Disney+ just launched ads on the streaming service, which has brought about some pricing changes.
Disney+ was one of the last streaming services without a tier that included ads, but now it’s here. There are Basic and Premium tiers, and the option to bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ as well. But, there is one MAJOR problem with these new Disney+ options.
The Disney+ Basic tier with ads is NOT available on Roku devices. Yep, so if you want to watch Disney+ on a Roku device, you have to have Disney+ Premium or a version of it.
As Disney has on their website, you have to either switch your Basic subscription to Premium or watch Disney+ on a different device. You can find out more about the pricing for both services right here. If you try to watch on a Roku device, this is the message you will get.
This is a pretty big deal because Roku is used by a TON of people. Back in March, the Emmys said that Roku had nearly 60 million active user accounts, and that the company handles about 40% of ALL connected TV usage in the United States.
Digital Trends said that as of right now Roku is the largest streaming platform in the U.S. and second largest in the rest of the world. So, think about HOW many people can’t use the more affordable option of Disney+ right now because of this.
Is this a way for Disney to get more people to sign up for the more expensive Disney+ Premium tier? Or, it could be possible that Roku wants its cut of the revenue Disney+ could be making now with price increases and advertisements. We would hope that something gets worked out in the future! For now, you could try to screen mirror your phone or laptop to your TV to watch Disney+ Basic.
We’ll keep you updated if anything changes with this, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Click here to find out more about the updated pricing for Disney+
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Do you use a Roku device? Tell us in the comments.
Joe B says
Well, I have chosen not to subscribe to Disney+ as I am a classic Disney fan who doesn’t need all the Marvel and Star Wars content. And I am a confirmed Roku user too.
So, I guess I will just have to continue NOT to use Disney+.
Thank heaven for Physical Media (aka Blu-Ray discs.)