YouTube Implementing Restrictions on Multi-User Accounts, Clamping Down on Unauthorized Account Sharing Beyond Immediate Household
YouTube, the popular video-sharing platform, has started flagging accounts where family members do not share the same address, as part of a new crackdown on password sharing for its Premium Family plan.
This move by YouTube follows the footsteps of other streaming giants like Netflix and Disney, who have already implemented similar policies. It's likely that this tightening of rules will become standard practice for YouTube as well.
Disney+ and Netflix have both restricted password sharing for their family plans, and it seems YouTube is following suit. Users who are part of a "family" plan that spans multiple households should be aware that their warning emails might already be in progress.
YouTube's family subscription requires all members to live in the same household as the plan manager. The plan manager, who is either the primary subscriber or account holder who originally set up the family plan, is responsible for managing the group.
Every 30 days, YouTube runs an "electronic check-in" to confirm everyone's location. If users are found to be logging in from different locations, they may lose their perks such as ad-free videos, background play, and YouTube Music.
However, YouTube is assuming that some users may choose to sign up individually instead of losing Premium access. Scattered users across various regions have reported being flagged by YouTube, but the crackdown is not widespread at the moment.
It is uncertain how rapidly YouTube will broaden the enforcement of its password sharing policy. The extent to which YouTube will expand this policy remains unclear.
The sudden enforcement of YouTube's password sharing policy has raised questions about the company's intentions. Some see it as a move to control or align with the industry, rather than a matter of survival.
Despite this, YouTube's ad revenue continues to soar. In Q2 2025, the company reported a revenue of $9.8 billion, a 13% jump year-over-year and its biggest quarter yet.
Users who do not comply with YouTube's password sharing policy will have 14 days before their Premium access is revoked. It's advisable for users to review their account settings and ensure they are complying with YouTube's terms of service to avoid losing their perks.
