After the increase in prices and the arrival of ads, like on Netflix and Prime Video, what is Disney+ up to? The SVOD service could still copy traditional TV.
The video streaming landscape is a far cry from where it started. Basically, Netflix or Prime Video were supposed to be platforms that were very different from linear channels. The objective was to offer different content, often exclusive and above all without the slightest advertising on the horizon. Although each service still has a variety of films, series, shows or documentaries, they have nevertheless all given in to the lure of profit via advertising spots. Disney+ is subjecting its customers to the same treatment and is reportedly working on another solution to improve its profitability. Towards a return to a more classic model of diffusion?
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When Disney+ draws ever more inspiration from linear TV
The SVOD platform owned by the big-eared firm has reached several milestones in recent months. Movies and series in 4K / HDR that were previously available in the Standard subscription are unavailable. If you don't want to settle for 1080p, you have to upgrade to the Premium plan at €11.99. We are far from Netflix's €19.99, but the price increase is still there. From the next school year, it is very possible that Disney+ will also confirm the end of free account sharing. The rollout of this restriction will begin in the United States in June, before extending to the rest of the world starting in September.
But Disney+ also has a lot of hope on another way to make money: ads. Thus, after the launch of its subscription with advertisements, the service could insert “free” television channels into its interface. The idea would not be to bring DTT channels like TF1, M6 and others, but to create stations to broadcast programs continuously. The company is in any case seriously considering it if we are to believe The Information. According to the site, the Disney+ project would give rise to special channels for watching 24/24 and 7/7 flagship films and series such as Star Wars and Marvel. It would in any case be a start, because a channel reserved for Pixar could also see the light of day.
Towards Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar channels?
Between the “Our selection for you”, “Marvel in the spotlight” and other sections, Disney+ subscribers could therefore select free channels to continuously watch Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar programs initially. But like linear television, the platform would like to include advertising breaks. The article does not detail the terms, but this is how Disney+ would generate additional revenue. Which could greatly change things for the company.
As specified by The Information, this new Disney+ feature would have the main aim of retaining subscribers on the service as much as possible. A Marvel or Star Wars fan could thus launch the channel, watch a film or series, and go about another activity for example… while leaving the channel running in the background. Where usually the user cuts or pauses their program when called elsewhere. Some subscribers might be tempted, but we must not forget that the majority are looking for an experience that is the opposite of TV. What most people want is to watch what they want, when they want, and without interruption. So on the subscriber's side, it's not certain that this will change everything. But if the big-eared firm thinks about it, the potential profits must be much higher than the costs generated.
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