Disney may be preparing to make a significant change to its streaming strategy by allowing viewers to watch Disney+ content without paying for a subscription.
According to a report from Business Insider, Disney is internally discussing the possibility of introducing a free tier for Disney+, which would give users access to the streaming service without requiring a paid membership.
A source familiar with Disney’s streaming strategy told Business Insider that the conversations are part of an effort to explore new ways to better serve Disney fans.
The report, citing a person familiar with the discussions, says Disney’s product and technology chief, Adam Smith, mentioned the concept during a streaming-focused town hall on Thursday. Although the idea was discussed, no timeline or details about how extensive the offering could be were shared.
As a result, it’s unclear what a free offering would look like if Disney moves forward with the idea. It’s unknown whether users would be able to watch only a small selection of movies, shows, or individual episodes as a preview of the service, or whether a broader library would be available without a subscription.
NBCUniversal’s Peacock previously offered a free, ad-supported plan that gave users access to the service but limited the selection of movies and TV shows available without upgrading to a paid subscription. That model differs significantly from Tubi, which operates as a completely free, ad-supported streaming service where the entire catalog is available without a paid membership.
The discussions come as free streaming platforms continue to gain momentum. According to Nielsen data cited by Business Insider, YouTube and other free streaming services have steadily increased their share of television viewing in the United States as consumers look for alternatives to rising subscription costs.
Disney+ currently requires a paid subscription to stream content. The standalone Disney+ basic plan starts at $11.99 per month. Additional options are available, including bundles that combine Disney+ with Hulu and other streaming services.
Disney has not officially announced plans to introduce a free tier on Disney+, and the discussions appear to remain in the exploratory stage.
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