Title: Max Unveils New Extra Member Add-On for Account Sharing — Everything You Should Know
In a development that resembles Netflix’s debated crackdown on password sharing, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform Max (previously known as HBO Max) has launched a new feature that permits subscribers to share their accounts with individuals outside their home — at a cost. The newly introduced “Extra Member” add-on is available for $7.99 per month, providing a legitimate and organized method to share access to Max’s offerings.
Here’s all you should know about this fresh feature, its operation, and what it implies for existing and prospective Max subscribers.
What Is the Extra Member Add-On?
The Extra Member add-on is a paid feature enabling Max subscribers to incorporate one individual from outside their household into their account. This added member gets their own login details, distinct from the primary account owner, and can stream content independently.
Key Features of the Extra Member Add-On:
– Cost: $7.99 per month for each extra member.
– Access: The extra member enjoys complete access to the content and functionalities of the primary account’s plan. For instance, if the main account holds a Premium plan, the extra member can relish 4K Ultra HD streaming.
– Device Limit: Extra members can stream on only a single device at a time.
– Profile Transfer: Users previously utilizing someone else’s account can transfer their profile — inclusive of watch history and personalized suggestions — to a new account or to the Extra Member add-on. Guidance for profile transfers is available on Max’s official support page.
Why Is Max Implementing This?
This initiative arises as streaming platforms continuously seek ways to enhance revenue and curb password sharing, which has persistently posed challenges for subscription models. Netflix adopted a similar approach in 2023, and despite initial backlash, the company reported an increase in subscriber figures. Max is now following suit, intending to convert unauthorized users into paying clientele.
“Our aim is to offer a straightforward method for subscribers to include a new member in their account or for external users to keep enjoying Max without disruptions,” stated JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Important Limitations and Caveats
Although the Extra Member add-on presents a convenient solution for account sharing, several constraints should be kept in mind:
– Only One Extra Member: Each Max account is restricted to just one Extra Member add-on. This implies you cannot share your account with several individuals outside your household.
– Not Accessible for Bundle Subscribers: If you are subscribed to Max via a bundle (like the Disney+, Hulu, and Max package), you cannot add an Extra Member.
– Household Restrictions Still Apply: The add-on is tailored for individuals outside the primary account holder’s household. Sharing within the same household remains unrestricted.
What This Means for Current Users
If you have been utilizing someone else’s Max account and are not part of their household, you may soon face the choice to either cease using the service or switch to your own account through the Extra Member add-on. For those who’ve developed a tailored profile, the profile transfer feature ensures that your viewing history and recommendations will be preserved during the transition.
Final Thoughts
Max’s launch of the Extra Member add-on signifies a notable change in how the platform governs account sharing. While the $7.99 monthly charge may seem a minor cost for continued access, it also indicates the conclusion of the unrestricted password sharing period that many users have relished.
As streaming services continue to evolve and tighten their policies, subscribers can anticipate more adjustments aimed at monetizing every viewer. Whether this move will be welcomed or faced with resistance by Max’s audience is yet to be determined, but one thing is evident: the time for freely sharing your streaming login with friends and extended family is swiftly concluding.
For further information on how to transfer your profile or add an Extra Member, visit Max’s official support page.
