Disney+ To Offer Additional Streaming Services Add-On

Over ten years ago, Hulu launched a new feature called add-ons, where Hulu subscribers could access content from another streaming service for an additional subscription. The addition of add-ons allows customers to watch more content directly within Hulu, without the need to leave the app. This was convenient for Hulu users and also boosted engagement within Hulu, while also generating additional revenue.

Since then, Hulu has introduced more add-ons, with four currently available: Cinemax, HBO Max, Starz and Paramount+ with Showtime.

Later this year, Disney is looking to incorporate Hulu directly into Disney+, something it has been slowly implementing for years as it seeks to merge its two streamers. While Disney states they aren’t planning on shutting down Hulu and removing the existing app, it’s pretty obvious that all of the changes to bring Hulu into Disney+, as just preparations for when the two will fully merge, similar to how Disney+ operates internationally, with Hulu just an additional hub within the streaming service.

There has been much speculation about the future of the add-ons feature for a number of reasons, but this week Disney confirmed that Hulu’s add-ons will soon be available on Disney+ in the United States later this year.

This means shows like “Yellowstone” from Paramount, “House Of The Dragon” from HBO Max and “Outlander” from Starz could soon be showing up within Disney+, though sadly at an additional cost.

From Disney’s point of view, having more content available on Disney+ is better, since more people will stay in the app, resulting in fewer people unsubscribing, while also offering better convenience to its users, especially with streaming bundles like the one it currently offers with HBO Max.

Amazon has also continued to invest heavily into offering add-ons, as it brings in additional revenue and also helps keep people engaged within the Amazon Prime Video app. But the bigger streaming services like Netflix, generally have avoided this tactic, though they are now regularly coming together in bundles to save customers money and reduce subscribers.

There are, however, some questions about the future of these streaming services, with the upcoming merger between Paramount and Warner Brothers Discovery, as there are already plans in place to merge Paramount+ and HBO Max together, with likely more consolidation with other platforms like Cinemax and Discovery+ planned, as the new owner looks to simplify its offerings into a single app. Plus, will the new owners want Paramount+ offered as an add-on and not its own destination?

There are also benefits for bundled subscribers, especially those on the HBO Max, Hulu and Disney+ bundle, since everything should be available within Disney+, making the bundle even more valuable.   They could also offer more bundles and add-ons in the future with other streaming services, similar to Amazon, such as AMC+, Britbox or CrunchyRoll. 

What do you think about using add-ons within Disney+? Let me know on social media!