6.99 ad-free subscription tier, which some see as a move motivated by greed.
As both Disney+ and Netflix navigate the challenges of password sharing, subscribers may need to adjust to new policies and pricing structures in the streaming landscape.
TDPel Media
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