Netflix users criticize how the app prevents password sharing

TikTok and Netflix user Nia (@antoniabashir) gave viewers a bitter pill to swallow regarding Netflix’s new password enforcement policies in a video that racked up a whopping 2 million views.

Nia begins the 33-second video by first saying to the camera, “When were you going to tell me that Netflix wasn’t playing?” Then she flips her phone over and shows the smart TV. “First of all, this is my mom’s account, because who the hell pays for Netflix when mom gets an account,” she declares.

For reference, Netflix announced its first steps to crack down on password sharing in 2023. And Nia’s video sheds light on this controversial change.

@antoniabashir @Netflix Count the days! #netflix #netflixcrackdown #fyp ♬ SkeeYee – Sexy Red

Return to video. When the option for a user’s profile to log in appears on the home screen, she selects “Nia” and a prompt appears that says, “Your TV is not part of her Netflix household on this account.” Masu. Nia pointed the camera at herself and said, “So what are we going to do now?”

That’s a good question. What options are available to Netflix account owners and their unofficial account sharers?

Netflix has acknowledged that password-sharing practices are rampant among its more than 100 million subscribers, and is implementing strict measures in the U.S. to curb the phenomenon and boost revenue amid a saturated streaming market. A protocol was established. In April 2022, the company had to face a decline in subscribers for the first time in more than a decade. Netflix currently enforces a policy where only users on the same internet connection, considered a “Netflix household”, can access your account unless you pay for additional users on a standard or premium plan. On the Premium plan, adding a “non-household member” costs $7.99.

Users beyond your household will be prompted to establish a new account or join as an additional member, indicating additional costs. Subscription options range from $6.99 per month for the “Standard with Ads” plan to $19.99 per month for the Premium plan.

Commenters had a variety of opinions on Nia’s post, with some saying that if password sharing on Netflix is ​​stopped, the use of the application’s services will also be stopped. “I deleted it a few months ago. I paid $20 a month for 4 profiles. I don’t need it if I care which household the profile belongs to,” one person wrote .

Another person did not like the strict measures Netflix is ​​taking. “Even when mirroring from your phone to your TV, they don’t allow it. They’re overdoing it,” the user wrote.

However, someone suggested a way to get around the password sharing block. “With Roku Search, you just search for something on Netflix and go there. Once you get to a show, just go back from there and you’re back in your Netflix account,” the user wrote.

Despite concerns of customer outcry, this bold shift appears to have been a good bet for Netflix. After the new policy began in late May, U.S. participation rates rose dramatically, from May 21st to June 18th to a remarkable 236%, according to data from Bloomberg’s Second Scale. recorded an increase. This approach was successful, aided by location tracking to enforce single-family use. Netflix has strengthened its subscriber acquisition efforts amid fierce competition in the streaming market.

If you make a good product, people will pay for it. Looks like Nia will have to ask her mom for Venmo for $7.99 a month if she wants the latest and greatest entertainment that Netflix has to offer.

As Bob Dylan once sang, “Oh, the times are a-changin’.”

The Daily Dot reached out to Netflix via email, and Nia asked for more information in a comment on TikTok.