July 13, 2026, 10:17 am | Read time: 3 minutes
For a long time, streaming meant subscribing and enjoying countless movies and series without ads, whenever you wanted. But this once-realized entertainment utopia has had to bow to harsh economic realities in recent years and generate more revenue. Prices are rising, ads are now included in some plans, and the market is fragmenting. Amid these challenges, Disney is planning an unusual step. Disney+ content could soon be free.
Disney+ for Free? Little Is Known So Far
That’s according to a new report from Business Insider. According to unnamed insider sources, the company is currently discussing making some selected Disney+ content available for free.
Allegedly, Chief Product and Technology Officer Adam Smith mentioned the possibility of free content at a large internal meeting. However, he has not yet provided specific details about the timing and scope of these plans. According to the report, there is also no official statement available.
Inspired by YouTube
It’s unusual for major streaming providers to offer their content for free. Some services offer short trial subscriptions. Apple TV and Paramount+ also allow viewing of individual series episodes. So far, Prime Video is the only major provider offering free access to selected series and movies through Freevee. What Disney envisions remains unclear.
The reason for potentially releasing Disney+ content for free is said to be the increasing success of platforms like YouTube, Tubi, and The Roku Channel. These platforms accounted for 18.7 percent of TV usage in the U.S. in April 2026 alone. They especially benefit from the ever-rising prices of Disney+, Netflix, and others.
Whether other providers will follow suit and introduce a free tier will likely depend on whether the model proves successful for Disney+.