Disney+ And Hulu Will Become One Film Streaming App Starting Later This Year

Disney will combine its two streaming services, namely Disney+ and Hulu. (photo: dysney)

JAKARTA - In a plan to make its streaming business more profitable, Disney will combine its two streaming services, namely Disney+ and Hulu.

The two will be one for United States (US) customers by the end of 2023. In yesterday's earnings call, Disney announced its intention to launch a single streaming app.

Including combining content from ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+ before 2024. In addition, the company aims to make one consolidated streaming service, which avoids the need for multiple subscriptions.

Disney CEO Bob Iger described it as a logical development of the DTC offering, "It will eventually (lead) to a more integrated streaming experience," he said.

The offer, initially, will be available to customers with Disney Bundle (Disney+ and Hulu). So instead of going back and forth from each service, users will have one app experience.

"Regarding the integrated experience that we announced today, it's for consumers who have subscribed to both services for now," said Iger

"So in other words, take what we call a double package and put it together in one experience, which is obviously good for consumers. It's a bigger platform, basically more content than previously offered."

Currently, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ are available as separate subscriptions or as various bundles. However, even with subscriptions to discounted bundles, customers still have to enter separate apps to access different content.

With the changes Iger announced, it will put the three into one application. Iger stated that the independent subscription option will remain available.

Meanwhile, customers in certain countries outside the US already have the majority of Hulu content being bundled with Disney+.

"Outside the US, we made it with Stars, who don't have all the Hulu programming, but have a significant amount, and work pretty well," said Iger.

The move came after the company lost four million subscribers in the first three months of this year. Disney is also under pressure to make its streaming business profitable.

The integration follows other steps taken by competitors, such as the merger of Paramount + with Showtime and Warner Bros.

Discovery also announced its new streaming service, Max, which combined HBO Max and Discovery+ on one recently platform. This was quoted from TechCrunch and BBC International, Friday, May 12.