Disney+ expands free tier, overhauls service

Timeline

1. 6 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 4 sources

   Disney+ overhauls service to compete with Netflix and YouTube

   Disney is revamping Disney+ with Hulu/ESPN integration, smarter recommendations, vertical video and expanded sports rights to better rival Netflix and YouTube, boosting US viewership by 21% and keeping churn at

2. 13 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources

   Disney+ Explores Free Tier and Announces New Korean‑Japan Drama for 2026

   Disney is testing a free ad‑supported Disney+ tier and will stream the new Korean‑Japan drama “Merryberry Love” exclusively from October 2026.

3. 16 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 2 sources

   Disney+ updates subscription cancellation steps and launches new bundle offers

   Disney+ outlines a simple web‑based cancellation process and rolls out July 2026 bundle deals, including a six‑month ad‑supported Disney+ + Hulu plan for $11.99/month.

4. 16 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 5 sources

   Disney+ Considers Free Ad‑Supported Subscription Tier

   Disney+ is evaluating a free, ad‑supported tier, with internal talks led by product chief Adam Smith and CEO Josh D’Amaro, as competition from FAST services grows and subscription prices rise.

5. 17 days ago

   [CULTURE] 2 sources

   Disney+ launches Hulu Summer Festival in Munich

   Disney+ hosts a free Hulu‑themed summer festival in Munich from July 21–August 2, 2026, featuring six interactive gaming stations based on popular series and prize‑draw stamps for a Disneyland Paris trip and …

6. 21 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 7 sources

   Disney+ launches three‑month summer price cut across all subscription plans

   Disney+ offers a three‑month summer discount (July 15‑28 2026) dropping all plans to €4.99‑€10.99 before reverting to regular rates, available in multiple countries.

7. 24 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 10 sources

   Disney+ Considers Introducing a Free, Ad‑Supported Tier

   Disney is weighing a free, ad‑supported Disney+ tier to attract viewers amid rising subscription fees and competition from free platforms, though no timeline or content details have been confirmed.

8. 25 days ago

   [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources

   Disney+ launches free tier in Mexico to counter TikTok and YouTube

   Disney+ adds a free tier in Mexico to compete with TikTok and YouTube, seeking to grow its user base.

9. 26 days ago

   [BUSINESS] 41 sources

   Disney+ Mulls Free Ad‑Supported Tier to Counter YouTube

   Disney is weighing a free, ad‑supported Disney+ tier to win back viewers from YouTube and other free platforms, amid rising U.S. ad‑supported streaming share.

10. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Netflix and Disney+ roll out ad‑supported streaming plans in Germany

    Netflix and Disney+ introduced lower‑priced ad‑supported subscription tiers in Germany, offering full libraries with limited ads and reduced features compared to premium plans.

11. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources

    RTL Group expands digital footprint with ntv Sport launch and RTL+ streaming growth

    RTL Group adds the ntv Sport vertical for the World Cup and sees RTL+ VOD usage rise 14.2 % in May, reaching 11.27 million users.

12. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources

    Disney and RTLZwei expand streaming profitability and FAST channel offerings

    Disney targets streaming profit with new pricing, ad tiers and ESPN's digital sports shift, while RTLZwei adds FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus to boost CTV reach and ad revenue.