Why Live Events Are Important To Disney+’s Future?
Since its launch, Disney+ has traditionally been considered an “SVOD” or Streaming Video On Demand service much like Netflix. However, in late 2022, Disney+ made a massive step into live streaming when they streamed the Elton John concert “Farewell Dodger Stadium” globally. So let me explain some reasons why live events can become essential to the growth of Disney+ in the future.
Live Events Could Lead To Sports On Disney+:
Disney has been big on sports since its acquisition of Capital Cities in 1996 which included the broadcaster ABC and a majority stake in sports network ESPN (80%). Now ESPN+ already exists, and it is growing at a steady pace. The service could benefit immensely from becoming an add-on service to the core Disney+ service. ESPN+/ESPN Player would be a great way to utilize Disney+’s live-streaming capabilities. However, there would be rights issues to add such a service to Disney+ globally.
Breaking Down Finacial Barriers For Fans:
Let’s look at another thing that would make the addition of live events to Disney+ a major win for consumers and Disney alike. Consider Disney owning their own Broadway Theatre arm and doing special events such as firework shows across their theme parks. Why is this relevant? Well, not all Disney fans can afford to go to the parks or Broadway for these productions. Disney could live stream parades and fireworks show from their parks and could stream the final showing of their Broadway productions which could keep more loyal subscribers, especially those that can afford to attend such events in person. Disney could also utilize this feature to stream select D23 panels and to stream Disney’s Comic-Con panels.
More Revenue Via Sponsorships:
This is one of the biggest reasons why Disney may pursue doing live events, and that’s the ability to gain sponsorships from companies to help make the live events worthwhile to the likes of Disney. Some companies that may be jumping over the fence to sponsor Disney live events would include Apple, Coca-Cola, and Toyota. However, Disney’s problem is if they do use sponsors, then they need to be careful of local laws around advertising to children, as well as making sure the sponsors for the live streams are global brands like Coca-Cola, Lego or Apple who sell their products in all markets the stream will be available in.
Final Thoughts:
Using the live-streaming feature can be a great way to help bring fans of Disney+’s core brands together, promote Disney’s newer content and other products (using D23, Star Wars Celebration, theme park shows, and Comic Con) and present new monetization opportunities for Disney. Businesses wise using the live-streaming feature could be expensive but would benefit Disney as they could utilize sponsorships for the live-stream. The biggest drawback to the live events is simply the servers and the potential of them crashing whilst the events are streamed. Personally, I feel Disney could utilize this live-streaming feature as a way to beat Netflix in a way that could give them an advantage when compared to the streaming juggernaut.
What Do You Think? Do You Want Disney+ To Do More Live Events?
