Disney+ in Canada is set to increase its subscription prices starting in November. The streaming platform, known for hosting popular franchises like Star Wars and Marvel, will see a rise of up to $3 in its commercial-free streaming packages. The standard high-definition subscription will cost $15.99 per month, up by $3, while the premium 4K package will increase by $1 to $16.99 per month. The ad-supported standard subscription will remain at $8.99 per month.
Similar price hikes are being implemented by Disney+ in various regions, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This move aligns with the trend of streaming companies promoting ad-supported options to generate additional revenue from commercial advertisements.
While it has been about two years since Disney+ last increased Canadian subscription prices, other streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV Plus have raised their prices this year. In another development, Disney+ is phasing out its Star branding and transitioning to Hulu in all international markets, including Canada. This change aims to align Disney+ Canada more closely with its U.S. and global counterparts without affecting its programming selection.
Disney+ faced public backlash recently due to its handling of the Jimmy Kimmel controversy. In response to comments made by Kimmel about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Disney-owned TV network ABC suspended Kimmel in mid-September. The incident sparked debates about freedom of speech.
Overall, these pricing adjustments and branding transitions reflect ongoing shifts in the streaming landscape as platforms navigate subscriber demands and revenue opportunities.