After outlining a new ‘thoughtful approach’ to password sharing, Netflix is due to start charging its users who share accounts very soon.
Last month, the streaming giant said in its earnings report that it had devised a new system for monetising account sharing, which would be rolled out in 2023 after a successful pilot scheme in a number of regions.
It also confirmed a profile transfer feature was on the way, meaning that if you have your own designated profile on a friend or family member’s account, you’ll be able to transfer it to your own new paid account.
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Alternatively, if that friend or family member you’ve been freeloading off is happy to do so, they can create a paid-for ‘sub-account’ to keep it active, although the fee for this was not shared.
The full details of the plan - including pricing and how it will work - have not yet been confirmed, Netflix did announce that the system would be introduced on a wide-scale basis very soon.
A former Netflix employee has revealed the surprising level of personalisation on everyone's account. She explains all below:
Netflix wrote in its shareholder letter: "We've landed on a thoughtful approach to monetize account sharing and we'll begin rolling this out more broadly starting in early 2023.
"After listening to consumer feedback, we are going to offer the ability for sharers to manage their devices more easily and to create sub-accounts, if they want to pay for family or friends."
The system follows a trial in regions in South America, which saw users pay an extra fee to add other accounts to their own.
At the time, Chengyi Long, Director of Product Innovation at Netflix, said in a statement: "Over the last 15 years, we’ve worked hard to build a streaming service that’s easy to use, including for people who travel or live together.
"It’s great that our members love Netflix movies and TV shows so much they want to share them more broadly.
"But today’s widespread account sharing between households undermines our long-term ability to invest in and improve our service."
She added: "So we’ve been carefully exploring different ways for people who want to share their account to pay a bit more. In March 2022, we launched an 'add extra member' feature in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru.
"From next month, we will launch an alternative 'add a home' feature in Argentina, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras."
LADbible has reached out to Netflix for comment.
Topics: TV and Film, Netflix
Jess Hardiman