Sharing Your Max Password? Prepare for Stricter Measures

Discovery Max is joining the ranks of streaming platforms clamping down on account sharing.

In the imminent weeks, Discovery Max, previously known as HBO Max, will begin phasing out access for users who distribute their login credentials to individuals outside of their household. This effort is set to begin in March.

JB Perrette, the CEO of Warner Brothers Discovery and its Global Streaming and Games unit, indicated that this shift will occur in a modest and gradual manner.

High data consumers—most likely those sharing accounts—will start receiving friendly reminders that sharing passwords breaches the service’s terms of use. By the closure of the first quarter of 2025, a formal process to include additional members will be implemented, with restrictions strengthening over time.

Other services like Disney+ and Netflix have initiated similar actions. Netflix, in particular, saw an increase in new subscribers following such measures, a success Discovery Max seeks to replicate, as noted by Perrette. He remarked, "Netflix's successful implementation has led us to pursue a similar approach starting this year and into 2025."

Even before this decision, Discovery Max was experiencing growth, surpassing 110 million subscribers in the third quarter alone.

Perrette also hinted at a potential price adjustment in response to these measures, citing the upscale value of Max. He noted, "There is ample opportunity to elevate the price point intelligently," he concluded.

Currently, Discovery Max offers a subscription rate of $9.99 monthly with advertisements and $16.99 monthly without ads. There are also bundle deals with Disney+ and ESPN+, starting at $16.99 per month.