Disney Plus is far from the most expensive streaming subscription platform today. However, in the face of the rising prices of its competitors, and how it's expected to follow suit, Disney has announced something potentially game-changing.
In a press release, The Walt Disney Company announced that a cheaper Disney Plus will go live starting later this year. Unfortunately, the budget-oriented alternative comes at what many other subscription services have avoided at all costs - using ads to offset the cost. Disney confirmed that the ad-supporting variant of Disney+ will arrive in the United States first before hitting international audiences starting in 2023 and beyond.
Earlier this year, Netflix confirmed that it was raising subscription costs in the United States, which sent the streaming platform's subscriber numbers tumbling. On the other hand, Disney+ was one of the biggest benefactors. Now that Disney has smelled blood, it appears that the House of Mouse isn't keen on losing subscribers soon by making it easier for people to get on the platform.
Disney's Media and Entertainment Distribution chairman Kareem Daniel sees this move as a win-win for all parties involved. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Daniel said that "More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families."