Disney+ Is Getting “Playlists,” ABC News Live, and Another Price Increase
Just one day before the company is set to report its Q3 earnings, Disney has announced that it is raising prices on all three of its streaming services this fall.
The price increase will take effect on October 17 and will affect all tiers of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
On that date, the ad-supported version of Disnsey+ will cost $9.99, and the ad-free version will hike its price to $15.99. Both new prices mark a $2 increase.
Photo: Disney+
Hulu with ads will also see a two-dollar increase and cost users $9.99 a month. Ad-free Hulu, meanwhile, is increasing its price by $1 to $18.99 a month.
Disney’s bundles are also seeing a price increase. Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will cost users another $2 a month, while the Disney+/Hulu bundle price will increase by a dollar.
(Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Here is a chart for the new pricing.
Photo; Disney
It should be noted that the new Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle will not be affected.
ABC New Live and Playlists Are Coming to Disney+
As part of their price increase announcement, Disney also revealed that Disney+ subscribers would receive ABC News Live, the 24/7 award-winning, premium streaming news channel.
Also coming soon will be news “playlists” that serve as continually running channels. On September 4, a new playlist dedicated to preschool content will be available to all subscribers. Among the series featured will be Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, Puppy Dog Pals, and Minnie’s Bow-Toons.
Premium Subscribers Will Get More Playlists Later This Year
Later this year, an additional four curated playlists will be rolled out to Disney+ Premium subscribers. According to Disney, these playlists will be refreshed monthly and include:
Photo: Disney
- Seasonal Content — a collection of seasonal-themed content from across the Disney+ catalog
- Epic Stories — a compilation of action-packed stories from marquee brands and franchises, including Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars
- Throwbacks — a destination for nostalgic pop culture content
- Real Life — a lineup of traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories
Photo: Disneypluspress
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+, said. “Whether its news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
Photo: Disney+
As Disney continues its push toward profitability, it looks like the company has decided that ad revenue and bundles are the way forward. Today’s announced price increase will be the first hike since last October.
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