Disney Raises Disney+ and Hulu Prices Amid Wider Streaming Cost Increases
Disney has raised prices for Disney+ and Hulu, with outlets differing on how much emphasis to place on the size of the increase, Disney's profits, and the impact on consumers.
What happened
Disney has raised prices for its Disney+ and Hulu streaming services, affecting various plans and bundles.123
Ars Technica reports the increases are as high as 13 percent, occurring after Disney doubled its profits, and that the Disney+ ad-free plan is now pricier than Netflix's.2
The Guardian describes the increases as roughly a couple of dollars per month and links them to a wider 'streamflation' trend it says is causing some US consumers to cancel subscriptions.1
TechCrunch frames the move as part of a broader industry trend of rising streaming costs.3
What's agreed
Reported consistently by outlets in more than one region.
Where accounts differ
Each account is attributed to who makes it. We do not judge between them.
How it's framed
What each perspective puts first, based on headlines and summaries.
| Perspective | How it reads | What it puts first |
|---|---|---|
| UK business press, consumer impact focusEurope | The Guardian frames the price rise within a broader 'streamflation' trend, emphasizing declining value and consumers opting out of streaming.1 | consumer pushback, declining perks, household costs |
| US tech press, financial performance focusNorth America | Ars Technica frames the increase against Disney's doubling profits and its ad-free plan now costing more than Netflix's, emphasizing corporate financial context.2 | profit growth, competitive pricing, percentage increase |
| US tech press, industry trend focusNorth America | TechCrunch frames the increase neutrally as part of an industry-wide pattern of rising streaming costs, without emphasizing consumer or financial critique.3 | industry trend, neutral reporting |
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported Disney's official statement or justification for the price increases.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified the exact new prices for each plan or bundle.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed how other streaming competitors besides Netflix compare in pricing.
Why it matters
The price rise adds to a wider pattern of streaming services increasing costs, which The Guardian reports is prompting some US consumers to cancel subscriptions.1
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
- 2Ars TechnicaUSPrivate
Disney+ and Hulu raise prices by up to 13 percent after doubling profits
- 3TechCrunchUSPrivate
Disney+ and Hulu add to the growing trend of streaming inflation
Europe
- 1The Guardian BusinessGBPrivate
Price hikes, ads and lower quality: has ‘streamflation’ ruined the TV experience?