Streaming Services Introduce Extra Member Features to Combat Password Sharing
Streaming Wars Heat Up: Max Joins Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in Subscription Sharing
In a move that reflects the evolving landscape of streaming services, Max has announced the launch of its "Extra Member Add-On" feature, allowing users to share their subscriptions with friends and family outside their homes for an additional fee. This new offering, priced at $7.99 per month, aligns Max with competitors like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, all of which have already implemented similar features to curb password sharing.
A New Era of Streaming Bundles
The announcement comes on the heels of a significant bundle launch from Disney+, Hulu, and Max, which offers subscribers a discount of up to 38% on combined services. This bundle brings together beloved franchises from Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, and Disney, catering to a diverse audience of streaming enthusiasts.
JB Perrette, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized the importance of the new feature, stating, “Extra Member Add-On and Profile Transfer are two key Max advancements designed to help viewers enjoy our best-in-class content at an exceptional value.” He added that these updates provide subscribers with greater flexibility in managing their accounts.
How It Works
The "Extra Member Add-On" feature allows primary account holders to invite one additional member to their subscription. This extra member will have their own login credentials and can stream from one profile on a single device at a time. However, the add-on is currently available only to those subscribed directly to Max, excluding bundle subscribers.
Purchasing the feature is straightforward; users can access it through their Max subscription settings and manage their extra members via mobile or the website. Additionally, if a primary account holder wishes to transfer a profile, they can bring over the individual’s watch history when inviting them to create an account.
Competitive Landscape
While Max is just rolling out this feature, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ have been offering similar options for some time. Netflix charges $6.99 for a plan with ads and $8.99 for an ad-free experience, while Disney+ and Hulu have comparable pricing structures. This trend highlights a growing acceptance among streaming platforms to monetize password sharing, a practice that has long been a gray area in the industry.
As streaming services continue to compete for viewer attention, the introduction of features like the "Extra Member Add-On" not only enhances user experience but also represents a strategic move to boost revenue in an increasingly crowded market.
For those looking to expand their streaming options without breaking the bank, the new bundle from Disney+, Hulu, and Max, combined with the flexibility of the "Extra Member Add-On," presents an enticing opportunity to dive into a world of entertainment.
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