Among the streaming services, Disney+ is still one of the cheapest options, but that could change. Disney CEO Bob Chapek has confirmed that a price increase is imminent. But at the same time, he announced that the streaming service is also becoming cheaper. What’s up with that?
Disney+ has been available in the Netherlands for almost three years now and many films and series have come to the streaming service in recent years. According to Chapek, the offer no longer matches the price of a subscription. In addition, Disney must invest more to make all films and series available on the streaming service.
After a price increase in October 2021, of 20 euros on an annual basis, Disney is therefore considering raising prices again. This will not happen until October of this year: after that, the company will have “the flexibility to look at price increases,” the CEO said. How much more expensive a Disney+ subscription will be remains a mystery. According to rumors, it would be an increase of 2 euros per month.
Also read: This is how you watch Disney+ on your TV
Also cheaper subscription
At the same time, Disney+ will also become cheaper, because it will be released before the end of this year cheaper subscription form with advertisements wants to launch in the United States. Disney expects that this will allow it to appeal to a wider audience, which will further increase the number of subscribers.
How big the price difference will be between the regular subscription and the subscription with advertisements remains unclear, but there is speculation that it is a few euros difference. The cheaper subscription could then approach 3 dollars per month. In the Netherlands, the regular subscription costs 8.99 euros per month.
It is also unclear how many advertisements users can expect. Disney has previously hinted that for every hour you watch, there will be four minutes of commercials. Initially, it would take 15 to 30 seconds of your time per advertisement, but advertisements will take longer in the long run.
With a successful rollout, we will probably also see the cheaper subscription form in other countries.
Streaming is getting more expensive
Netflix also increased prices in October last year. The Standard subscription became 1 euro per month more expensive to 11.99 euros and the price for Premium went up by 2 euros to 15.99 euros. In addition, Netflix is currently testing a new feature that will require account sharers on Netflix to pay extra for something that is now free. These are so-called subaccounts, which apply to people who actively participate in a subscription, without being a family member.
Netflix is therefore significantly more expensive than Disney+ and that does not seem to change, even after an increase in prices by Disney.
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