Disney has now officially surpassed Netflix in total streaming customers, just three years after the Walt Disney Company launched its streaming service platform. Disney+ added 14.4 million customers this past quarter to help bring the total subscriber count among its streaming offerings — (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ — to 221 million. Netflix last reported 220.7 million streaming subscribers.
The number of Disney+ subscribers could grow even further as the company has confirmed plans to launch its ad-supported subscription tier starting December 8 in the United States. The new ad-supported tier will be priced at $7.99 a month, which is the same price it charges for the current ad-free version.
“With our new ad-supported Disney+ offering and an expanded lineup of plans across our entire streaming portfolio, we will be providing greater consumer choice at a variety of price points to cater to the diverse needs of our viewers and appeal to an even broader audience,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. “Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ feature unparalleled content and viewing experiences and offer the best value in streaming today, with over 100,000 movie titles, TV episodes, original shows, sports, and live events collectively.”
Disney also confirmed that it will be raising the price of its Premium ad-free tier of Disney+ in December from $7.99 a month to $10.99 (a 38% increase). It will cost $109.99 annually. Hulu will also be getting a price hike; effective as of October 10, 2022, the basic ad-supported Hulu subscription will cost $7.99 monthly or $79.99 annually, while the premium tier with no ads will cost $14.99 monthly.
There's also the Disney Bundle Plans which package Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Disney+ and Hulu with ads will cost $9.99/month, while Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads will cost $12.99/month. The Premium tier which offers Disney+ (no ads), Hulu (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) will cost $19.99/month. There will be a Legacy bundle for existing subscribers only that offers Disney+ (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN (with ads) for $14.99/month.
For the Hulu + Live TV Plans, you'll be able to get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ with ads for $69.99/month.The Premium tier removes ads on Hulu and Disney+ only for $82.99/month. And there's also the Legacy subscription for existing subscribers for $74.99.
Despite the uptick in subscribers, Disney's Direct-to-Consumer division suffered an operating loss of $1.1 billion for the quarter. Disney attributed its lower results at DIsney+ to higher programming and production, technology and marketing costs. Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy reiterated that the company still expects its streaming TV division to turn a profit in fiscal 2024.
Disney+ first launched in 2019, and is home to some of the most iconic film and television brands in entertainment. This past quarter, Disney+ released Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ms. Marvel. Looking down the line, the streamer has a plethora of series planned, including She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (Aug. 18), Secret Invasion, X-Men '97, Ironheart, Armor Wars, What If...? Season 2, Andor (Sept. 21), and more.