Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a credential sharing of a video streaming service account based on entropy of streaming data is described. The method includes determining an account entropy based on a viewing probability distribution for a total amount of content streamed for a defined account within a defined analysis period, grouping the total amount of content streamed into groups based on an account-stream characteristic that has probabilistic utility in determining the credential sharing, determining a group entropy for each of the groups, determining a watch-time variability based on the account entropy and each group entropy, and determining the credential sharing for the defined account based on the watch-time variability. The watch-time variability measures an increase in disorder when two or more groups of the groups are unrelated with respect to the account-stream characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining watch-time variability are described. A method for determining watch-time variability includes obtaining account and streaming data for streams viewed on an account using an account password, generating a probability of account viewing distribution, generating an account entropy based on the probability of account viewing distribution, grouping the streams into two or more groups, where the grouping uses an account-stream characteristic which has a probabilistic utility to indicate account password sharing. generating a group entropy for each of the two or more groups, determining a watch-time variability based on the account entropy and each group entropy, where the watch-time variability measures the increase in disorder when the two or more groups are unrelated with respect to the account-stream characteristic, and providing an indication of account password sharing to limit activity on the account.