Disney to Merge Hulu and Disney+ into Single Streaming App
Walt Disney Co. confirmed plans to merge its streaming platforms, Hulu and Disney+, into a single application, a move announced during a recent earnings call.
CEO Bob Iger emphasized the benefits of this integration, describing it as a step towards creating a "unified app experience" that encompasses entertainment, news, and sports. "This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest caliber brands and franchises, great general entertainment kids programming, news, and industry-leading live sports content all in a single app," Iger stated.
The anticipated launch of the new app is set for 2026, according to Iger. This strategic decision aims to enhance the consumer experience while also increasing advertising revenue potential by streamlining ad sales.
"I imagine down the road it may give us some price elasticity as well that we haven't had before," Iger added, hinting at future pricing strategies that could benefit consumers.
In conjunction with this announcement, Disney revealed the upcoming debut of an "enhanced ESPN App" on August 21, which will be available for bundling with Disney+ and Hulu at a monthly rate of $29.99.
This news coincides with Disney's latest earnings report, which highlighted a rise in profits driven by an influx of new streaming subscribers and robust sales from its domestic theme parks. The combined subscriptions for Disney+ and Hulu reached 183 million, marking an increase of 2.6 million since the second quarter.
Since acquiring Hulu in 2019, Disney has taken significant steps to solidify its position in the streaming market. Last month, the company finalized its purchase of the service from Comcast's NBCUniversal for nearly $439 million.
