Another streaming service is copying Netflix’s password sharing crackdown – here’s what to do

Andy Webb

Published April 23, 2024 7:00am Updated April 24, 2024 10:03am

Man watching TV, lying on sofa, legs on table — Luckily, there are ways to cut costs and even stream for free (Credits: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

With so many streaming services available, it’s no wonder we tend to share accounts. We get more choice but keep costs down. Win-win.

Except the streaming companies don’t see it the same way. Though most have always allowed – if not outright encouraged – users to do this, it’s going to get harder.

Last year Netflix led the way by stopping viewing outside your household, adding £4.99 a month for ‘extra members’ to join your account.

Not only did it halt password-sharing, but it added more users. A big success in a saturated market.

Now Disney+ is following suit with its own crackdown. Exactly when it will happen or how much it’s going to cost hasn’t been revealed, but it will start in some countries in June and be fully rolled out by September.

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It means if you’re using someone else’s subscription, you’ll probably need to get your own account this year. If you’re the one paying, you may have to spend more to give others access. Anyone splitting the cost will suddenly have to cover the full subscription on their own. None of this is ideal.

Netflix - Photo Illustration — It’s unlikely Disney will be the only one to join Netflix in doing this (Credits: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

So, it’s time to get bingeing. If you watch everything on your to-view list, which might include Shogun, in the coming months, you’ll be in a place where you won’t mind missing out if you lose access. Since you’re able to sign up for the odd month, you’ll be able to catch up without it costing too much.

How to cut the cost of your subscription or get a year for free

If you want continuous access, there are ways to cut costs and even get it for free. New subscribers to Uber One pay £59.99 upfront for a year. Not only do you get minicab and takeaway discounts but a year of Disney+ Standard thrown in, which would cost £79.90.

Open a Club Lloyds current account and you’ll get a free year of Disney+ with Adverts.

This is just the start

It’s unlikely Disney will be the only one to join Netflix in doing this. Disney+ and Amazon Prime have already followed Netflix by adding adverts, unless you pay extra to avoid them.

You can still share all the other services outside your home, though it’s not without risks or extra costs.

Alternatively…

NOW, part of Sky, charges an extra £6 a month to share, though you remove adverts and get HD picture quality. A quick hack: it’s worth cancelling this Boost subscription to see if you’re offered a discount.

There are no limits on Apple TV or Amazon Prime, but you’ll be sharing log-in details for those wider Apple and Amazon accounts. And if you’re giving out passwords, be sure they aren’t used on any other accounts.

How to pay less for Spotify

Musical Website Spotify Illustration In Paris — This is Spotify’s second price hike in less than a year (Picture: Chesnot/Getty Images)

Spotify has increased prices for the second time in ten months, with up to £24 added to your bill each year.

New users will pay the new prices straight away, while existing subscribers to the digital music service get an extra month. So, expect to see the increase from mid-May or early June.

For those with Premium, it’ll jump up to £11.99 a month. If you’re happy to commit for 12 months, buying an annual gift card for £99 will save you £44. You can stack these as long as there’s no more than six months’ credit on the account.