Nothing sounds better than free television, and for once fans may actually be getting some. According to Business Insider, Disney execs are considering free tier for their streaming service, Disney+.
Product and tech chief Adam Smith broached the idea during a steaming town hall this past Thursday. When free content will become available is still unclear, but the idea remains exciting.
Reportedly, the initiative is meant to better serve fans, according to a source close to the company. The current price structure includes a $12.99 base package for the Disney+/Hulu bundle and a $19.99 option for ad-free viewing.
YouTube has led the way in free streaming services, and the model has grown popular among fans. Free streaming services have experienced significant growth in recent years. According to Nielsen, the top three free streamers gained 18.7%, 16.8%, and 12.7% as of April 2024.
Disney and other major streamers have also explored new forms of media to increase engagement. These include short-form videos, microdramas, and podcasts.
Disney recently added vertical clips to its streaming services. Paramount has also followed suit.
Netflix has announced that it will tap publishers such as Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, and Penske Media for content ranging from 3 to 20 minutes. Netflix has also added video podcasts and toyed with vertical clips.
It seems the popularity of free streaming platforms such as YouTube will continue to affect mainstream studios and streamers. According to mxdwn, Jimmy Tatro (21 Jump Street, American Vandal) is in talks for the main villain in the first season of DC Crime. Tatro first found success in short-form sketch comedy on YouTube. Eventually, he would go on to star in the Web series The Real Bros Of Simi Valley. Additionally, Curry Barker (The Chair, Obsession), director of the smash hit Obsession, had a large platform in short-form sketch comedy before making his way to box-office stardom.