Disney Announces Price Hikes for Streaming Services

The Walt Disney Company has rolled out a series of price increases for its streaming services, including Disney Plus, ESPN, and Hulu. The adjustments, which were initially announced in August, took effect on October 17, 2024, nearly a year after the previous price hike in October 2023. The move comes as Disney aims to enhance the value of its service offerings, which have become an integral part of the modern media landscape.

According to the updated pricing structure, a subscription to Disney Plus with ads will now cost $10 per month, a $2 increase from the previous $8. The ad-free tier of Disney Plus has also been adjusted, now costing $16 per month, up from $14. Similarly, the Duo Basic bundle, which includes both Disney Plus and Hulu, will be priced at $11 monthly.

ESPN Plus has not been exempt from the changes, with its monthly subscription fee increasing by $1 to a total of $12. However, the Duo Premium plan, which offers additional benefits, will continue to remain at $20 per month.

Hulu subscribers are also witnessing changes, with all on-demand and live TV plans experiencing a price increase. The standalone Hulu option with ads is now priced at $10 per month, while the ad-free version costs $19. Meanwhile, Hulu’s live TV platform has seen its basic package price rise to $83 monthly, and the premium version now costs $96.

In response to these changes, Disney has introduced several bundled packages aimed at offering savings to subscribers. Among these options is a combined package of Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max, priced at $17 per month for the ad-supported version and $30 for the ad-free version.

Furthermore, Disney revealed new product features on September 4, aiming to enhance the streaming experience for its viewers. The updates include continuous playlists and access to ABC News Live, offering 24/7 coverage, especially significant as the 2024 US presidential election approaches.

These price hikes are part of a broader trend in the streaming industry, where various service providers have adjusted their pricing to cope with increasing content production costs and major event coverages, such as the 2024 Summer Olympics.