I can’t imagine that many people are clamoring for the ability to create a personalized profile image on their favorite video streaming service, but HBO Max wants you to know that it is giving customers that option starting today. Subscribers can now choose from a variety of pre-selected avatars – featuring over 120 characters from the HBO Max content library – or upload their own photos. The default settings come from programs like War of Thrones, The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and many others.
Uploading a custom photo is not something you can do on Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu or most other video streaming apps. (Netflix used to allow you to connect to a social media account and show an image from there, but that is no longer available.) And it could help HBO Max feel a little more personalized for you and others in your life. House. If you have children, they might like to see you on the profile selection screen.
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Image: WarnerMedia
“This new feature, launched today and implemented in all partners supported by March 26, allows users to express their identity through creative lenses and connect even more with the stories and characters they love on the platform,” said WarnerMedia in a press release.
You can choose an avatar or take / upload your own photo using the HBO Max app for your phone or tablet. This image will appear on HBO Max on all of your devices. A WarnerMedia spokesman told me that “uploaded photos are permanently encrypted and deleted when a user removes or changes their profile picture.” And if you have parental control enabled, a PIN is required before the profile picture on a child’s account can be changed.
I think HBO Max gets the win in this against its streaming rivals – even though WarnerMedia took time on other more important things, like adding 4K support.