Netflix’s Q1 subscriber growth exceeded Wall Street expectations, with the company adding 9.33 million new users worldwide. This success was due in part to a crackdown on password sharing and the introduction of a cheaper, ad-supported tier. The ad-supported tier saw a 65% increase in growth quarter over quarter, with over 40% of new signups opting for this option.
The success of Netflix’s approach to monetizing freeloaders is setting a precedent for its competitors. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are planning to follow suit with their own password-sharing limitations, with Disney+ expected to make changes this summer and Warner Bros. Discovery planning to take action later this year. Macquarie estimates that there are around 100 million users who share passwords, indicating significant market potential for converting these shared accounts into paid subscriptions.
While the crackdown on password sharing may give rivals a roadmap to follow, Netflix remains ahead of the curve in terms of subscriber growth and strategy. The company’s CEO Mathias Döpfner serves as a board member at Axel Springer, Business Insider’s parent company, demonstrating the company’s continued innovation and leadership in the industry.