What's Happening?
Disney+ has announced price increases for its streaming services effective October 21, 2025. The ad-supported Disney+ will rise to $11.99 per month, while the premium, ad-free version will increase to $18.99.
Hulu's ad-supported tier will also see a price hike to $11.99 per month. These changes come amid Disney's plans to integrate Hulu into Disney+ by 2026, following its full acquisition of Hulu. The timing of the price hikes coincides with the fall TV season and follows recent programming controversies, leading to mixed reactions from subscribers.
Why It's Important?
The price hikes reflect Disney's strategy to increase average revenue per user (ARPU) amid competitive pressures in the streaming industry. As households often subscribe to multiple services, these increases could lead to higher churn rates, prompting Disney to potentially offer promotional discounts to retain subscribers. The integration of Hulu into Disney+ is expected to streamline operations and offer bundled services, which could reshape the streaming landscape and influence consumer choices.
What's Next?
Disney may face backlash from subscribers, leading to potential promotional offers to mitigate cancellations. The integration of Hulu into Disney+ in 2026 will likely result in new bundled packages, offering opportunities for Disney to adjust pricing strategies and enhance content offerings. Competitors may also respond with their own promotions to attract dissatisfied Disney+ subscribers.
