Hulu and Disney+ Merge Into One Streaming App: What You Need to Know

Disney+ and Hulu Integration Marks a Major Shift in Streaming Strategy

Disney is making a bold move to consolidate its streaming services by fully integrating Hulu into Disney+. This decision, announced in executive commentary on August 6, signals a significant shift in how the entertainment giant will offer content to its audience. The new app experience is expected to launch in 2026, combining the strengths of both platforms into one unified service.

CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston described the merger as a "major step forward" in enhancing Disney's streaming offerings. They emphasized that the integration would create an impressive package of entertainment, featuring top-tier brands, family programming, news, and live sports content all in one place. This move is aimed at providing a more comprehensive and convenient experience for subscribers.

Hulu has long been a joint venture between multiple companies, but recent developments have given Disney full control. In June, Comcast sold its remaining stake in Hulu, allowing Disney to take complete ownership of the platform. This change paves the way for Hulu's international expansion, with plans to replace the Star tile on Disney+ in global markets this fall.

Disney is also investing heavily in technology and app enhancements. One of the key updates will be a redesigned Disney+ homepage, which is expected to improve user experience and personalization. The company aims to provide subscribers with greater choice, convenience, and quality through these improvements.

In the third quarter of 2025, Disney+ and Hulu together reached 183 million subscriptions, an increase of 2.6 million from the previous quarter. Disney+ alone added 1.8 million new subscribers, driven largely by growth in international markets. Looking ahead, Disney projects over 10 million new subscriptions in the fourth quarter, primarily due to Hulu's expanded presence following a recent deal with Charter.

The streaming business is expected to generate more than $1.3 billion in operating income for the full year of 2025. However, Disney has also decided to stop reporting paid subscriber counts and average revenue per user (ARPU) for ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu starting in the 2026 fiscal year. This move follows a similar strategy by Netflix, which ceased reporting quarterly subscriber numbers earlier in 2025.

Expanding the Streaming Landscape

The integration of Hulu into Disney+ comes just hours after another major development involving ESPN. The sports network agreed to acquire the NFL's media assets in exchange for a 10% equity stake. Additionally, ESPN is launching a new standalone streaming service on August 21, priced at $29.99 per month. This service will allow fans to access the full channel lineup without needing a cable subscription.

Other competitors are also making moves in the streaming space. Fox is set to launch its new Fox One app on the same day, offering live and on-demand access to its news, sports, and entertainment content for $19.99 per month. Meanwhile, Roku is targeting budget-conscious consumers with its new service called Howdy, available for $2.99 per month. Howdy promises ad-free access to thousands of popular titles from companies like FilmRise, Lionsgate, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Peacock is also adjusting its pricing model, raising monthly fees by $3—the largest increase since the NBC-owned platform launched in 2020. These changes reflect the ongoing competition among streaming services to capture and retain audiences in an increasingly crowded market.

As Disney continues to refine its streaming strategy, the integration of Hulu into Disney+ represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital entertainment. With a focus on convenience, quality, and personalization, the combined service aims to deliver a more compelling experience for users around the world.