Disney will merge Hulu into Disney+, launching a unified streaming app in 2026 that brings together family programming, general entertainment, live sports, news, and branded franchises under a single, user-friendly interface. The move follows Disney’s full takeover of Hulu and aims to enhance user experience, cut costs, boost advertising potential, and reduce churn.
Streaming Shakes Up: Disney to Merge Disney+ & Hulu
What exactly is happening—and when?
In August 2025, during its quarterly earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston confirmed that Hulu will be fully integrated into Disney+ by 2026, retiring the Hulu standalone app. Users will access all Hulu content from within Disney+ instead.
This means that by next year, you’ll no longer find Hulu as a separate app—it will exist as a hub inside Disney+, accessible to subscribers under one platform.
Why is Disney making this move now?
Disney completed full ownership of Hulu by paying Comcast about US $9 billion (including $8.61 billion in 2023 and ~$438.7 million in mid-2025). With complete control, Disney can rationalize operations, eliminate duplicate infrastructure, and set the stage for deeper integration.
Analysts estimate integration could save ~$3 billion in technology and administrative costs—making this as much a financial move as a consumer-friendly one.
How will consumers benefit from one app?
For subscribers, the merger means simplicity and convenience:
- A single access point for Disney’s entire library—family content, adult hits, news, and sports
- Personalized recommendations across Disney and Hulu content
- Reduced friction: fewer toggles between apps, potentially leading to higher engagement and lower churn
Example: Imagine binge-watching Hulu originals like Only Murders in the Building seamlessly alongside The Mandalorian or Star Wars—all on one app, with one login, one interface, and a unified watchlist.
What’s in it for advertisers?
Disney has consolidated ad systems into one platform called Mission Control, enabling unified campaigns across all content. This offers:
- Simplified campaign management for ad buyers
- Greater reach across demographics—from Disney kids shows to Hulu dramas
- Improved ad targeting thanks to cross-platform data
Advertisers will now be able to create a single campaign that runs across Disney classics, Hulu originals, and even live ESPN content.
Will prices change?
As of now, Disney hasn’t announced official price hikes. However, Bob Iger hinted that the unified app may offer more “price elasticity” in the future—meaning subscription tiers could be adjusted.
Historically, Disney has increased bundle pricing by $1–2 annually, so a modest adjustment in 2026 isn’t off the table. Still, Disney is being careful to avoid immediate backlash while rolling out the merger.
What happens to Hulu’s identity and UI?
Although the standalone Hulu app will disappear, the Hulu brand will live on inside Disney+ as a dedicated hub.
For international markets, Hulu will replace the Star brand tile within Disney+. This brings Disney’s branding into alignment across global territories, ensuring that viewers everywhere have the same unified experience.
What’s the competitive advantage?
This move positions Disney as a more direct competitor to Netflix by creating a streaming super-app. Instead of forcing users to navigate multiple apps, Disney is building a one-stop shop that improves:
- Content discovery: Easier to stumble on shows you might not normally watch
- Subscriber satisfaction: Streamlined, hassle-free experience
- Bundling opportunities: The ability to combine Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN into one attractive package
Disney’s streaming portfolio will feel more like an ecosystem than a collection of siloed apps.
Are subscriptions still flexible?
Yes. Disney will continue to offer different subscription choices.
- Disney+ only
- Hulu hub within Disney+
- Bundles with ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV subscribers, however, will transition to Fubo TV through a joint venture, while on-demand Hulu content will remain integrated inside Disney+.
How will the merger affect international markets?
In fall 2025, Disney will begin replacing Star with Hulu in international markets. Content offerings won’t change, but users will now see the Hulu brand tile in their Disney+ interface instead of Star.
This creates brand alignment and reduces confusion for international subscribers.
Will Disney keep reporting subscriber numbers?
No—Disney will stop reporting separate subscriber counts for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Instead, the company will focus on engagement and profitability metrics, mirroring Netflix’s reporting strategy.
This allows Disney to emphasize long-term sustainability over raw growth numbers.
Real-Life Examples to Illustrate the Shift
- Families watching across generations: A household can switch from Bluey (Disney) to The Bear (Hulu) and then catch a live news segment—all within one app.
- Binge sessions without friction: Users who currently bundle services know the hassle of logging into different UIs—soon, it will be nearly seamless.
- Seamless ad experience: An advertiser promoting blockbuster films could place ads once and have them seen across all relevant content categories.
- International viewers see unified brand: In Europe or Asia, Hulu replacing Star on Disney+ creates a consistent global brand presence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Disney+ and Hulu fully merge?
By 2026, Disney expects the unified app experience to replace standalone platforms.
2. Will the Hulu app disappear?
Yes. The standalone Hulu app will be retired, and Hulu content will live inside Disney+ as a hub.
3. Will my current subscription still work?
Yes. Subscriptions remain valid. You can subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, or both via bundle. Live TV users will be moved to Fubo.
4. Will prices increase for the unified app?
No confirmed price hike yet. Disney suggests future pricing flexibility, but details are pending.
5. How many subscribers does Disney+ and Hulu have now?
Combined streaming subscribers currently stand at 183 million, with a recent gain of 2.6 million.
6. How much will Disney save from this integration?
Analysts estimate savings of around $3 billion by reducing redundant systems.
7. Will Hulu recommendations and watch history transfer?
Disney hasn’t confirmed specifics yet, but new personalization features suggest that user settings will carry over or adapt.
8. How will advertising change?
Ads will run through the Mission Control ad server, simplifying campaign delivery and boosting cross-platform reach.
9. What happens internationally with the Star hub?
Starting fall 2025, Hulu branding will replace Star in the Disney+ interface abroad. Content remains the same, only the branding changes.
10. Is there a new ESPN streaming app?
Yes—an enhanced ESPN app launches August 21, bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month.
11. What metrics will Disney focus on instead of subscriber numbers?
Disney will emphasize engagement and profitability, shifting away from raw subscriber counts.
Key Takeaways & Practical Advice
- For subscribers: Expect a smoother streaming experience, more personalization, and fewer apps to juggle. Keep an eye on possible new subscription tiers.
- For advertisers: The unified ad ecosystem offers streamlined buying and broader reach—plan now for cross-platform campaigns.
- For competitors: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video will face increased competition from Disney’s stronger, unified platform.
- For international viewers: Prepare for the Hulu brand tile to replace Star on Disney+—content won’t change, just branding.
Final Thoughts
The merger of Disney+ and Hulu marks a turning point in the streaming wars. By unifying its entertainment powerhouses into a single platform, Disney is not only simplifying life for subscribers but also creating a more profitable and competitive model. Whether you’re a viewer, advertiser, or competitor, this shift is one of the most significant moves in the streaming landscape—and one worth watching closely.