Disney+ is Set to Introduce an Ad-Based Subscription tier in Europe this November.
Disney+ is set to unveil its ad-supported tier in the UK and select European regions this November, following its debut in the US.
This new offering, the “Standard with Ads” package, will be available alongside the existing Standard and Premium plans from November 1st.
Last year, Disney+ introduced this ad-inclusive subscription in the US, attracting over 100 advertisers from diverse sectors. The European expansion will encompass countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
For UK subscribers, the “Standard with Ads” package is priced at £4.99 per month, granting access to Disney+ content with advertisements and supporting two simultaneous streams.
Disney+ also revealed the pricing details for other European regions
| Country | Monthly Price | Currency Conversion (USD |
| Denmark | DKK49 | $7.23 |
| France, Germany, Italy, Spain | €5.99 | $6.59 |
| Norway | NOK59 | $5.80 |
| Sweden | SEK59 | $5.54 |
| Switzerland | CHF7.90 | $9 |
Currently in the UK, Disney is offering three plans – “Standard with Ads” package priced at £4.99 per month, Ad-free Standard plan, priced at £7.99 monthly, supporting two streams. And there is the Premium plan, priced at £10.99, that allows for four simultaneous streams.
Disney has clarified that current subscribers will retain their existing plans, rebranded as Disney+ Premium. They will also have the flexibility to transition to the Standard or the “Standard with Ads” plans.
In similar news, Netflix has phased out its ad-free basic plan in the US and UK. Previously priced at $9.99 in the US and £6.99 in the UK, this plan was removed from Netflix’s sign-up page in July.
In its place, Netflix introduced a “standard with adverts” package, priced at $6.99 in the US and £4.99 in the UK.
The head of The Walt Disney Company EMEA, Jan Koeppen, commented on the new development, stating, “Launching the ad-supported plan signifies the next phase of Disney+ in the UK.
This move not only offers more options for our valued subscribers but also for our esteemed advertising partners. Disney+ consistently distinguishes itself in the streaming world, delivering unmatched value through iconic TV shows and blockbuster films, all within a user-friendly platform.”
Disney+ Hotstar recently reported its Q3 2023 results, reporting a loss of $512 million, pushing the total deficit since Disney+’s inception in 2019 to over $11 billion. The global subscriber count for Disney+ now stands at 146.1 million, a drop of 11.7 million.
As CEO Bob Iger returned last year, Disney+ Hotstar had geared up to implement cost-saving tactics. Drawing inspiration from Netflix, they’re thinking of curbing password sharing. This move would cap streaming for premium members to four devices simultaneously.
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