Disney recently announced that it will be raising prices on its streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The price increases are set to take effect in mid-October, with most plans seeing a $1 to $2 increase per month. The most expensive plans for Hulu, which include live TV, will see a $6 increase per month. This move is aimed at increasing revenue for the company and encouraging subscribers to opt for bundled services.
In addition to the individual price hikes for each platform, Disney is also promoting bundle options for customers. For some time now, Disney has offered bundles that include combinations of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. The existing bundle of Disney+ and Hulu with ads will see a $1 increase, while the bundle without ads will remain at the current price. Disney has also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to offer a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max at a discounted rate. These changes are part of Disney’s strategy to offer a larger selection of services to subscribers at competitive prices.
In addition to the price increases and bundle options, Disney is also introducing new content offerings to attract and retain subscribers. Subscribers will now have access to ABC News Live and a playlist featuring preschool content starting September 4th. The company plans to introduce four more curated playlists for premium subscribers in the future. These new offerings are designed to enhance the overall subscriber experience and provide added value to Disney’s streaming platforms.
Disney is set to report its fiscal third-quarter earnings before the bell on Wednesday, which will provide more insight into the company’s financial performance and the impact of the price increases on its streaming platforms. It will be interesting to see how subscribers respond to the changes in pricing and whether Disney’s strategy of bundled services and new content offerings will help drive subscriber growth. As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Disney’s ability to adapt and innovate will be key to maintaining its competitive edge in the market.