Bilgesu Erdem
Disney is inching closer to its much-anticipated unified streaming experience, combining Disney+ and Hulu into a single app. During its fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Bob Iger revealed that a beta version of the app will roll out in December for bundle subscribers, with a full launch slated for early spring 2024.
The combined app, dubbed “Hulu on Disney+,” aims to streamline access to both Disney and Hulu content, providing a seamless viewing experience for subscribers. The beta phase will allow Disney to gather feedback and ensure a smooth transition for users.
This move comes as Disney consolidates its streaming portfolio, having recently acquired Comcast’s remaining stake in Hulu. The company is now the sole owner of both Hulu and Disney+, giving it complete control over its streaming strategy.
The unified app is expected to enhance engagement, expand advertising opportunities, reduce churn, and lower customer acquisition costs, as Iger pointed out during the earnings call. Disney believes that bringing together its vast library of content under one roof will prove more appealing to subscribers.
Disney+ has seen impressive growth, surpassing 150 million global subscribers this quarter. Despite price hikes across its streaming services, Disney managed to narrow its streaming losses to $387 million.
While the password-sharing crackdown remains on the agenda, Disney has not yet announced a specific timeline for its implementation. Iger acknowledged that the company is still in a “period of fixing” after a challenging 2023, but expressed optimism about the future.
The launch of the combined app marks a significant step in Disney’s streaming strategy, aiming to provide a more convenient and comprehensive viewing experience for its subscribers. With a unified platform and a robust content library, Disney is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in the streaming landscape.
