Key Highlights
- Disney+Hotstar introduces limits account sharing.
- Aim to prevent password sharing.
- Policy applies to both premium and cheaper plans.
Streaming services in India, such as Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon, and JioCinema, have been very successful. But there’s a problem with people sharing passwords. So, Disney+Hotstar is getting ready to make a new rule to deal with this issue.
This plan focuses on people who have premium accounts. They will only be able to log in from four devices.This way, they hope to stop people from sharing accounts with friends who don’t live with them. Netflix did something similar in other countries too.
Also Read: No Disney+ Hotstar Access With Reliance Jio Affordable Plans: Here’s Why
Disney+Hotstar: Current and Planned Policy
At present, a premium account on Disney+Hotstar allows logins on up to 10 devices, despite the website stating that the limit is four. However, Disney has internally tested the enforcement of the four-device login policy and plans to implement it later this year for such accounts. This move is intended to limit logins to only four devices per premium account. The company hopes that this restriction will encourage some users to purchase their own subscriptions instead of sharing passwords.
Also Read: Want To Cancel Your Disney+ Hotstar Subscription? Here’s How
Reason , Market And Growth
At first, Disney allowed password sharing to attract more users. They hoped these users would eventually start paying for their own accounts. But now, as more people share passwords and the streaming market grows in India, Disney realizes they need to set a limit.
Disney+Hotstar is the most popular service in India, with 38% of viewership, while Netflix and Prime Video have only 5%. The streaming market in India is expected to be worth $7 billion by 2027. It’s a big and profitable industry.
Also Read: Top OTT Releases For July 2023
Password Sharing: Implementation and Impact
The new rule won’t just affect premium accounts, but also cheaper ones. Now, people with cheaper plans can only use it on two devices. Disney wants to find a balance between making it easy for users and stopping account sharing. Right now, about 5% of premium users use more than four devices. Disney hopes most people will understand and follow the new rule.
Also Read: Netflix Begins Password Sharing Crackdown In India: Should You Be Worried?