Disney+ Considers Launching Free Streaming Tier to Compete with Ad-Supported Services

Disney+ is reportedly exploring the possibility of offering a free streaming tier featuring select content from its library. This consideration was discussed by Adam Smith, Disney's Chief Product and Technology Officer, during an employee meeting held last Thursday. Details about which series or movies would be included and the potential launch date remain undisclosed.

The move aims to help Disney+ better compete with free, ad-supported platforms like YouTube and Tubi, which have been capturing an increasing share of viewers' time. As major streaming services continue to raise subscription prices, more consumers are turning to free, ad-supported options. Nielsen data shows that free streaming services accounted for 18.7% of TV viewing time in the U.S. in April 2026, up from 16.8% in April 2025 and 12.7% in April 2024.

By introducing a free tier, Disney+ could differentiate itself from competitors such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. This strategy follows similar moves by Apple TV+ and Paramount+, which already allow non-subscribers to watch several episodes for free.