Walt Disney recently announced plans to raise the subscription prices for its popular Disney+ streaming service in the United States next month to enhance profits from its digital platforms. Beginning on October 21, the ad-supported Disney+ plan will see a $2 increase to $11.99 per month, while the ad-free premium tier will go up by $3 to $18.99 per month. Annual premium subscriptions will also rise by $30 to $189.99.
Moreover, bundled packages that include Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ will also experience price adjustments, as indicated on the company’s website. The price hike is not exclusive to the U.S. market, as evidenced by an email notification received by a Canadian Disney+ subscriber, showing a premium subscription increase from $119.99 to $159.99 starting on October 28.
Disney+ has been gradually increasing its prices since its launch in November 2019 as part of its strategy to improve profitability and drive growth in the streaming sector. The company highlighted that the price adjustments will enable them to offer users more original content, quality movies, and TV shows. This marks the fourth consecutive year of subscription price increases, with Disney’s streaming business turning profitable for the first time last year.
Despite the price hikes, Disney is facing challenges, including public backlash and accusations of stifling free speech after the temporary removal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves. The decision led to protests outside Disney’s headquarters in California and calls for a boycott of Disney+ and Hulu services. However, Jimmy Kimmel has since been reinstated, with his show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” returning to TV and addressing the importance of free speech rights in his opening monologue.
