It looks like Netflix is about to put an end to password sharing very soon, making them the first streaming service to do so.
via Uproxx:
Netflix was the streamer that started it all. Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Criterion Channel, Disney+, Shudder — they’d be nowhere without the company that started as a rent-by-mail DVD service. Nowadays, they’re not doing so hot. Reckless spending and fleeing subscribers have put the company in jeopardy, making them desperate. They’ve already created a cheaper ad-supported version, hoping to lure some folks back. Now they’re looking to do something they’ve long threatened.
A new report by The Wall Street Journal claims that Netflix brass are planning to put the kibosh on password sharing, in which one subscriber gives their login info to family and/or friends. It’s not an uncommon practice among their clientele. Indeed, the report says it will affect 100 million viewers, which is a lot of shared passwords. What’s more, the end of the good old days is coming awfully soon: The plan is reportedly coming into effect in early 2023.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos knows this won’t be popular. “Make no mistake, I don’t think consumers are going to love it right out of the gate,” he told investors earlier this month. And it is a gamble: Instead of throwing up their hands and signing up for their own subscription so they can keep streaming Seinfeld, many may simply bid adieu, turning to another streamer that doesn’t have such a draconian rule. Sure enough, when this plan goes into effect (if it does at all), it will make Netflix the only platform to restrict password sharing. Maybe they’ll have to give the next Knives Out sequel an actual theatrical run, just to keep the lights on.
No shade, but Netflix is a hot ass mess. Not only are they horrible at marketing their movies and original programming, but they also started a cheaper ad-tier package (which is a disaster), which hasn't brought in any new subscribers. Instead, the ones who are changing to the cheaper price are people already subscribed to Netflix.
They also keep putting movies straight to Netflix instead of giving it a theatrical run, which evidence shows that if you release a movie theatrically, the viewing audience will gravitate towards the film more once it hits streaming.
They've also gone on this tirade of canceling shows after one season, when they need to change the format of how they release serialized content. When you release a series all at once instead of weekly, the show trends for a few days before people move on to the next thing.
The only exception is Wednesday, which continues to trend thanks to the recent mashup of Wednesday dancing to Lady Gaga's Bloody Mary.
Now they're thinking by removing the option of password sharing that it will bring more subscribers? I personally don't see this move bringing in more subscribers, because Netflix has pissed their consumers off more than giving them a reason to stick around.
Comments