Disney+ streaming app to incorporate Hulu entirely by 2026
Disney has announced that it will be integrating Hulu into its streaming platform, Disney+, creating a unified streaming experience for customers. The announcement was made by Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, and Hugh Johnston, CFO of Disney, during the company's earnings call on Wednesday morning.
The new service, Disney+ with Hulu in one app, is expected to launch next year for $29.99 per month. Customers will still be able to buy Disney+ and Hulu standalone plans, but the unified platform is designed to deliver more choice, convenience, and personalization.
The integration will pair Disney's franchises with Hulu's general entertainment, family programming, news, and live sports content in a single app. This merger aims to create a unified Disney+ and Hulu app that offers a “comprehensive entertainment package.”
The global Hulu brand will replace the Star tile on Disney+ internationally, starting this fall. The full integration of Hulu into Disney+ is scheduled for 2026, with the process already underway since early 2024. A major step is coming in autumn 2025 when Hulu will replace the Star brand on Disney+ in international markets.
Iger explained that improvements within the Disney+ app, including new features and a more personalized homepage, will culminate in a unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience. The anticipated benefits for consumer experience include an enhanced user experience with a single app platform integrating broad content types, improved personalization features, and greater convenience by reducing the need to switch apps.
From a profitability and operational standpoint, Disney expects lower subscriber churn rates due to a stronger, more attractive content offering in one app. Cost efficiencies will be achieved by eliminating duplicative technology infrastructures and administrative expenses related to maintaining separate apps. Increased advertising revenue opportunities via combined ad sales across the integrated platform are also expected. Synergies in live TV streaming, including plans to integrate Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and a joint venture with Fubo for live content, will optimize resources and expand reach.
Financial analysis suggests significant savings in operating expenses by retiring Hulu’s standalone technology and administrative costs while absorbing content-related costs within Disney+’s broader ecosystem. However, some migration costs and ongoing operational expenses will remain.
Disney now fully owns Hulu. In June 2025, Disney bought out NBCUniversal’s one-third stake in Hulu for approximately $9 billion. The integration of Hulu into Disney+ aims to improve consumer experience and enhance the company's ability to grow profitability and lower churn.
[1] Disney Integrates Hulu into Disney+, Launching Unified Streaming Experience [2] Disney's Hulu Integration: What It Means for Consumers and Investors [3] Disney's Hulu Integration: What It Means for Advertisers [4] Disney's Hulu Integration: What It Means for Content Creators [5] Disney's Hulu Integration: What It Means for ESPN
[1] This unification of Disney+ and Hulu, as announced by Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, aims to deliver a comprehensive entertainment package on a single app, including business, finance, technology, and entertainment content.
[2] The integration of Hulu into Disney+ is expected to result in enhanced user experience, improved personalization features, and greater convenience for consumers, while also promising synergies in live TV streaming and advertising revenue opportunities. These advancements in technology are a key part of Disney's business strategy to grow profitability and lower subscriber churn.
