Disney+ Considers Free Ad‑Supported Subscription Tier

Disney is reportedly reviewing a free, advertising‑funded version of its Disney+ streaming service. Internal discussions were highlighted by Chief Product and Technology Officer Adam Smith, with CEO Josh D’Amaro emphasizing product‑ and technology‑innovation as a priority. The plan would allow a selection of movies and series to be accessed without a paid subscription, supported by ads, similar to the FAST (Free Ad‑Supported Streaming Television) model used by platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel and YouTube.

The move comes amid rising subscription costs – Disney+ raised its premium price to €15.99 in November 2025 – and growing user interest in cheaper or free alternatives. Disney’s 130 million‑subscriber base faces competition from other streaming services that already experiment with ad‑supported or limited‑time free offerings. No timeline or specific content lineup has been disclosed, and the proposal remains in an internal discussion phase.

The news was reported by technology outlets in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany, reflecting broader regional interest in how the streaming market is evolving.