In an effort to boost profits from its digital platforms, Walt Disney announced plans to raise prices for its popular Disney+ streaming service in the United States starting next month.
Effective October 21, the ad-supported Disney+ plan will see a $2 increase to $11.99 per month, while the ad-free premium tier will rise by $3 to $18.99 per month. Annual premium subscriptions will also go up by $30 to $189.99.
Additionally, bundled packages that include Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ will experience price hikes, as stated on the company’s website.
The price adjustments are also expected to affect Canadian subscribers. A notification email sent to a Disney+ customer and reviewed by CBC News reveals that the cost of a premium subscription will rise from $119.99 to $159.99 on October 28, although the extent of other potential price increases in Canada remains unclear.
Despite reaching out to Disney+ for further information on the Canadian price changes, CBC News is still awaiting a response.
Since its launch in November 2019, Disney+ has been gradually increasing its prices as part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability and transform its streaming service into a significant growth driver. The company informed subscribers of the upcoming price hike in an email, citing the move as necessary to provide users with more original content, quality movies, and TV shows.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Disney has raised subscription prices, with the streaming business achieving profitability for the first time last year.
The price hike announcement comes amid a challenging period for Disney, following public criticism and accusations of stifling free speech after the temporary removal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from airwaves.
Protests outside Disney’s California headquarters ensued, and the decision prompted calls for boycotts of Disney+ and Hulu (also a Disney-owned platform), gaining traction with support from notable figures.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on Tuesday, defending political satire against ‘bullying’ by the Trump administration, six days after his on-air remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk led Disney to suspend his show.
Kimmel has been reinstated, and his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, resumed airing on Tuesday night. During his opening monologue, Kimmel addressed issues related to free speech rights and sought to clarify his earlier comments that led to his temporary removal.
In a light-hearted moment, Kimmel shared that Disney had asked him to convey a message to viewers, urging them to reinstate their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions now that he is back on the