Hulu and Disney+ Unite in New Streaming App: Key Details

Disney's Streaming Strategy: Merging Hulu into Disney+

Disney is making a bold move in the streaming industry by integrating Hulu into its flagship service, Disney+. This major shift was announced during executive commentary on August 6, with the new app experience expected to launch in 2026. The decision marks a significant step forward for Disney as it aims to streamline its streaming offerings and provide a more cohesive user experience.

CEO Bob Iger and Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston highlighted that the merger will create an impressive entertainment package, combining top-tier brands, family-friendly programming, news, and live sports content all within one app. This integration is expected to enhance convenience for subscribers while offering greater choice and personalization.

Hulu has long been a joint venture between several companies, but recent developments have given Disney full control of the platform. In June, Comcast sold its remaining stake in Hulu, allowing Disney to take complete ownership. This move not only strengthens Disney’s position in the streaming market but also sets the stage for Hulu’s international expansion. Starting in the fall, Hulu will replace the Star tile on Disney+ in global markets, signaling a broader push into international audiences.

The integration also comes at a time when Disney is investing heavily in technology and app enhancements. The company plans to update the Disney+ homepage and continue improving the overall user interface. These changes are designed to provide a more seamless and engaging experience for viewers.

Subscription Growth and Financial Outlook

As of the end of Disney’s third quarter of 2025, the combined subscriptions for Disney+ and Hulu reached 183 million, representing a growth of 2.6 million from the previous quarter. Disney+ alone added 1.8 million new subscribers, driven largely by international expansion.

Looking ahead, Disney expects to add more than 10 million new subscriptions in the fourth quarter, largely due to Hulu’s expanded presence following a recent deal with Charter. The company also anticipates full-year 2025 operating income of $1.3 billion for its streaming business.

In addition to these financial goals, Disney has decided to stop reporting paid subscriber counts and average revenue per user (ARPU) for ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu by the start of its 2026 fiscal year. This change aligns with a similar move by Netflix, which stopped reporting quarterly subscriber numbers earlier in 2025.

Expanding the Streaming Landscape

Disney’s latest move 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 in the network. Additionally, ESPN is launching a new standalone streaming service on August 21, offering fans full access to its channel lineup without a cable subscription. Priced at $29.99 per month, the updated ESPN app represents a significant shift in how sports content is delivered.

Other competitors are also entering 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 customers with its new service, Howdy, which offers ad-free access to thousands of titles for just $2.99 per month.

Peacock is also making waves by raising its monthly prices by $3, marking the biggest increase since its launch in 2020. These moves reflect the ongoing competition among streaming platforms as they vie for market share and consumer loyalty.