Breaking News
After a four-month wait, Roku users can now access the ad-supported Disney+ tier, Disney+ Basic. This tier was launched in October 2022 to compete with Netflix and other streaming services, but it wasn’t immediately available on Roku devices.
The Wait is Over
Disney and Roku were in talks about reaching an agreement that would allow the ad-supported plan to be accessible on Roku devices. The holdup was reportedly over an ad-share agreement between the two companies. By default, channels must enter into an ad-revenue split with Roku. However, it appears that Disney and Roku have finally come to an agreement.
What Does the Ad-Supported Tier Offer?
Disney+ Basic (With Ads) costs $7.99 a month, while Disney+ Premium (No Ads) costs $10.99 a month. The ad-supported plan offers high-quality video streaming, including Full HD, HDR10, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and Expanded Aspect Ratio with IMAX Enhanced. Subscribers can also stream on up to four supported devices simultaneously.
Key Features of Disney+ Basic
- High-quality video streaming (Full HD, HDR10, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, and Expanded Aspect Ratio with IMAX Enhanced)
- Ability to stream on up to four supported devices simultaneously
- Access to the full content catalog
- Ad load limited to an average of four minutes of commercials per hour
- No ads for preschool content
What’s Missing from Disney+ Basic?
Unfortunately, the ad-supported plan does not offer some features that are available with the premium plan. Offline viewing and downloads are not included in the basic plan. Additionally, GroupWatch, SharePlay, and Dolby Atmos are also not part of the basic plan.
A Word from Disney
According to a spokesperson for Disney, the company hopes to support these features in the future, but no specific timeline has been given.
Getting Started with Disney+ Basic on Roku
Disney notes on its support website that users will need to update the Disney+ app to the latest version before they can start streaming Disney+ Basic on their Roku devices. Once updated, users should be able to access the ad-supported plan without any issues.
Why Did Disney Launch an Ad-Supported Tier?
The launch of the ad-supported tier is part of Disney’s effort to compete with Netflix and other streaming services. By offering a more affordable option, Disney hopes to attract new subscribers who may not have been able to afford the premium plan. The ad-supported tier also gives users the option to save money without sacrificing too much in terms of features.
Other Streaming Services Offer Ad-Supported Options
Netflix offers an ad-supported tier as well, which costs $6.99 a month. However, it’s worth noting that the ad load on Netflix is significantly higher than what Disney+ Basic offers. For example, Netflix’s ad-supported plan includes ads for up to 30 minutes per hour.
What Does This Mean for Roku Users?
The availability of the ad-supported tier on Roku devices means that users have more options when it comes to streaming their favorite Disney content. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel movies or classic Disney animated films, there’s something for everyone with Disney+ Basic.
Comparison of Ad-Supported Tiers from Major Streaming Services
| Service | Cost | Features |
| — | — | — |
| Disney+ Basic (With Ads) | $7.99/month | High-quality video streaming, access to full content catalog, ad load limited to 4 minutes per hour |
| Netflix Ad-Supported Tier | $6.99/month | High-quality video streaming, access to full content catalog, ad load up to 30 minutes per hour |
| Hulu Ad-Supported Tier | $5.99/month | High-quality video streaming, access to full content catalog, ad load up to 30 minutes per hour |
Key Takeaways
- Roku users can now access the ad-supported Disney+ tier
- The ad-supported plan costs $7.99 a month and offers high-quality video streaming and access to the full content catalog
- Offline viewing and downloads are not included in the basic plan
- GroupWatch, SharePlay, and Dolby Atmos are also not part of the basic plan
- Disney hopes to support these features in the future
Conclusion
The availability of the ad-supported tier on Roku devices is a significant development for streaming enthusiasts. With more options available, users can choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for high-quality video streaming or access to your favorite content, Disney+ Basic has got you covered.
About the Author
Aisha Malik is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. She holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. Prior to joining TechCrunch, Aisha was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup.
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