Disney+ is projected to be the streaming service with the most global subscribers by 2026, beating current leader Netflix. The current pandemic stranding many people at home searching for something to do has benefited streaming companies. The last two years have seen new platforms like HBO Max, Peacock, and Apple TV+ join the crowded streaming field to various degrees of success. Among the new offerings, Disney+ has been one of the most successful.

Disney+ launched in November 2019 and just announced it has already reached 95 million subscribers. This beats its original target of 90 million subscribers in four years, and the platform shows no signs of slowing down. Netflix, meanwhile, has long been the standard bearer in streaming and currently has over 200 million global subscribers. However, that could change in a few short years.

Related: How Much Streaming Services Actually Grew During 2020

According to a Digital TV Research report (via THR), Disney+ is projected to grow to 294 million global subscribers in 2026, just beating Netflix's projected 286 million. However, the only country in which Disney+ will have more subscribers is India, where it's projected to have 98 million Disney+ Hotstar subscribers in comparison to Netflix's 13 million. The report predicts other streaming services will trail far behind Disney+ and Netflix, with Amazon's Prime Video service reaching 184 million, HBO Max reaching 50 million, and Apple TV+ reaching just 11 million in 2026.

Netflix vs Disney Plus

Considering Disney's library of family-friendly content and its ownership of the Star Wars and Marvel franchises with their built-in fanbases hungry for more, it's no surprise Disney+ will likely be the streaming king in five years. During its Investor Day presentation in December, Disney announced dozens of original movies and series in the works, many of which are headed directly to Disney+. Ten of those projects will take place in the Star Wars universe, including series focused on beloved existing characters who will likely be able to replicate The Mandalorian's success. Ten more of the upcoming projects are Marvel series, which will help bring in audiences the same way WandaVision has.

However, Netflix isn't taking the challenge from Disney+ lying down. In early January, the streamer revealed it will release at least 71 original movies this year. Netflix is also still more than capable of providing buzzy content, evidenced by Bridgerton's debut in late 2020. Netflix's current 105 million subscriber lead over Disney+ isn't projected to shrink, and considering the current pandemic, people are more likely than ever to subscribe to multiple streaming services. So it looks like Disney+ and Netflix will coexist for the foreseeable future, which is great for those who enjoy having plenty of original content to choose from.

More: Every New Movie & TV Show Releasing On Disney+ In 2021

Source: Digital TV Research (via THR)