# Disney Plus Launches Paid Sharing in the U.S.: Essential Information
It’s live, so invite that one friend or family member and start streaming.
Disney Plus has launched its paid sharing initiative in the United States, following other streaming leaders like Netflix. This fresh policy enables subscribers to add an “Extra Member” to their account for an extra charge, aimed at reducing password sharing beyond household limits. Here’s everything you need to be aware of regarding this new feature and its implications for your Disney Plus membership.
## Essential Information
– **Paid Sharing is Now Operational in the U.S.**: Disney Plus has introduced its paid sharing program in the U.S., permitting subscribers to add one extra person to their account for a monthly fee.
– **Cost Structure**:
– Disney Plus Basic users can add an extra member for **$6.99** monthly.
– Disney Plus Premium users can do so for **$9.99** monthly.
– **Restriction to One Extra Member**: Each account is limited to adding **one Extra Member**, which means sharing your subscription with several individuals outside your household is not an option.
– **Verification Protocol**: Disney Plus might require verification if it identifies that a device is used outside the home. In such instances, users must confirm their location by selecting “I’m away from home” or updating their household details.
– **International Expansion**: The United States joins other countries such as Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and various European nations where the paid sharing program has been previously implemented.
## Operating Mechanism
Subscribers of Disney Plus who wish to share their account with someone not in their household need to acquire the Extra Member add-on. This option is unavailable for Disney Bundle subscribers or those charged through a third-party service. The primary account holder can still use Disney Plus while traveling, but the platform may demand verification for devices it suspects are being used outside the residence.
If you prefer not to invest in the Extra Member feature, Disney recommends converting the external user’s account to a separate subscription. This allows everyone to keep enjoying Disney Plus content in accordance with the new sharing regulations.
## Reason for the Update
The implementation of paid sharing by Disney is not unexpected. Earlier this year, CEO Bob Iger indicated that the company would start restricting password sharing. The platform revised its sharing policy in January 2024, and enforcement initiated in June. Nevertheless, the paid sharing feature was first tested in select areas before making its debut in the U.S. in September.
Iger has expressed his commitment to transforming Disney Plus into a profitable venture, and enhancing password-sharing policies is a part of this vision. The company likely draws inspiration from Netflix’s achievements with a comparable strategy, which has boosted revenue by limiting account sharing.
## Comparison with Netflix
Netflix pioneered the paid sharing approach among major streaming platforms, and Disney Plus appears to be following its lead. However, notable distinctions exist between the two services:
– **Extra Member Limit**: Netflix offers the option for users to add one to two extra members based on their subscription plan. In contrast, Disney Plus permits only **one Extra Member** per account.
– **Pricing Comparison**: The fee for adding extra members on Netflix aligns closely with Disney Plus, with both platforms charging approximately $6.99 to $9.99 monthly, depending on the subscription level.
## What’s Ahead?
As streaming services advance, it is evident that the era of freely sharing passwords with friends and family outside your household is drawing to a close. The paid sharing program from Disney Plus is now operational in the U.S., and it is anticipated that additional streaming services will implement similar policies moving forward.
If you are a Disney Plus subscriber, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your account and determine if adding an Extra Member justifies the added expense. While this new policy may upset some, it reflects a broader trend in the streaming sector aimed at boosting revenue and ensuring fair compensation for content creators.
So, invite that one friend or family member, and start streaming — just ensure they are part of your officially recognized household, or be ready to pay a bit more!
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**Topics**: [Disney Plus](https://www.androidcentral.com/streaming-tv/disney-plus), [Streaming Services](https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/streaming-services)
**Image Credit**: Disney
