Disney’s popular streaming service is raising prices again, its fourth price increase since its launch in 2019. Just as Disney and others continue to try to squeeze more profits out of streaming services that are expensive to run, some recent hits come as like Brain Teasers 2, Arriving home this fall.
Disney+ launched in 2019 as the company’s answer to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. This service is compatible with all The Simpsons, Star Warsand most Marvel movies, as well as a host of classic Disney movies, shows, and animated shorts. In the five years since its launch, Disney+ has grown even bigger, with Disney adding Hulu programming, more original content, Fox-owned properties, and licensed shows like doctor who to service.
But all this content doesn’t come cheap, and the price of Disney+ has increased almost every year for the past few years. It’s happening again this fall.
How much will Disney+ and Hulu cost in October?
Starting October 17th, Disney confirms most of its streaming plans The monthly cost, which includes Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+, will increase by about $1 to $2. Hulu’s most expensive plan, which includes live TV, will cost $6 more per month.
Meanwhile, Disney+ basic (with ads) and Disney+ premium (without ads) jump to $10 and $16 respectively. This means that an ad-free Disney+ subscription will cost twice as much as when it launched in 2019, when Disney only offered an ad-free package at $7 per month.
Hulu costs up to $10 per month with ads, or $19 without ads. Finally, starting in October, ESPN+ will cost $12 per month. Disney is also adding “Playlists,” which will be an always-on channel within the app featuring streaming content like news, old movies, and TV shows. It works a lot like Pluto TV and other FAST (free advertising supported television) service job.
Yes, Disney and other streaming services are essentially reinventing channel surfing and cable TV, but locking it behind multiple prices, plans and services. Yes, the future sucks.
The timing of the price increase doesn’t seem to be random either; Disney has had some recent box office wins-like Brain Teasers 2 and Deadpool and Wolverine– is likely to launch in the coming months, and House of Mouse may want to make sure it capitalizes on its recent success by squeezing more dollars out of people to re-watch some of its hit movies.
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