Netflix was the first streaming platform to start limiting shared accounts. At first it was thought that they would be blocked, but then they announced additional subscriptions for users outside the main home. And the truth is that it does work, which is why Disney+ and HBO Max follow suit and are going to start doing the same.
The streaming service’s decision did not sit well with its subscribers and generated a controversy that continues to this day. However, Netflix has seen that it is worth closing shared accounts. It continues to grow as the months go by and, as expected, the platform increases its profit.
More benefits and record subscribers
A measure that has been highly criticized since its inception, but for Netflix it has only brought good news. The platform even grows again in subscribers and even has a new subscriber record. Worldwide, it already has almost 270 million users, after its new increase of 16% according to the latest known data from this streaming service.
And it must be taken into account that this figure has to do with the results of the first quarter of 2024. In any case, this represents an increase of 9.33 million subscribers during this period, compared to the increase of 4.84 million that analysts expected.
And this is not all, since another of the compelling reasons why other platforms are going to follow this example is the benefits. Netflix’s net profit increased by 78.7%. Therefore, the income of this streaming service rose almost 15% between January and March. Hence, the rest of the platforms will follow the steps in terms of placing restrictions on sharing accounts between users.
End of shared accounts on Disney+ and HBO
Given Netflix’s good results during the first quarter of 2024, it seems clear that Disney+ and HBO Max are looking for the same thing. This same year, starting in September, Disney+ will limit shared accounts. What is unknown is what measures will be applied from that moment on. Of course, before that date arrives, in June the platform will begin testing in this regard. And we still have to wait if it arrives first in Spain or starts in other countries.
And, on the other side of the coin, we find HBO Max. Although starting in May he will be alone as Max. In any case, this service will also apply new measures to control shared accounts. However, there is still no date on the table for Spain and the measures they will take to prevent users from sharing accounts with friends or family are unknown.
Although, the platform’s objective with this measure is to be able to improve its catalog of films and series. What must be taken into account is that this measure is already applied with immediate effect in those countries where Max is already available. So we will have to wait at least until May 21 to see what happens (at which point it will be renamed Max).
