Disney is considering a free, ad-supported version of Disney+, according to reports from Engadget and TechCrunch. This move could put Disney’s streaming service in direct competition with free platforms like YouTube and Tubi.
What We Know So Far
While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed anything, reports indicate the company is seriously looking at a no-cost tier for Disney+. Currently, Disney+ starts at $9.99 per month for an ad-supported plan and goes up to $15.99 for ad-free streaming. A fully free tier would be a major leap from what Disney currently offers.
This kind of service falls under the category of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV). You watch ads in exchange for free access. It’s similar to broadcast TV, just delivered online. Tubi, Pluto TV, and the free tier of Peacock all follow this model.
Why Disney Is Looking at This
Free streaming platforms are gradually taking away viewership from paid services. YouTube, which offers basic access for free, is one of the most-watched video platforms around. Tubi, owned by Fox, has seen rapid growth by providing movies and TV shows at no cost to viewers.
A free tier would help Disney reach folks who have canceled their subscriptions, never signed up, or simply don’t want to pay. Once those viewers are using the Disney+ app to watch free content, they’ll see ads, allowing Disney to earn revenue from advertisers instead of subscribers. It also keeps the brand visible to those who might later upgrade to a paid plan.
Disney CEO Bob Iger aims to make the streaming business profitable after years of losses. Disney+ turned its first annual profit in late 2024, and the company is testing various pricing and packaging strategies to maintain that momentum.
How It Would Compare to the Competition
Nearly every major streaming service now has an ad-supported option, yet most still need a paid subscription. Peacock offers a limited free tier, and Paramount+ has tried free access for select content through partnerships. Netflix and Max both have cheaper ad-supported tiers, but neither offers a free option.
A truly free Disney+ tier would stand out among the major players. It would acknowledge that the “everyone pays a monthly fee” model doesn’t capture the entire market.
| Disney+ By The Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Current ad-supported plan price | $9.99/month |
| Current ad-free plan price | $15.99/month |
| Total Disney+ subscribers (Q1 2025) | ~126 million |
| Year Disney+ launched | 2019 |
| First year of annual streaming profit | 2024 |
What This Means
For everyday viewers, a free Disney+ tier would provide access to some Disney content. You’d likely see a rotating or limited selection without needing to enter a credit card. While you’d watch ads like on broadcast TV, the benefit is that it wouldn’t cost you anything.
This tier probably wouldn’t include everything Disney+ currently has to offer. You might get access to older library content, some Disney Channel classics, or older Marvel and Star Wars titles, while newer releases and premium content would remain behind the paywall. Think of it as a “Disney sampler” showing you what you’re missing.
If you’re already a paying Disney+ subscriber, your experience likely won’t change. However, it could lead to more people in your household using the platform, which might eventually affect how Disney manages account sharing.
What People Are Saying
“A free Disney+ tier would actually be smart. There’s so much Disney vault content just sitting there. Let people watch old stuff for free and they’ll eventually pay for new releases.”
“I dropped Disney+ after the price hike. A free tier would get me back in the app at least. That’s probably the whole point.”
Sources
- Disney might be planning a free Disney+ tier — Engadget
- Disney+ is considering a free streaming tier, report says — TechCrunch
What To Watch
- Disney’s next earnings call: Disney usually reports quarterly earnings in August, which could be the first official venue where executives address or deny the free tier reports.
- Upfront advertising season: Disney takes part in the annual TV advertising upfronts where networks and streaming services pitch ad inventory to brands. Any formal announcement of a free tier would likely come with an advertising pitch attached.
- Competitor responses: If Disney moves ahead with this, keep an eye on Netflix, Max, and Peacock to see if they respond with promotions or pricing changes. Free tiers often shift the entire industry.
- Content selection: The real story will be what Disney includes in the free tier. A solid library could make this a serious competitor to Tubi. A limited selection might show that this is more of a marketing strategy than a genuine service.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
