YouTube Cracks Down on Password Sharing, Premium Family Plans Face Restrictions

Bengaluru, September 03 (TNA) YouTube is stepping up measures against password sharing, mirroring Netflix’s strict policy on subscription misuse. According to reports, the video-sharing giant has begun restricting YouTube Premium Family accounts if members are found to be outside the same household.

YouTube Premium Family, popular for offering ad-free videos, access to YouTube Music, and shared benefits at a lower cost, has been widely misused as subscribers share login details with friends and relatives. This practice, while saving users money, has been denting YouTube’s subscription revenue.

As per a report, some users have started receiving warning emails titled “Your YouTube Premium family membership will be paused.” The email explains that all members must reside in the same household as the family manager. If not, their Premium access will be paused within 14 days, reducing them to ad-supported YouTube.

Notably, YouTube has long required a household check-in every 30 days to verify eligibility. Previously, failing the check-in had little impact. However, the platform is now strictly enforcing the policy, signalling a major crackdown to protect revenue streams. This move marks a new chapter in YouTube’s approach to subscription management.