Disney+ has been a pillar of Walt Disney Company since late 2019, acting as the home of premier original content for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Pixar, and more. In addition to housing a back catalog of theatrical and televisual releases, the streaming service has delivered a number of beloved projects including The Mandalorian, WandaVision, Loki, and more.
Since its launch, Disney+ has grown astronomically, reaching international territories, expanding its programming portfolio with a wide range of upcoming original films and series, and diversifying its content overseas through in-app services like Star.
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that the streaming service will soon undergo some changes, most notably coming in the form of adjustments to its age rating systems. This will allow for mature content like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and more to hit the platform, and may be a good sign for other R-rated projects like Deadpool.
Now, another major change is coming to the service, meaning even more homes will be able to access Disney+’s plethora of content.
Disney+ Will Introduce Ad-Supported Payment Plan
In an official press release, Disney announced a new subscription plan for Disney+, which will offer consumers the ability to use the service at a lower price point with advertisements.
The option will be launched initially in the US in late 2022, before being rolled out internationally in 2023.
Chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution Kareem Daniel called the move "a win for everyone," highlighting that advertisers will be able to reach even more viewers and filmmakers will be able to get their projects in front of more eyes:
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone - consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers... More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”
President of Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution Rita Ferro also noted the benefit this new option will bring for advertisers, in addition to highlighting the many brands under Disney's banner that they will have access to:
"Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there's a growing demand for more streaming inventory... Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can't wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.”
Details about the specific date of launch and price points will be announced in the coming months.
More Eyes on The MCU and Star Wars
The decision to introduce an ad-supported subscription plan appears to be inspired by Disney+'s sister service Hulu, which currently has an option with advertising that has proved successful. This ultimately provides more options for consumers and enables them to watch content the way they want to, in addition to giving Disney a diversified revenue stream by tapping a new market of consumers on top of gaining from advertisers.
One complaint with the release of the MCU's Disney+ series is the physical ability to keep up with projects to get the full experience during theatrical Marvel Studios releases, especially with so many projects now in the works. This move slightly remedies that, lowering the barrier to entry to allow more viewers to be able to experience these stories to their fullest.
Ultimately, this move should hopefully make Disney's programming even more accessible, allowing even more people to enjoy these exciting new stories.
The new subscription plan for Disney+ with ads launches in the US in late 2022.
