Disney+ is getting more expensive…unless you want ads

In terms of overall company earnings, Disney (DIS) generated revenue of $21.5 billion for the second quarter, up 26% from a year ago, and net profit of $1.4 billion, up 53% from a year ago.

“Our quarter was stellar, with our world-class creative and commercial teams delivering outstanding performances at our local theme parks, significant increases in live sports viewing, and significant growth in subscribers to our streaming services,” said Bob Chabek, CEO of Disney. In the company’s letter to investors on Wednesday.

Disney + gets $

Disney+ isn’t the overpriced Disney streaming service.

Hulu, which is largely owned by Disney, will get a price increase, up $1 to $7.99 for the ad-supported tier and $2 to $14.99 for Hulu without ads.

One plan that doesn’t get a price increase is the Disney Bundle Premium, which links the company’s ad-free Disney+ and Hulu streaming shows alongside ESPN+. It still costs $19.99.

The move appears to be Disney’s way of getting consumers to subscribe to its entire roster of services rather than just one. And from a pricing perspective, it’s hard to say no to a package with three services that’s $9 more per month than Disney’s biggest.

Linking streaming services together appears to be a new focus for media companies.

If the first phase of the broadcast revolution, which began around 2017, is the “Broadcast Wars,” the next one can be considered the “Rumble of the Bundles.”

So why is your streaming pocketbook about to take another hit? That’s because building successful streaming services is really expensive.

Across the industry, it’s getting more and more difficult to attract new subscribers, and if signups slow down, revenue has to come from somewhere. One easy way to do this is to raise prices.

Disney can get away with this kind of price increase given the vastness of its library.

Disney+ is home to some of the most popular brands in all of its entertainment, including Marvel Studios, Pixar, Disney Animation, and Star Wars. Hulu also has feature films from 20th Century Studios and shows from FX, among other rocking content.

Karim Daniel, CEO of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, said in a statement on Wednesday that the new ad-supported offering as well as the company’s new suite of broadcast plans “will provide greater choices to consumers at a variety of price points to meet the diverse needs of our viewers and attract an audience.” wider.”