Disney+ will offer a cheaper ad-supported plan later this year

Disney said on Friday it will introduce a cheaper subscription plan for the Disney+ streaming service that will include advertising.

While Disney didn’t say how much the new plan will cost, the current Disney+ plan costs $7.99 per month – ad-free.

The Mouse House said its ad-supported plan will be available later this year in the US and internationally in 2023.

According to the media giant, an ad-supported version of its streaming service is a “building block” toward its ambitious goal of reaching 230 million to 260 million subscribers worldwide by the end of fiscal 2024.

At the end of 2021, Disney+, home of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Encanto, and Hamilton, had 129.8 million paying subscribers worldwide.

Streaming giant Netflix said it ended 2021 with 222 million subscribers worldwide.

Since the launch of Disney+ in November 2019, there have been some rumors about whether the service will eventually introduce an ad-supported option.

The company’s streaming portfolio includes ESPN+ at $6.99 per month and Hulu at $6.99 per month with ads or $12.99 per month ad-free.

Disney also offers a Disney bundle that includes all three services for $14 a month.

“Expanding access to Disney Plus to a broader audience at a lower price is a win for everyone — consumers, advertisers and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, on Friday. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”