Hulu Content to be Rolled into Disney Plus App by Year-End, CEO Confirms

John Lopez, Tech Times 13 May 2023, 08:05 am

Disney's streaming services are about to get a big upgrade as its CEO Bob Iger announced during the company's second-quarter earnings call that Hulu content will soon be integrated into Disney Plus.

This move aims to not only increase profits for the media giant's streaming business but also provide customers with more options for accessing their favorite shows and movies.

What the App Integration Means

While Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus will remain standalone services, CNET tells us that integrating Hulu into Disney Plus will provide an additional option for subscribers.

The new app will be similar to Disney Plus Hotstar, a popular streaming service outside the US that merges programming from multiple platforms.

This integration means that customers will now have access to TV shows and movies from both platforms without having to switch between apps.

This development could be considered a huge win for Disney's streaming business and comes as no surprise, given the company's recent focus on expanding its content library and improving the overall streaming experience for customers.

What We Know About Pricing

Disney Plus has recently announced new pricing structures for its streaming service, including launching an ad-based tier for just $8 a month.

This move comes alongside a price increase for its ad-free plan, now costing $11 monthly. The company has also introduced two new bundles, including access to Hulu and ESPN Plus, giving viewers even more options to enjoy their favorite shows and sports events.

For those on a budget, the Disney Bundle Duo Basic is a steal at just $10 per month, offering access to both Hulu and Disney Plus with ads. But if you are a sports fan, you might want to opt for the Disney Bundle Trio Basic, which comes in at $13 per month and includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus.

Following Streaming Trends

Disney's new subscription cost has not yet been revealed, but CNET reports that it will likely be ad-supported, similar to other streaming services like Paramount Plus.

Recently, Paramount Plus added Showtime content to its app, now offering it as a premium bundle or standalone option. They've also rebranded Showtime's channel as "Paramount Plus with Showtime" to give viewers access to both brands' best content.

Streaming Wars

The integration of Hulu content into Disney Plus is expected to benefit both platforms as Disney Plus continues to gain popularity and Hulu gains access to a wider audience. Disney Plus has seen remarkable success, boasting an impressive 100 million subscribers just 16 months after its launch in 2021.

Meanwhile, the streaming wars are heating up as companies strive to outdo each other in the battle for subscribers. HBO Max is set to undergo a major transformation on May 23, when it relaunches as Max. The move will see a merger of content from HBO Max's extensive library and select titles from Discovery Plus.

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