Big changes are coming to Disney+ over the course of this year: The company plans to increase prices and add so-called “continuous playlists” and live news to the platform.
As for pricing, the monthly cost of Disney+’s ad-supported package will increase by two dollars to $9.99, while the ad-free package will increase by two dollars to $15.99.
Hulu is also increasing its ad rate by two dollars to $9.99 per month, while its ad-free plan is increasing by one dollar to $18.99 per month.
In particular, the price increases appear to be intended to push consumers towards the Disney Bundle, which offers the Disney+ and Hulu advertising packages for $10.99 per month ($1 more than before), making it only slightly more expensive than either service.
The company is also raising prices on ESPN+, which will rise $1 to $11.99 per month, and Hulu With Live TV, which will rise $6 per month to $82.99, which includes the Hulu and Disney+ ad packages, and $95.99 for the ad-free packages.
All price increases will take effect on October 17th.
The company last increased prices a year ago. The announcement was made in August and took effect in October. Last year, however, only the ad-free tariffs were affected.
But with the price increases, Disney is also adding new features to Disney+. Most notably, the company is expanding the service to include “playlists,” i.e. linear channels that viewers can switch on and off like a traditional TV channel.
These include ABC News Live, the live streaming service of Disney-owned ABC News, and a playlist of content for preschoolers (think Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, Puppy Dog Pals).
Both channels will be available to all subscribers from September 4 (ABC News Live in particular will be this before the 2024 election). Other channels are based on seasonal content, retro and nostalgia programs, real-life programs and “epic stories” such as Marvel and war of stars will be added later this fall, but only for Premium subscribers.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re delivering the best value and experience to our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” said Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, in a statement. “Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster movies, there will be something for everyone, providing a relaxed viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
The playlists work similarly to the “channels” users can find on subscription services like Peacock and free streaming services like Pluto TV and Tubi. They have a linear schedule that revolves around a specific theme or genre. They allow users to start watching right away without having to search for something. Some media executives believe they can help increase viewer engagement and ratings.
