Walt Disney is increasing the price of its streaming platforms in the United States, including its flagship Disney+ service.
From October 21, the ad-supported Disney+ plan will increase by $2 to $11.99 per month. The ad-free premium tier will rise by $3 to $18.99 a month. Annual premium subscriptions will jump $30 to $189.99.
Bundled packages combining Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ will also see price hikes, according to the company's website.
It is the fourth year in a row that the Disney+ subscription prices have increased. The service launched in 2019 at $6.99 per month.
Other streaming services, including Netflix and Peacock, have announced price hikes this year. It comes as streaming services look to bolster profits after years of investment to attract subscribers.
Somewhat controversially, Disney raised the cost of its flagship streamer on the same day that it brought back Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the late-night talk show’s controversial temporary suspension.
The US studio had pulled Comedian and Host Kimmel from ABC “indefinitely” last week after he made remarks following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, sparking a backlash from President Donald Trump.
The Walt Disney Company recently appointed Tony Chambers to run its EMEA business as part of a restructure of its entertainment operations in the region. Discover more here.
WBD mails definitive proxy statement to finalise Netflix merger
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will hold a special meeting of shareholders to vote on the merger with Netflix on March 20, 2026. In the meantime, WBD has begun mailing the definitive proxy statement to shareholders for the meeting.
Sky's talks to acquire ITV slow down
Talks by Sky to acquire ITV’s broadcast channels and streaming platform have slowed in recent weeks, according to a report by Reuters.
Bytedance pledges to rein in Seedance AI tool
Chinese technology giant ByteDance has pledged to curb its controversial artificial intelligence (AI) video-making tool Seedance, following complaints from major studios and streamers.
Digital switch-off prospect nullifies Arqiva’s value
Arqiva’s main shareholder has admitted that its holding of the transmission company might be worth nothing.
Warner Bros Discovery mulls re-opening sales talks with Paramount
Warner Bros Discovery is considering reopening sale talks with Paramount Skydance Corp, according to a Bloomberg report.
.jpg)
