Why HBO Max Hasn’t Addressed Password Sharing Issue

Traditional television is on its way out, making room for the streaming revolution we find ourselves in. With streaming services becoming increasingly popular, companies are looking for ways to keep them profitable. As many services start cracking down on password sharing, HBO Max has yet to follow suit. But why is that? Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav shed some light on the matter during a recent industry conference. He explained that while they are aware of the issue, their focus is on getting more customers to fall in love with HBO Max first.

Zaslav acknowledged that cracking down on password sharing could be a future move for HBO Max. Netflix’s success after implementing similar measures in 2023 proves this strategy can be effective. Currently, Netflix dominates the streaming landscape with over 301.6 million subscribers, far surpassing HBO Max’s 125.7 million. Warner Bros. Discovery knows they have some ground to cover.

Following Netflix’s lead, Disney has already taken steps to address password sharing on Disney+ and Hulu. But the bigger issue at hand for streaming services is profitability. Zaslav explained that as customers grow to love the service more, they hope to eventually raise prices. While it may not be what consumers want to hear, it’s a reality of the industry. Prices are a delicate balance, and companies need to ensure their offerings are both appealing and sustainable in the long run.

Despite the potential for future price increases, HBO Max remains a valuable platform for viewers, with plenty of popular shows to attract subscribers. As the streaming landscape evolves, questions about price points and subscriber behavior will need to be addressed. Zaslav’s team is prepared to make adjustments to maximize profits over time, just like many other streaming services have done. So, while HBO Max might not be cracking down on password sharing yet, changes are likely on the horizon.