Disney Might Be Planning a Free Disney+ Tier
Disney is reportedly considering a free, ad-supported tier for Disney+ to attract younger viewers away from free platforms like YouTube.
According to Business Insider, Disney is evaluating the possibility of introducing a free tier for its streaming service Disney+. The move appears to be an attempt to win back younger audiences who are increasingly turning to free platforms such as YouTube. Disney's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Adam Smith, hinted at these plans during an internal town hall event, though no specific timeline or scope was provided. It remains unclear whether Disney would make existing content available for free or create new content specifically for the free tier. Earlier this year, Disney+ introduced vertical videos, including original short-form programming and promotional content. Such short-form videos could potentially be part of a free offering. Currently, neither Netflix nor Apple TV+ offers a free tier, while Prime Video requires an Amazon Prime membership for its ad-supported tier. If Disney goes ahead, it would be the first major streaming service to offer a free plan, giving it a competitive edge. Existing Disney+ subscription options include a $13 per month bundle with Hulu (with ads) and a $20 per month ad-free bundle with Hulu Premium.
