For about a year, Disney has been building a free streaming service within its ABC app, full of free content and live channels, as well as content behind a paywall. Now, Disney has informed users that it will shut down its ABC app on September 23, 2024.
The ABC app featured more than 20 free channels full of content dedicated to many Disney-owned networks, including ESPN.
Update: Disney is also shutting down numerous other network apps. Find out more here.
There is no official announcement yet about where the content will be moved to, but there are reports that Disney+ will add live channels to its app. It is very likely that Disney will move the ABC app content to the Disney+ app to attract new subscribers.
According to Wall Street Journal sources familiar with the plans, Disney plans to overhaul the Disney+ app. This change will leverage personalized promotional graphics tailored to an individual’s tastes and viewing history, send email reminders about shows, and improve the recommendation algorithm. These moves are aimed at highlighting content that users are more likely to enjoy, making it easier to find their next series binge.
Perhaps the biggest change will be the introduction of 24/7 live channels for popular shows. This concept, similar to the Pluto TV model, has proven successful in attracting viewers who would rather just turn on the TV and watch something. While The Information first reported this in May, it has now been confirmed by the Wall Street Journal.
Disney joins a growing number of cable TV networks that are shutting down their dedicated apps to focus instead on their subscription services, such as Max and Paramount+. This trend will likely lead to other cable networks and perhaps even broadcast networks shutting down their dedicated apps as well to increase subscribers to their paid services.
