Key facts
- Disney+ is considering offering a free streaming tier.
- The potential free content would allow Disney+ to compete with services like YouTube and Tubi.
- Free streaming services accounted for 18.7% of U.S. TV watch time in April 2026.
- Disney's chief product and technology officer Adam Smith discussed the possibility.
Disney+ is reportedly exploring the introduction of a free streaming tier, according to a report from Business Insider. Disney's chief product and technology officer, Adam Smith, discussed the possibility during a town hall meeting.
The potential rollout of free content aims to bolster Disney+'s competitive position against free services such as YouTube and Tubi, which are increasingly capturing consumer attention. This strategic consideration comes as subscription streaming services continue to raise prices, leading consumers to seek out ad-supported alternatives.
Data from Nielsen indicates a significant rise in the consumption of free streaming services, which represented 18.7% of U.S. television watch time in April 2026, up from 16.8% in April 2025 and 12.7% in April 2024. By offering select free content, Disney+ could also differentiate itself from rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime, especially as platforms like Apple TV+ and Paramount+ already provide access to some free episodes for non-subscribers.