And the deed has been done. Remember Disney+ was looking for a full acquisition of Hulu? Well, the process has begun.
Disney has just elevated the streaming game by integrating Hulu as the sixth vertical on the Disney+ home screen. This “one-app experience” has officially launched in beta, with plans for a full rollout scheduled for March next year. The move comes as Disney progresses towards acquiring Comcast’s one-third stake in Hulu, aiming to become its sole owner after having operational control since 2019.
Subscriptions for this enhanced Disney+ with Hulu integration start at $10 per month, a $2 increase from the basic Disney+ tier. Users opting for this dual service will now find a dedicated “Hulu” button alongside familiar categories such as Marvel, Pixar, Disney, Lucas Film, and National Geographic.
Previously, Disney+ was offered alongside Hulu and ESPN+ in the Disney Bundle, but each service remained separate. Responding to consumer feedback on the hassle of toggling between apps, the industry is now focusing on streamlining user experiences. Such integrations not only benefit users but also result in cost savings for companies across technology, programming, and promotion divisions.
The new “Hulu Hub” accessible from the home-screen Hulu tile offers a fresh layout showcasing various film and TV titles. Given Disney’s family-friendly brand, parental controls will play a crucial role in this unified app experience, particularly with Hulu featuring adult-targeted content from FX and other suppliers. Existing subscribers will be prompted to adjust their content settings.
Disney+ and Hulu will still be available as standalone services for those uninterested in the dual offering. This move is just a part of their expansion.