Disney announced that it will be increasing the prices of its streaming services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The price hikes, starting mid-October, will see most plans going up by $1 to $2 per month. The most expensive plans for Hulu, particularly those with live TV, will cost $6 more per month. This move comes as Disney aims to maximize its revenue from its streaming platforms.
Disney+ will now be priced at $9.99 for the basic plan and $15.99 for the premium plan. Hulu with ads will cost $9.99 monthly, while the ad-free option will be priced at $18.99 per month. ESPN+ subscribers can expect to pay $11.99 per month. These adjustments in pricing are part of Disney’s strategy to drive customers towards bundled packages for added value.
Encouraging Bundle Purchases
Disney has been promoting bundled subscriptions that combine its various services. This includes options like Hulu and Disney+, or a package that includes both streaming services along with ESPN+. Existing bundles are also seeing price changes, with the Disney+ and Hulu with ads bundle going up to $10.99 per month. However, the ad-free bundle will remain at $19.99 per month. Additionally, a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery offers a bundle comprising Disney+, Hulu, and Max for $16.99 with ads, or $29.99 for a commercial-free experience.
To sweeten the deal for subscribers, Disney is introducing new content offerings. ABC News Live and a playlist of preschool content will be available to all subscribers from September 4 onwards. Premium subscribers can look forward to four curated playlists as part of their subscription. Alisa Bowen, president of the streaming platform, highlighted these additions as part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the subscriber experience.
Disney is set to release its fiscal third-quarter earnings soon. The company’s decision to raise prices on its streaming platforms reflects its focus on maximizing revenue and providing added value to subscribers. Despite the price hikes, Disney continues to invest in new content and partnerships to keep its streaming services competitive in a crowded market. The impact of these changes on subscriber numbers and revenue growth will be closely watched in the coming months.