Disney Plus And Hulu Combined App Launching Into Beta Next Month

[Dead2009]

Disney Plus And Hulu Combined App Launching Into Beta Next Month

CEO Bob Iger confirms integration plan, expects official launch in spring 2024.

www.gamespot.com

Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, announced the upcoming launch of a beta app in December that combines Disney+ and Hulu into a seamless experience for subscribers of both services. These plans were initially disclosed during Disney's second-quarter earnings call in May.

Iger, speaking during the company's earnings call for the September quarter, stated (via Variety), "We remain on track to roll out a more unified one-app experience domestically, making extensive general entertainment content available to bundle subscribers via Disney+"

The beta version of the Disney+/Hulu app, which will be called Hulu on Disney+, will reportedly provide subscribers with an early look at the integrated platform. Iger emphasized the significance of this release window, noting, "giving parents time to set up parental controls." The official launch is anticipated in spring 2024.

Disney is currently in the process of finalizing the acquisition of NBCUniversal's 33% stake in Hulu, a deal that involves a substantial financial commitment. According to a recent filing, Disney is set to pay at least $8.61 billion to Comcast for the Hulu stake, with the final amount contingent on an evaluation of Hulu's market value by respective bankers.

"We expect Hulu on Disney+ will result in increased engagement, greater advertising opportunities, lower churn, and reduced customer acquisition costs, thereby increasing our overall margins," Iger said.

This strategic move aligns with Disney's commitment to enhancing its streaming business, which has shown positive growth. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, Disney+ reached a total of 150.2 million. Iger anticipates the streaming business to achieve profitability by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.

 

[LSLS]

Sounds cool. Maybe I'll get them both.

*checks to see about bundling and D+ will not show it as an option*

 

[_caleb]

Sounds cool. Maybe I'll get them both.

*checks to see about bundling and D+ will not show it as an option*

Huh? I’m seeing mention of bundling everywhere. Like, the second thing from the top of I search “Disney Plus” and prominently on the D+ site.

 

[LSLS]

Huh? I’m seeing mention of bundling everywhere. Like, the second thing from the top of I search “Disney Plus” and prominently on the D+ site.

HA, maybe they had a glitch last week. Our plan was due for renewal this past weekend, and when I went to renew, it legit only listed my options as renew with D+ annual or D+ basic, there were no options for a bundle. I even checked on multiple browsers/devices over multiple days. Now that my plan renewed, looks like the option to bundle is there.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Translation: it’s the end of D+ as a stand-alone…

Which is a bit of the “nuclear” option for the sweater

For a yutz that preached “only brand matters” for a decade…they are acknowledging that they can’t make any money off brand alone.

 

[_caleb]

Translation: it’s the end of D+ as a stand-alone…

Which is a bit of the “nuclear” option for the sweater

For a yutz that preached “only brand matters” for a decade…they are acknowledging that they can’t make any money off brand alone.

How is this your “translation” of the announcement? Disney has two major streaming platforms in the US and really only needs one. Note that they’re consolidating under the Disney branded app.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

How is this your “translation” of the announcement? Disney has two major streaming platforms in the US and really only needs one. Note that they’re consolidating under the Disney branded app.

Writing on the wall…
You’ll see “Disney’s Hulu” in probably a year?

There has been some unverified, not too confidence building commentary on this already…

And even the crazies (like me) can be right on things.

Let’s find out?

 

[Disney Irish]

Writing on the wall…
You’ll see “Disney’s Hulu” in probably a year?

There has been some unverified, not too confidence building commentary on this already…

And even the crazies (like me) can be right on things.

Let’s find out?

All you need to do is look outside the US for how it will go. Disney will phase out Hulu as a standalone product and put it into D+ as a tile just like they did for Star outside the US. This has been discussed in several threads and was first predicted by several of us including myself almost since the beginning.

The only piece that is still unknown is Hulu LiveTV, however with the trials of LiveTV on D+ with DTWS, concerts and other shows, I think its just a matter of time until that gets merged into D+ also.

D+ will be the hub for DTC.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

All you need to do is look outside the US for how it will go. Disney will phase out Hulu as a standalone product and put it into D+ as a tile just like they did for Star outside the US. This has been discussed in several threads and was first predicted by several of us including myself almost since the beginning.

The only piece that is still unknown is Hulu LiveTV, however with the trials of LiveTV on D+ with DTWS, concerts and other shows, I think its just a matter of time until that gets merged into D+ also.

D+ will be the hub for DTC.

Bob - it’s been alleged - is prepping people for the opposite.

Doing a Hulu label or a mixed one.

Have any of you guys dusting noticed that “Disney” is not exactly selling well? Or are we on extend deep sea submarine duty?

 

[Disney Irish]

Bob - it’s been alleged - is prepping people for the opposite.

Doing a Hulu label or a mixed one.

Have any of you guys dusting noticed that “Disney” is not exactly selling well? Or are we on extend deep sea submarine duty?

If that is the case that is the exact opposite of what was announced on the earnings call last week. Hulu was to become a tile under this new "one app" experience, not the other way around. This is not D+ on Hulu, its Hulu on D+, meaning that D+ is the primary.

Additionally long term I don't see the Hulu name being the primary driver in the US, as that would get away from the "one experience" they are going for.

 

[Dead2009]

The Disney+ and Hulu combined app beta is live

https://x.com/Variety/status/1732444849922548062?s=20