Disney+ has launched its cheapest subscription tier, an ad-supported plan called Disney+ Basic.
The plan is currently only available in the U.S. and will become available in other countries sometime next year.
The new offering — which comes one month after Netflix’s much-anticipated ad-supported debut — costs $7.99 per month, $3 less than the ad-free version of Disney+ which now costs $10.99 per month.
“Today’s launch marks a milestone moment for Disney+ and puts consumer choice at the forefront. With these new ad-supported offerings, we’re able to deliver greater flexibility for consumers to enjoy the full breadth and depth of incredible storytelling from The Walt Disney Company,” Michael Paull, president of Direct to Consumer, said in a statement.
The ad load will be conservative at first, roughly 4 minutes of ads per hour or less, according to the company. That’s about half of Hulu’s 8 minute-per-hour ad load and even less compared to linear television’s 15 minute-per-hour standard.
Unlike Netflix, Disney+ Basic not only lets viewers stream high-quality video, including Full HD, HDR10, 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision and Expanded Aspect Ratio with IMAX Enhanced.
It also lets subscribers stream on up to four supported devices simultaneously. Plus, the ad plan includes Disney+’s full content catalog.
Disney added, at least for now, there will be no commercials featuring alcohol or competitor content, as well as no political ads.
