HBO Max, the streaming platform owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, has announced a new policy aimed at reducing password sharing among users. The initiative introduces an “Extra Member Add-On,” allowing subscribers to add one person outside their household for an additional $7.99 per month.
The New Policy
- Extra Member Add-On: Subscribers can now officially add one external user to their account for $7.99 monthly. This extra member will have their own login credentials and can stream content on one device at a time.
- Profile Transfer: To ease the transition, Max offers a profile transfer feature, enabling added members to retain their viewing history, preferences, and personalized settings.
- Eligibility: Currently, this feature is available only to direct subscribers of Max. Those who access Max through bundled services are not eligible for the Extra Member Add-On.
Max’s move aligns with a broader trend in the streaming industry, where platforms are seeking to monetize shared accounts. Netflix and Disney+ have implemented similar measures, charging additional fees for users outside the primary household. These strategies aim to convert non-paying viewers into subscribers, thereby increasing revenue.
The new policy is being rolled out in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions in the coming months. Max utilizes a combination of IP addresses, device IDs, and user activity to determine household boundaries. Users attempting to access the service from outside the designated household may receive prompts to verify their account or subscribe independently.
While the policy introduces an additional cost for sharing accounts, Max maintains its existing subscription tiers.
