Walt Disney Co. is responding to pressure from Wall Street by implementing price hikes on several of its streaming services, in an effort to bolster the financials of its direct-to-consumer media offerings.
Disney+: Ad-Free Option
Hulu: Ad-Free and Ad-Supported Options
For Hulu, the monthly price of its ad-free version will rise to $17.99 from the previous $14.99, marking a 20% increase. However, the ad-supported option will continue to cost $7.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV: Ad-Supported and Ad-Free Versions
Hulu + Live TV, which offers a combination of Hulu's content and live television offerings, will also experience price increases. The ad-supported version will now be priced at $76.99 per month, while the ad-free version will cost $89.99 per month. These prices reflect a hike from the current monthly fees of $69.99 and $82.99, respectively.
ESPN+: Ad-Supported Option
These pricing adjustments aim to enhance the financial performance of Disney's streaming platforms and meet the expectations of investors.
Disney Introduces New Streaming Bundles
In addition, Disney is adjusting its Trio Basic plan, which includes ad-supported Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Previously priced at $12.99 per month, the plan will now be available for $14.99 monthly.
Opinion: The Negative Impact of Streaming Wars
Outside of the streaming space, the audio industry has witnessed similar trends. Spotify recently announced a price hike, following a similar move by Apple last fall regarding Apple Music. Apple also increased the subscription fee for its Apple TV+ streaming service in October.
Overall, these changes in pricing reflect the ongoing battle for dominance in the streaming market.
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