Disney is reportedly exploring whether Disney+ could add a free tier that would let viewers watch some content without a subscription, according to multiple outlets citing internal discussion and reporting. The move is framed as a response to YouTube’s growing role in U.S. television viewing, along with the broader trend toward no-cost, ad-supported streaming services such as YouTube and Tubi. One report points to Nielsen data showing that the largest free streamers account for a larger share of TV watch time over the past year, with the overall share rising compared with earlier periods. Business Insider reports that Disney’s product and technology chief Adam Smith discussed enabling free-tier content during a streaming town hall, while other details were not disclosed by him. Other sources add that the initiative appears to be in early stages and that Disney has not provided a clear timeline or a defined scope for how much content would be available for free. Current pricing for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle is also cited in at least one report, but the outlets do not indicate how a free tier would change existing subscription options.
Disney+ explores a free tier as YouTube gains share of U.S. TV viewing
Disney is reportedly exploring whether Disney+ could add a free tier that would let viewers watch some content without a subscription, according to multiple outlets citing internal discussion and repo...
- Disney is considering introducing a free tier for Disney+ that would make some content available without a subscription.
- The discussions are linked to YouTube’s growing share of U.S. TV viewing and increasing competition from no-cost streaming.
- Nielsen data cited in one report shows free streamers’ share of U.S. TV watch time increases year over year.
- Disney’s product and technology chief Adam Smith discussed enabling free-tier content during a streaming town hall, according to Business Insider.
- Reports do not include a timeline or details on the scope of the potential free tier.
Disney is reportedly exploring offering premium streaming content for free. This strategy aims to combat growing competition from YouTube and other streaming giants. Paid streaming platforms face subscriber fatigue as prices consistently increase. Free, ad-supported options are gaining significant viewership share on televisions. Disney+ may introduce a robust free tier to stand out in the market.
1 month agoDisney is exploring a free tier for Disney+ that would make some content available without a subscription. According to Nielsen data, the three largest free streamers accounted for 18.7% of watch time on U.S. TVs in April, up from 16.8% a year earlier and 12.7% in April 2024. Business Insider reports: Product and tech chief Adam Smith spoke about enabling free-tier content during a streaming town hall on Thursday afternoon, one staffer said. Smith didn't share a timeline for this initiative or a sense of the scope, this person added. A person familiar with Disney's streaming strategy said these talks are part of an ongoing discussion about concepts to better serve fans. Currently, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle costs $12.99 a month with ads or $19.99 without ads at full price. Read more of this story at Slashdot.
1 month agoThe launch of free content would allow Disney+ to better compete with free services like YouTube and Tubi, which are capturing a growing share of consumers’ viewing time.
1 month agoDisney is in early discussions about making some Disney+ content free to watch, as YouTube's growing share of TV viewership puts pressure on paid streaming services to adapt.
1 month agoDisney is discussing a free tier for Disney+ as US TV viewers embrace no-cost streamers like YouTube.
1 month ago
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