A new, cheaper Disney Plus subscription deal will launch later this year, but it will be supported by ads.
In a press release, The Walt Disney Company confirmed that a new ad-supported subscription would be available to potential customers in late 2022. However, the ad-supported subscription would roll out in the United States first, and international audiences would have to wait until later. 2023 for the offer to reach its regional markets.
In a statement issued alongside the announcement, Disney's president of media and entertainment distribution Kareem Daniel said the new Disney Plus subscription model will give consumers more choice. If you wanted to watch the Marvel movies in order or The Mandalorian season 3 at a discount, you'll soon be able to. But you will have to deal with commercials as part of your movie marathon.
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price is a win for everyone: consumers, advertisers and our storytellers,” said Daniel. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a larger audience and our storytellers will be able to share their amazing work with more fans and families. »
In addition to Daniel's statement, Rita Ferro, President of Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, explained why this new subscription was introduced.
“Since launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be a part of Disney Plus and not just because there is increasing demand for more streaming inventory,” Ferro explained. “Ad-supported Disney Plus will provide marketers with the most premium streaming environment featuring our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I look forward to sharing more with advertisers in the Ahead.”
The exact release date and price will be revealed at a later date. However, those who purchase an ad-supported subscription, especially in markets outside of the US, are expected to have access to Disney Plus Star and other branded content on the streaming platform.
Analysis: How much could Disney Plus ad-supported subscription cost?
It's hard to say. Currently, the only Disney Plus subscription available is the standard tier package. It costs €7.99 per month in the US. In other territories, the monthly charge is €7,99 / C€11,99 / €8,99 / AUS €11,99 / NZ €12,99.
Meanwhile, an annual subscription will set you back €79,99 in the US, €79,90 in the UK, €89,90 in the EU, €119,99 in Canada, €119,99 in Australia and €129,99 in New Zealand. You can check how much Disney Plus costs in other parts of the world in our Disney Plus price guide.
Interestingly, there are similar subscription models for other streamers that can give us an idea of the cost of the ad-supported Disney Plus plan. In the US, Hulu's ad-supported plan costs $6.99 per month, while a Paramount Plus subscription will set you back $4.99 per month. Additionally, a subscription to Discovery Plus is also priced at €4,99 per month in the US.
Using these ad-supported tiers as a guide, we'd be very surprised if it were more than US$4,99 / €3,99 / CAD €6,99 / €5,99 / AUS$6,99 / 8NZ$0,99 per month. It seems like a reasonable amount to pay for the privilege of being ad-supported from time to time, especially if Disney wants to compete in the ever-growing battle for streaming services. Especially with Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV Plus to contend with.
A price along the lines of our guess would also be a bargain for the amount of content on offer on Disney Plus. From Star Wars and The Simpsons to Pixar and The Walking Dead, there's plenty to see on Disney Plus. Throw in recent offerings like Pam & Tommy, plus upcoming Marvel Phase 4 projects like Moon Knight, and Disney Plus is striving to become the biggest streamer in the world.
Our advice? Don't miss out on this ad-supported offer when it arrives in your country within the next 12-18 months.