Netflix: While it insists on charging for shared accounts, it’s growing by leaps and bounds

For more than a year, Netflix has been threatening to penalize accounts that share a password by blocking them, thus cutting an already installed habit, which allows the excess profile to be transferred to family or friends.

Out of fear of a global exodus and despite the official warnings that have been made about it, the restriction has never been fully implemented. But it seems, the final date has already been set and the wind continues.

Everything seems to indicate that the program will debut in the second quarter – the end of June – in a big way most countriesas announced by the co-CEO, Greg Peters, at the presentation of his earnings report to shareholders.

A pilot test has started in some countries during 2023 to see how the consumer has responded. A “buy additional member” option appeared on the screen which allowed account holders to pay an additional monthly fee for a sub-account for 1 or 2 people.

But the results have been disastrous, as many have chosen to do cancel your subscription before having to pay extra. “This will not be a universally popular movement,” the company manager speculated in light of the results that were evident at the time.

Far from backing down, the company insists that those who try to access another person’s Netflix account without payment could have their devices locked, after a period of notice.

This quarter, the company reached 232.5 million subscribers, 4.9% more which in the same period, despite having implemented the above policy in several countries, also maintains a large advantage over the competition in almost all important markets.

Netflix remains by far the most popular service in the world. And despite Wall Street’s renewed skepticism, streaming is still on the rise.

One of the markets where the greatest profits were obtained was that of Latin America and the projections are more than encouraging. According to Omdia, Netflix will catch up 40.3 million of subscribers by the end of 2023.

The most attractive market is Brazil, with 14.4 million; followed by Mexico, with 12.2 million and third, by Argentina, with 5.5 million. By the end of 2027, its subscriber base in the region is expected to grow another 15% to reach 52.3 million.

As the streaming giant continues to expand its presence in the region, it has invested heavily in producing original content in the local language to cater to local audiences.

The least anticipated competitor

At a time when all the tech players want to take advantage of these ups and downs, Google would not be left behind. To promote its TV OS, it promises to add free channels.

The Google TV alternative is aimed at those who no longer want to pay for a Netflix or Disney subscription. “We are integrating access to free channels from Tubi, Plex and Haystack News directly into the Live tab, alongside the existing range of Pluto TV channels.

We’re also launching free built-in Google TV channels that you can watch without even downloading or launching an app. In total, you can now browse more than 800 premium channels and shows, including news channels from NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. You can also tune into channels from around the world,” they explained from Google.