Disney’s streaming services are about to get more expensive. The media giant announced today that it will be increasing prices for nearly all of its streaming plans while introducing a new feature, “continuous playlists,” on Disney+, hoping to boost revenue and enhance user experience.
Price hikes across the board
Beginning on October 17, subscribers will see a price hike across the board. The ad-supported Disney+ will climb to $9.99 per month from $7.99, while the ad-free version will jump to $15.99 from $13.99. Hulu is also getting pricier, with the ad-supported plan increasing to $9.99 from $7.99 and the ad-free premium version rising to $18.99 from $17.99.
The popular Disney Trio bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, will see a $2 increase for both ad-supported and ad-free options, reaching $16.99 and $26.99 respectively. The ad-supported Duo plan, combining Disney+ and Hulu, will also rise by $1 to $10.99 per month. Notably, the ad-free Duo plan remains unchanged at $19.99.
The most substantial price increase comes for Hulu + Live TV, Disney’s cable bundle alternative, which will jump by $6 for both ad-supported and ad-free plans, reaching $82.99 and $95.99 per month, respectively.
Enhance user engagement
Disney is also introducing “continuous playlists” on Disney+. Starting in early September, subscribers will have access to a variety of curated content streams, including ABC News Live, preschool programming, seasonal content, action-packed franchises, nostalgic hits, and documentaries. This new feature aims to provide a more seamless viewing experience, eliminating the need for constant content selection.
The company has been focusing on improving user experience through enhancements to its recommendation algorithm, personalized marketing, and reminders to finish uncompleted series. These efforts are aimed at catching up with Netflix, the runaway leader in the streaming business – and the only consistently profitable competitor in the segment.
Disney is set to report its fiscal third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.
