Disney's popular streaming service is set to receive another price hike, its fourth since it launched in 2019. Disney+'s new ad-free tier will soon cost $16 a month. It's coming as Disney and other companies try to squeeze more profit from their expensive streaming services, and before some recent hits, like Inside Out 2, I'm coming home this fall.
Disney+, which launched in 2019, was the company's answer to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The service The Simpsons, Star Warsand most Marvel movies, as well as a large collection of classic Disney movies, shows, and animated shorts. Disney+ has steadily grown in the five years since its inception, with Disney adding things like Hulu shows, more original content, Fox properties, and licensed shows. Doctor Who to service.
But all that content doesn't come cheap, and Disney+ has seen its price increase nearly every year for the past few years. And the same thing is happening this fall.
How much will Disney+ and Hulu cost in October?
From October 17th, Disney confirms most of its release plans are confirmed Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will cost about $1 to $2 more per month, including Hulu. Hulu’s most expensive plan, which includes live TV, will cost $6 more per month.
Meanwhile, Disney+ basic (with ads) and Disney+ premium (no ads) are rising to $10 and $16, respectively. That means an ad-free Disney+ subscription will be double the price it was at launch in 2019, when Disney offered a single ad-free plan for $7 per month.
Hulu with ads is coming up to $10 a month, and ad-free is coming up to $19. Finally, ESPN+ will cost $12 a month starting in October. Disney is also adding “Playlists” within the app, which will be always-on channels and feature content like news, old movies, and TV shows. Pluto TV and other FAST (free ad-supported TV) services are working.
Yes, Disney and other streaming services are basically reinventing channel browsing and cable, but locking it behind multiple prices, plans, and services. Yes, the future sucks.
The timing of the price increase doesn't appear to be random, either. Like some of Disney's recent box office successes-like Inside Out 2 And Deadpool and Wolverine— is likely to launch on the service within the next few months, and the Mouse House is likely looking to capitalize on these recent successes to squeeze a few more dollars out of people to watch some popular movies again.
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