Disney recently announced that it will be raising prices on its streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Starting in mid-October, most plans for these services will see a price increase of $1 to $2 per month. The most expensive plans for Hulu, which include live TV, will see a significant increase of $6 per month. The new pricing structure will have Disney+ basic priced at $9.99, and the premium plan at $15.99. Hulu’s plans with ads will cost $9.99 monthly, while the ad-free option will be priced at $18.99 per month. ESPN+ will also see a price hike to $11.99 per month.
The price hikes come as Disney continues to encourage customers to opt for bundle deals that provide a better overall value. Disney has been offering bundles of its various services for some time now, including combinations of Hulu and Disney+, or all three services together. The existing bundle of Disney+ and Hulu will also see a price increase this fall, rising to $10.99 per month for the ad-supported version. However, the bundle without ads will remain at its current price of $19.99 per month. Additionally, Disney has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to offer a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max, priced at $16.99 with ads and $29.99 for the commercial-free option, providing a savings of 38% compared to purchasing the services separately.
In an effort to entice subscribers, Disney will be introducing new content offerings on its streaming platforms. ABC News Live and a playlist featuring preschool content will be available to all subscribers starting September 4. The company also plans to introduce four more curated playlists for premium subscribers. Alisa Bowen, president of Disney’s streaming platform, emphasized that these playlists are part of their ongoing effort to provide the best value and experience for subscribers every time they open Disney+.
Disney is set to report its fiscal third-quarter earnings before the bell on Wednesday. The company’s decision to raise prices on its streaming platforms comes as part of its strategy to drive revenue and strengthen its position in the competitive streaming market. By offering a combination of popular services and exclusive content, Disney aims to attract and retain subscribers while maximizing its profitability in the long run.
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