During its quarterly earnings report The Walt Disney Company shared that as of January 2, 2021 Disney+ had garnered 94.9 million subscribers. This came just ahead of the arrival of Wandavision on Disney+. It also means that Disney’s streaming service is within striking distance of 100 million subscribers and has reached its four year subscription goal in a mere 14 months. Disney’s other streaming services have updated numbers as well. Hulu now has 39.4 million subscribers and ESPN+ has 12.1 million subscribers.
Disney+’s subscription number is up from the 86 million subscribers that were reported on Disney Investor Day in December of 2020. The numbers could have grown with The Mandalorian and Disney-Pixar’s Soul streaming on Disney+ in December.
Financially, the streaming business continues to grow for Disney as well. Disney’s direct-to-consumer business is up 73% year over year with revenue of $3.5 billion. Disney is looking to increase this number moving forward. Starting on March 26th, Disney Plus will cost $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year (up from $6.99 a month or $69.99 per year). The Disney Bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will also go up $1 per month to $13.99 per month.
Disney’s streaming services continue to be a bright spot for the company which has faced considerable challenges during the pandemic. Overall, the company’s revenue is down 20% year over year. This is largely because of theme park closures and capacity limitations and the inability for the Disney Cruise Line to take sail currently. The pandemic has also impacted theatrical releases, with some movies being released directly to consumers. This included Mulan as a Premiere Access add-on for Disney+, Soul on Christmas Day for Disney+, and the upcoming Raya and the Last Dragon which will be offered with Premiere Access on Disney+.
Disney+ continues to churn out more original content with WandaVision currently streaming weekly. Soon The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will be offered on the service. All of this happens while more Star Wars, animation, and live action projects are in the works for Disney+.
What do you think of the continued growth for Disney+? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
