Disney weighs free Disney Plus tier as streamers chase TV viewing
Business Insider reported that Disney has discussed making some Disney Plus content free, though the plan’s timing and catalog remain unclear.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Disney is discussing a free option for Disney Plus that would let viewers watch some programming without paying, Business Insider reported. The idea matters because major streaming services are trying to hold viewers’ attention as YouTube draws more TV viewing time.
Business Insider reported that Adam Smith, Disney’s chief product and technology officer, referred to a free streaming tier during a company town hall on Thursday. The outlet cited a person familiar with the remarks.
Disney has not announced such a product. The Verge reported that Disney did not immediately respond to its request for comment.
Details remain limited
Business Insider reported that the free-tier idea is part of internal discussion at Disney about ways to serve fans. The report did not identify which Disney Plus shows or films might be included if the company moves ahead.
The timing is also unknown. Business Insider did not report a launch date, and the discussion described in the report does not amount to a confirmed rollout.
The report also does not say whether a free Disney Plus tier would carry advertising, limit viewing, or sit alongside the company’s existing paid streaming plans. The only clear detail from the report is that Disney has considered making some content available to watch for free.
A broader fight for screen time
The Verge linked the discussion to a wider push by paid streamers to compete for attention on television screens. TheWrap, citing Nielsen’s Gauge report for April 2026, reported that YouTube accounts for a large share of time viewers spend watching TV.
Disney Plus has already tested formats that look beyond the standard on-demand streaming model. The Verge reported that the service has added vertical video feeds, and Deadline reported in 2024 that Disney Plus added always-on channels.
Netflix has also been tied to similar experiments. The Verge reported that Netflix is rumored to be exploring always-on channels, while other recent streaming reports have pointed to services adding more video formats and publisher content.
A free Disney Plus tier would place Disney in a different part of that competition if it is approved. For now, Business Insider’s report describes an idea under discussion, with no public commitment from Disney on content, pricing structure or launch timing.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.