If you’re like most households in America, you’re beginning to feel the financial pinch of all the subscription streaming services that have replaced what used to be part of a cable package. The good news is Disney fans will soon have a new less-expensive, ad-supported option to subscribe to Disney+, the Mouse’s main streaming service.
Disney+ plans to add this new option beginning in the U.S. in late 2022, with hopes to roll it out internationally in 2023.
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”
Note: Hulu, which is majority owned by Disney already has an ad-supported option. Disney also offers a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, although the price for this recently increased.
Disney+ recently announced it would bring better filtering tools for its content the U.S. product. This will allow parents to keep younger children from viewing shows and movies meant for older offices, including the Marvel series that used to live on Netflix.
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution.
Disney+ currently features content from its own brands and content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It has also begun to add movies and shows from the 20th Century studios acquisition.
The goal is growth for Disney+
One key point not shared in today’s announcement is how big of savings the ad-supported version will be. Disney says that will be announced at a later date. If all goes well, Disney+ will expand its subscriber based to upwards of 230 million consumers.
“More consumers will be able to access our amazing content,” added Daniel. “Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”
“Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory,” said Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution.
“Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic,” said Ferro. “I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.”
What Disney+ hasn’t announced, so far at least, is better mobile integration with the streaming app and additional tools to filter and sort content available on the service.
If you still haven’t signed up for the Disney+ streaming service what is it you’re waiting for? Let us know in the comments.