Disney Raises Streaming Prices for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN

Disney has announced that it will be raising the prices of its streaming services, following in the footsteps of competitors like Apple and Netflix. Starting October 21st, the cost of the ad-supported Disney+ plan will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. The ad-free plan will see a bump to $18.99 from $15.99 monthly. Additionally, a bundled plan that includes Disney+ and Hulu with ads will go up by $2 to $12.99 a month, while the ad-free version will be $19.99. For those interested in the bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select with ads, the price will rise from $16.99 to $19.99 a month. Opting for the ad-free version of the bundle will now cost $29.99, up from $26.99.

Disney’s most recent earnings statement revealed that Disney+ had gained 1.8 million new subscribers in the third quarter, bringing its total subscriber count to 128 million. Statistically, 46% of Americans are now watching TV and movies on streaming platforms, while roughly 23% are using cable and 19% are tuning into legacy networks, according to Nielsen data.

In a trend seen across the industry, streaming costs have been on the rise. Apple, Comcast-owned Peacock, and Netflix have all increased their subscription prices this year. Paramount+, a streaming service owned by Paramount Skydance, has been noted as a key competitor to these services. Remember, you have options when it comes to streaming services—choose the one that best fits your entertainment needs!