Five years after its debut, Disney+ is once again raising its subscription prices, now more than double what it cost upon its initial release.
Disney+ was released in 2019 as the latest streaming platform, allowing Disney to compete with top platforms like Netflix and Hulu. Since then, the streaming landscape has changed drastically, with Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Max, and others also available for consumers. However, Disney+ has continued to be one of the more popular streamers, recently offering various bundles that include Hulu, ESPN+, and Max.
While Disney+ has seen a lot of success with original shows within its Marvel and Star Wars universes, the company also received backlash last year during WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes when it was revealed how little streaming residuals pay for actors, writers, and directors. In addition, Disney+ announced last summer that it would be cracking down on password and account sharing while introducing ad-based tiered subscriptions.
Now, the platform is once again raising prices another $1 to $2, depending on the subscription type. Disney+ basic with ads will start at $9.99, up $2 from its current price, while the premium version with no ads will increase the same amount, now costing subscribers $15.99. Hulu with ads will also be $9.99, while Hulu without ads will be $18.99. The bundle offers are increasing as well, with the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads now costing $16.99, and the ad-free bundle up to $26.99.
When the Disney streamer was first launched in 2019, there was only one plan offered, with no ads, at $7 a month. Although it has taken almost five years to see the prices increase so significantly, it comes at a time when viewers are already considering the cost of so many different subscriptions to be too much. With the addition of ads, conglomerating multiple platforms into one subscription, and even the introduction of "playlists" (i.e. channels), streaming has almost gone full-circle back to cable.
If you have a subscription for Disney+, be sure to check your account and your increased price so you're aware of the changes. The change in prices go into effect starting in October.