New Rules from iQIYI in China: VIP Users Can Only Stream on One Device at a Time

 Previously, LayarHijau reported that in November 2024, iQIYI would release a family subscription package. Now, the Chinese streaming service has announced a new rule for Gold VIP users. This rule will take effect on November 12, 2024, in China.

Under this rule, new Gold VIP users can only stream from one device at a time. Previously, Gold VIP users could log in on up to five devices simultaneously and stream from all five devices at once.

This convenience allowed five people to share the cost of a Gold VIP package, logging in from their respective devices and streaming together. With the new rule, this will no longer be possible.

According to reports from Sohu, it appears that users can still log in with the same account on up to five devices at once. However, they will now only be able to watch from one device for one account at a time.

This move is believed to be an effort by iQIYI to combat the issue of account sharing, a problem also faced by other streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus.

Netflix has addressed the issue of account sharing by releasing the Netflix Household package, where one account can only be used by one person. If multiple people want to share the same account, they must purchase a household package. This is a family package that can only be accessed if the users are in the same location, meaning they live in the same place. Disney Plus has taken similar steps under a different package name.

It is still unclear whether this rule will also apply to iQIYI users in other countries, including Indonesia. Additionally, it is unknown whether this rule will apply only to new VIP users or also to existing ones.

With this move by iQIYI, it is possible that other streaming services like Tencent Video, Youku, and Mango TV will follow suit.

Account sharing has been claimed as one of the reasons for declining revenues in streaming services amid fierce competition and rampant piracy.