Disney will hike the price of most streaming plans as of October 17, the company said today, about a year after its last increase in the fall of 2023.
Disney reports earnings tomorrow morning. Media companies across the board have been waging regular streaming price increases over the past several years as the DTC landscape rationalizes and there’s a push to turn profitable.
Here’s what’s changing:
The new prices will see Disney+ with ads rise to $9.99 from $7.99 a month. Ad-free will cost $15.99, from $13.99.
The Duo Basic with Disney+ and Hulu goes up $1 to $10.99. The Duo Premium is the one plan that stays the same, at $19.99.
Hulu with ads rises from $7.99 to $9.99. Without ads, it goes up a buck to $18.99.
ESPN+ with ads also rises by $1 to $11.99.
Hulu + Live TV with adds rises from $76.99 to $82.99. No ads will cost $95.99, up from $89.99.
Disney’s other bundled offering, a trio with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, will increase by $2 for both the basic and premium plans to, respectively, $16.99 and $26.99 a month.
To soften the blow, Disney+ will adding continuous playlists to its core subscription on-demand offering in the U.S., the streamer said.
Starting next month, ABC News Live and a playlist focused on preschool content will be available to all subscribers, with four additional curated playlists to follow later this fall. the new feature is meant to bolster the Disney+ offering ahead of the price increases, providing subscribers with both a live and on-demand streaming experience that will continue to grow throughout the year.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” said the streamer’s President Alisa Bowen. “Whether its news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
Ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, all Disney+ subscribers will have access to ABC News Live, a 24/7 premium streaming news channel for live newscasts, breaking news, live events and in-depth special reports.
Subscribers will receive a playlist focused on preschool content featuring TV series and shorts available on Disney+ including Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, Puppy Dog Pals, and Minnie’s Bow-Toons.
Later this fall, four additional curated playlists will initially roll out to Premium subscribers, featuring Disney+ content that will be refreshed monthly, including Seasonal Content; Epic Stories from brands and franchises including Disney, Marvel and Star Wars; Throwbacks – a destination for nostalgic pop culture content; and Real Life – a lineup of traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories.