Entertainment Streaming Disney + Disney+ might get a free tier as it reportedly explores ways to entice new viewers News By Scott Younker Published 10 July 2026 It’s everyone against YouTube in the streaming world When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works . (Image credit: Shutterstock) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Disney+ may soon offer a free tier to compete with YouTube and entice viewers to stay on the streaming service . Adam Smith, Disney’s chief product and technology officer, pitched the idea during a company town hall this week. It seems to be one of several ideas Disney is considering to bring in potential customers (h/t Business Insider ). Importantly, there are currently no indications of what shows or movies would be included in this potential free tier of Disney+. Like most streamers, the House of Mouse is trying to figure out how to capture more viewers and their eyeballs. Netflix has even reportedly started testing out the return of free trials , something that would have been unthinkable a year ago. The rise of YouTube (Image credit: Shutterstock) Despite seeing subscriber growth in the last year, platforms like Netflix and Disney+ remain firmly behind YouTube when it comes to viewership. The most recent Nielsen data shows YouTube with 13.4% TV watch-time compared to Disney+, which had 9.4% in the summer of 2025. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: Meanwhile, data from DemandSage shows Netflix topped 325 million subscribers by the end of 2025, a 25 million subscriber increase from 2024. Disney+, conversely, is recovering from a massive drop in 2024, though it still has over 125 million subscribers, per Statista . Of course, the biggest hurdle in growing subscriber bases for these streaming services is the several price hikes across every streaming service over the last two years. The cost of streaming in 2026 is already more expensive than in years past. Netflix just raised prices again in March , and Disney+ bumped its rates in September of last year. You may like How to get Disney Plus and Hulu for free How to get Netflix for free — here are 3 ways The best streaming services in 2026 to subscribe to right now The big streamers are clearly experimenting. Earlier this year, Disney+ announced “microcontent” and “Verts” (short-form vertical video content) to pull attention away from TikTok and Instagram Reels. Netflix debuted its own vertical videos in April and won’t stop recommending video podcasts . Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Tom’s Guide: Direct to Your Inbox Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. More from Tom’s Guide I watch dozens of new shows every year and these are the 5 Emmy nominees you need to stream right now From Cameron to Goose: Can you name the ’80s movie from just the best friend? 3 new Hulu shows you need to binge-watch this weekend (July 10-12) TOPICS YouTube Scott Younker Social Links Navigation West Coast Reporter Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom’s Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released. View More You must confirm your public displ
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