If you were expecting to use your ex’s Netflix account in perpetuity, we have some sad news. The streamer will be launching a test in select countries that will make primary account holders cough up more cash to add users outside of their immediate household. While a devasting blow for cheapskates across the world, one must remember that those executives’ yachts don’t upgrade themselves.
You’ll also love:
‘The Batman’ Review: A Gripping Neo Noir Thriller That Lacks Heart
The test will take place in Chile, Costa Rica and Peru, and will charge users a fee of US$2.99 to add a sub-member outside of the house. In a recent blog post titled Paying to Share Netflix Outside Your Household, director of product innovation Chengyi Long explained why the company made the decision to trial this new policy.
“We’ve always made it easy for people who live together to share their Netflix account, with features like separate profiles and multiple streams in our Standard and Premium plans,” Long wrote. “While these have been hugely popular, they have also created some confusion about when and how Netflix can be shared. As a result, accounts are being shared between households — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films for our members.”
Long clarified that the tests are being conducted so Netflix can observe the effectiveness of adding the extra fee. “We’ll be working to understand the utility of these two features for members in these three countries before making changes anywhere else in the world,” she added.
Netflix is also utilising the three countries to test a feature that would allow users to transfer profiles to other accounts in an attempt to limit password sharing. At this stage, there are still no plans to roll out the changes permanently across other countries.
Let’s just hope the cash injection doesn’t lead to Tiger King 3.
You’ll also love:
‘The Batman’ Review: A Gripping Neo Noir Thriller That Lacks Heart
