Disney+ is celebrating its 5th anniversary today. While the service’s meteoric rise is well-documented, the full story spans the five years leading up to its launch and the transformative five years since.
The Five Years Leading Up to Launch
Training New Customer Behavior
Disney’s journey into direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming began in 2013 with its TV Everywhere apps: WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney XD, and WATCH Disney Junior. These apps introduced audiences to consuming content on Disney-branded platforms, a shift from traditional linear TV.
By 2017, Disney consolidated these apps into DisneyNOW, creating a unified experience that set the stage for Disney+.
Early Testing Grounds
In 2015, Disney launched DisneyLife in the United Kingdom, its first streaming service. Despite licensing challenges and lukewarm reception, DisneyLife served as a critical testing ground, refining pricing strategies and understanding customer needs. The lessons learned directly influenced the $6.99 launch price of Disney+.
Building the Infrastructure
A cornerstone of Disney’s DTC strategy was acquiring BAMTech. Starting with a $1 billion minority stake in 2016 and securing a controlling interest in 2017 for $1.58 billion, Disney rebranded BAMTech as Disney Streaming Services. This technology became the backbone of Disney+.
Simultaneously, Disney began reclaiming its content from Netflix and other platforms. The 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox for $71 billion further bolstered Disney’s catalog with iconic franchises like Avatar and The Simpsons.
The First Five Years of Disney+
Launch and Early Success
Disney+ launched on November 12, 2019, quickly amassing millions of subscribers despite initial technical issues. Within its first month, the service achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 10 million subscribers. By the end of its first year, the service had over 73 million subscribers, outpacing expectations.
Expanding the Offering
Over its first five years, Disney+ introduced features like an ad-supported tier and international expansions, significantly boosting its subscriber base to 150 million as of 2024. The addition of exclusive content from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic solidified its appeal.
Turning a Profit
In August 2024, Disney’s streaming business turned a profit for the first time, generating $47 million in its third quarter. This milestone includes revenue contributions from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. The achievement came a quarter ahead of the company’s guidance and underscores the success of recent initiatives such as price hikes, the ad-supported tier, and a password-sharing crackdown.
Disney+ added nearly 1 million subscribers in the US and Canada during the quarter, reaching 54.8 million domestic subscribers, while Hulu’s subscribers rose to 51.1 million. Despite relatively flat growth, Disney’s streaming strategy—focused on monetizing its existing user base—is yielding results.
Challenges and New Frontiers
Disney+ is adapting to evolving challenges in 2024, including intensified competition, changing viewer habits, and the pursuit of new revenue streams through initiatives like linear (FAST-like) channels, which encourage more viewing by enhancing viewer choice and creating a curated discovery experience through linear-style playlists, ultimately generating higher ad revenue from increased engagement, price adjustments, and a password-sharing crackdown.
The recent crackdown on password sharing mirrors Netflix’s efforts to enhance revenue. Additionally, Disney+ is exploring linear FAST-like channels, which replicate the serendipity of traditional TV by offering curated content streams. This approach improves the viewing experience and encourages longer viewing sessions, potentially increasing ad-supported revenue.
The Next Five Years
Disney+ has become a central pillar of Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming strategy, contributing to its global reach and subscriber growth. However, challenges like rising content costs, intensified competition, and evolving consumer habits remain.
With the introduction of linear channels, a focus on profitability, and an expansive content library, Disney+ continues to innovate while honoring its legacy.
