Disney+ and Hulu to Be Combined Into “One-App Experience” by End of 2023

After reporting their first loss in subscribers this past February, Disney+ is planning to make some big changes to its model.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that the streaming giant plans to combine Disney+ and Hulu content into a “one-app experience” by the end of the year.

“While we will continue to offer Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ as standalone options, this is a logical progression of our offerings that will provide greater opportunities for advertisers while giving bundle subscribers access to more robust and streamlined content, resulting in greater audience engagement and ultimately leading to a more unified streaming experience,” Iger said on an earnings call Wednesday, per IGN.

Disney acquired Hulu in 2019 in a $5.8 billion deal that gave it majority control of the streamer. At the time of the deal, Iger said the company planned to “completely integrate Hulu into our direct-to-consumer business.”

They currently offer bundle subscriptions to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, but this will take it a step further.

The new model is slated to launch in the U.S. by the end of 2023. According to Vulture, Hulu’s content will be available on an updated version of Disney+, allowing viewers who are subscribed to both platforms to toggle between them in a single app.

Hulu, ESPN+ and Disney+ will still be available as separate streaming services.

In other news, Iger also shared that the company is increasing the price for the ad-free subscription plan, which currently starts at $10.99.

It also sounds like Disney will be taking a note out of HBO’s playbook and begin removing content from its platform starting this summer.