Disney is implementing significant price increases across its streaming services, with Disney+ experiencing its fourth price hike since its launch in 2019. Starting 17 October in the U.S., the cost for the ad-supported version of Disney+ will rise by 25% to US$9.99 a month, while the ad-free tier will jump to US$15.99, more than doubling its original price.
One can only wonder how long before this price hike hits our Singaporean shores. (Currently, the Disney+ Standard pricing in Singapore is S$12.98 (US$9.77) per month, and Disney+ Premium costs S$15.98 (US$12.03) per month.)
This adjustment is part of a broader trend within Disney, as its sibling services Hulu and ESPN+ will also see their subscription costs increase. These hikes come just before Disney’s quarterly earnings announcement and follow a pattern seen across the streaming industry, with companies like Netflix, Peacock, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max also raising their prices recently. This trend reflects a shift in strategy as traditional media companies transition from broadcast and cable to streaming, facing decreasing audiences and ad revenues in traditional formats.
To entice subscribers to its more expensive tiers, Disney is enhancing Disney+ with additional programming, such as continuously streaming channels, ABC News Live, and a collection of preschool programmes starting 4 September. Future additions include channels focused on documentaries, action films, and pop culture.
As per Variety, here are the new pricing details:
| Service | New Monthly Price (in USD) | Previous Monthly Price (in USD) |
| Disney+ Basic (With Ads) | $9.99 | $7.99 |
| Disney+ Premium (No Ads) | $15.99 | $13.99 |
| Hulu With Ads | $9.99 | $7.99 |
| Hulu With No Ads | $18.99 | $17.99 |
| ESPN+ | $11.99 | $10.99 |
| Disney Duo Basic (Disney+, Hulu with ads) | $10.99 | $9.99 |
| Disney Duo Premium (Disney+, Hulu without ads) | $19.99 (unchanged) | $19.99 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Basic (Disney+ and Hulu with ads, ESPN+) | $16.99 | $14.99 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Premium (Disney+ and Hulu without ads, ESPN+) | $26.99 | $24.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV (With SVOD Ads) | $82.99 | $76.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV (No SVOD Ads) | $95.99 | $89.99 |
Disney’s price adjustments are speculated to drive consumers towards bundled offerings. The Disney Bundle, including ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu, is set at US$10.99 per month, with a comprehensive bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max available for US$16.99 per month with ads (US$29.99 without).
Despite these increases, Disney+ has struggled to meet its financial potential, costing Disney billions since its inception. However, the platform remains critical for fans of Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney’s vast catalogue of classic films. The service’s rich selection of original content continues to be a valuable option for many, despite the rising costs and shrinking library of films and shows.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Si Jia
Kevin Low
