Disney+ is raising its subscription price in 2021. Right now, Disney+ is $6.99 a month or $69.99 for the whole year. The streamer has had a great year, far exceeding anyone's expectations. Disney+ hit 73 million subscribers in its first year, way more than prognosticators had thought it would. Right out of the gate, Disney+ is the biggest success story of the streaming era so far. The Mandalorian is a bonafide hit and their robust library at launch likely spurred the huge amount of initial subscribers.
Disney+ saw a massive uptick in subscribers when they announced Mulan would be premiering on the streamer instead of in theaters. Disney reported a 68% increase in downloads after that announcement. Pixar's latest film, Soul, will also be released on the streamer for free on Christmas Day. Now that Disney has announced a slew of other Marvel and Star Wars content hitting the streamer over the next few years, their subscriptions will probably skyrocket again.
During Disney's Investor Day, the company announced that Disney+ will have a $1 price increase in 2021, raising the cost to $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. There are still bundle options available where subscribers can also have access to Hulu and ESPN+ for a reduced fee. The studio also announced that the streamer has hit 86 million subscribers, which is an additional 13 million added since the last total was revealed in November.
The price of Disney+ is still inexpensive considering the slate of content they have set to premiere over the next few years. There will be at least 10 Marvel shows and 10 Star Wars shows hitting the platform, all with budgets and effects akin to blockbuster movies. This, if anything, shows their dedication to fleshing out a library of content that, so far, has primarily featured previously released, albeit popular, properties. Not only will be they fleshing out existing IP, they will be creating a group of brand new, original dramas and comedies.
Disney is clearly focused on building its streaming brand. While the streamer is still nowhere near Netflix's total subscriber count, it is gaining fast. The studio also has Hulu under in its portfolio, which is an established streamer where they can put their more mature content. With all the new shows and movies set to hit the platform, including next year's Raya & The Last Dragon, that total is likely to grow even more. Disney+ is offering an unparalleled slate of content, one that has already established itself as full of formidable brands that people know and love. While they haven't won the so-called streaming wars yet, they're gaining on their largest competitor fast.
Source: Disney