Disney+ Could Absorb Hulu in 2024

The Future of Disney Streaming: A Unified Platform on the Horizon

The Walt Disney Company is taking a major step in its streaming strategy, with plans to merge Hulu and Disney+ into a single app by 2026. This move is expected to streamline access to content for users while consolidating Disney’s digital presence. The integration will not only bring together two of the company’s most popular platforms but also reshape how audiences in the United States and globally consume entertainment.

Hulu is set to become Disney's primary brand for general entertainment overseas, replacing the Star tile that currently features Fox-owned content. In international markets, this shift will establish Hulu as the go-to destination for a broader range of programming, including news, live sports, and more diverse entertainment options. However, the standalone Hulu app may still exist in some form, though it could eventually become redundant as all content moves to the unified Disney+ platform.

In the United States, Disney currently operates two separate apps: Disney+ and Hulu. The company has been working toward merging these services for several years, starting with the gradual inclusion of Hulu content into the Disney+ app. This strategy was designed to encourage users to upgrade to bundled plans that offer access to both services. The full integration marks the culmination of a multi-year effort, which included Disney acquiring Comcast’s one-third stake in Hulu in June 2025 for approximately $9 billion.

This acquisition gave Disney complete control over Hulu, making the integration process more feasible. While the merged app is still in development, the goal is to create a user-friendly platform that combines Disney’s family-oriented content with Hulu’s extensive library of general entertainment, news, and live sports. This would allow users to access everything from classic Disney films to live sports events under one roof.

However, not all of Hulu’s services will be moving to Disney+. Subscribers to Hulu’s live TV service will transition to Fubo, a partnership between Disney and FuboTV. Under this joint venture, Disney will hold a majority stake, ensuring continued access to live television content for those who rely on it. For other content—such as movies, shows, and ESPN sports—the move to Disney+ is expected to follow the same model as in other regions, where Disney+ already offers a comprehensive selection of programming.

Despite the planned merger, the standalone Hulu app may still be available for individual subscriptions. A Disney spokesperson confirmed that users can still purchase separate subscriptions to Hulu and Disney+, which adds a layer of complexity to the transition. It remains to be seen how this dual-access model will function once the integration is fully implemented.

The merged Disney+ app is expected to launch in the United States by 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company’s streaming strategy. While details about the exact timeline are still unclear, the coming year promises to be an exciting period for Disney fans and streaming enthusiasts alike. With the potential for a more streamlined and feature-rich experience, the future of Disney’s digital content delivery looks increasingly unified and accessible.