Disney Offers Discount on Ad-Supported Version of Disney+ to Boost Subscriptions
Disney is launching a limited-time discount on the ad-supported version of Disney+ in an effort to increase subscribers for the package before the end of the current quarter. From September 6 to September 20, new and returning customers in the U.S. can subscribe to Disney+ Basic (with ads) for $1.99/month for three months, which is 75% off the regular price of $7.99/month. Eligible customers can take advantage of this offer at disneyplus.com.
The special promotion comes ahead of a price increase for Disney+ Premium (without ads), which will rise by 27% from $10.99 to $13.99/month for U.S. customers starting from October 12. Simultaneously, Disney is actively promoting streaming bundles, including a new ad-free bundled subscription plan with Disney+ and Hulu priced at $19.99/month, offering a 37% discount off the plans sold separately.
Despite the presence of ads, the ad-supported version of Disney+ grants access to the same content as the tier without ads. Disney ensures that it serves no more than four minutes of advertising per hour on Disney+ Basic, and these ads cannot be fast-forwarded through.
Since launching the ad-supported version of Disney+ in the U.S. in December 2022, the company has garnered 3.3 million customers for the plan, according to CEO Bob Iger. Last month, Iger indicated that Disney will be working on addressing illicit password-sharing and introducing new measures to combat it by 2024. While he did not provide specific details on the extent of the problem, he acknowledged that it is significant.
Disney+ is the streaming destination for content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. The platform offers a wide variety of content, including the latest Star Wars series “Ahsoka,” which premiered on August 23, the highly anticipated live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey as Ariel, debuting on September 6, “I Am Groot” Season 2 featuring Marvel’s troublemaking twig, Pixar’s upcoming movie “Elemental” on September 13, and National Geographic’s “Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory” on the same day.
With this discount promotion, Disney hopes to boost the number of subscribers for its ad-supported version of Disney+ and stay competitive in the streaming market.