“Oh god they’re making the same mistake as Netflix”— Netizens react to Max limiting password-sharing among its subscribers

Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, is introducing a paid “Extra Member Add-On,” allowing primary account holders to share access with one person outside their household for $7.99/month. The move mirrors Netflix’s 2023 password-sharing crackdown, prompting immediate backlash online. A tweet from @PopBase announcing the policy drew many reactions.

Users expressed their disappointment by tweeting:

“Oh god they’re making the same mistake as Netflix.”

"This is the type of greed they talk abt in the Bible," tweeted one user.

"Bring back DVDs," demanded another user.

"Welp time to cancel this one too. White lotus was neat I guess," stated a user.

"Netflix, Max, who’s next? Y’all driving us straight to the pirate ship," said another one.

However, some supported the decision, tweeting:

"I'm fine with this. It's a business. They need to do what they have to so they can afford to operate. Streaming content is a pretty expensive thing to do. The infrastructure, software, and bandwidth cost quite a bit more than most people realize," stated one user.

"It's for the best!" tweetd another.

"I support this 100% Who is with me?" asked one user.

The feature lets primary users transfer an adult profile—including watch history and settings—to a standalone account for someone outside their home. Extra members can stream on one device at a time but lack bundle perks. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO JB Perrette called it an “exceptional value” for fans of the streaming service's lineup in a press release on April 22 on Warner Bros. Discovery.

It includes House of the Dragon, Barbie, and upcoming releases like Duster. The company's decision follows Disney+’s 2023 “Extra Member” option and Netflix’s successful anti-password-sharing campaign, which boosted subscriptions.

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Why Max’s password policy is sparking déjà vu

From sharing to splitting: Max’s $7.99 solution (Image via Warner Bros Discovery)

The “Extra Member” rollout follows a familiar industry playbook. Like Netflix, which reported subscription growth after restricting password sharing, Warner Bros. Discovery aims to convert freeloaders into paying users. The $7.99 add-on, limited to one per account, applies to all non-bundle subscribers.

While Netflix allowed two extra members per account, Max’s stricter single-user rule has drawn comparisons to Disney+’s approach. Social media reactions highlight the tension between user convenience and corporate revenue goals. Notably, the policy excludes bundle subscribers (e.g., those with Max via cable packages), focusing instead on direct sign-ups.

For now, the stakes are high for the streaming service. Its library includes HBO staples like The Last of Us and The White Lotus, alongside Warner Bros. films like Dune: Part Two. JB Perrette emphasized the update offers “flexibility,” but skeptics argue it risks alienating loyal viewers.

With piracy threats and cancellation warnings trending online, this gamble hinges on whether fans deem its content worth the extra fee or follow through on switching to torrent sites. As streaming platforms increasingly prioritize profitability over accessibility, Max’s policy tests how much friction subscribers will tolerate.

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Max’s new password-sharing crackdown has users divided; while some slam it as greedy, others see it as a business necessity. Charging $8/month for extra access mirrors Netflix’s playbook, aiming to turn shared viewers into paying subscribers. But with fans threatening cancellations or piracy, the gamble could backfire. Its success or failure might decide how other streamers handle password sharing next.