Disney+ has revealed new plans to increase its subscription prices once more according to a new announcement.
Its streaming services in the US – Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ – will increase from October 17 2024 the company announced yesterday (August 7) and comes just one year after the last price increase.
The price for the premium tier of Disney+/Hulu duo bundle in the US will stay the same while those on the lower will increase.
The cheapest tier, Disney+ Basic (with advertisements), will increase to $9.99 per month (£7.85) up from $7.99 per month (£6.28).
Premium will also increase to $15.99 per month (£12.57) from $13.99 per month (£11.00).
Streamers will get an increase in some services for this additional cost in the US. Disney announced it will be launching ABC News Live, a streaming channel that will live on Disney+, starting on September 4.
As per IndieWire, its also been reported that Disney+ was adding some ‘FAST’ channels to Disney+. including ones centred around Marvel and another with 24/7 The Simpsons episodes.
There will also be an as yet untitled channel for pre-schoolers to all subscribers and four more for premium tier subscribers which include curated playlists.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, said in a statement.
“Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
UK prices are also expected to increase; NME has reached out to representatives of Disney+ for comment.
Last year, Disney+ announced plans to launch a new, cheaper streaming option with adverts in the UK as profits continue to fall at the company. The new plans came on the back of the company’s attempts to increase revenue, having seen a number of their recent films underwhelm at the box office.
Disney‘s CEO Bob Iger also said last year that the company will begin to crack down on password sharing, following the successful efforts of Netflix.
“We’re actively exploring ways to address account sharing and the best options for paying subscribers to share their accounts with friends and family,” Iger said (via The Hollywood Reporter), adding that “we will roll out tactics to drive monetisation sometime in 2024.”
In July 2023, Disney also announced that it will be “pulling back” on creating new Star Wars and Marvel content in an attempt to cut company costs.