I hope you’re ready for Mickey Mouse to use your metadata for marketing research because Disney’s premier direct-to-consumer streaming service, Disney+, will expand its offerings by introducing an ad-supported subscription in addition to its option without ads, beginning in the U.S. in late 2022, with plans to expand internationally in 2023.
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”
Per Disney’s press release:
Disney leads the market with quality and premium ad experiences. It is home to the industry’s premier ad-supported streaming services, including Hulu, a pioneer and leader among all ad-supported video-on-demand subscription services, and ESPN+, which continues to pave the way for direct-to-consumer sports programming and live events. This type of innovation, driven by advertising that is contextually relevant to viewers, will soon extend to Disney+.
“Since its launch, advertisers have been clamoring for the opportunity to be part of Disney+ and not just because there’s a growing demand for more streaming inventory,” said Rita Ferro, President, Advertising, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “Disney+ with advertising will offer marketers the most premium environment in streaming with our most beloved brands, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic. I can’t wait to share more with advertisers at the Upfront.”
Just when you thought Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok were bombarding your feeds with enough ads to fill Scrooge McDuck’s money bin, Disney+ is getting in on all the action. Thankfully, it sounds like the ad-supported plan will be optional rather than mandatory. I wonder what the pricing structure will be? I bet the ad-supported plan will be slightly cheaper, but there’s no way to know that for sure at this time. How do you think this plan will be implemented? Will this be like a commercial break complete with interruptions to your viewing films or television shows? I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.
Let us know what you think of Disney+ introducing an ad-supported program in the comments section below. Can you see yourself subscribing to it? How do you think it will work? How will your information be targeted? We’ll be sure to bring you more information from this, the Darkest Timeline, as things develop.