Disney+ is doubling down on its live channel testing. After a quiet debut of ABC News and Disney+ Playtime in August, the streaming service is adding four new “curated linear content streams” that are really just 24/7 live channels. These channels incldue Hallowstream, Hits & Heroes, Throwbacks, and Real Life.
These additions come just ahead of a price hike for Disney+, Hulu, and bundled packages on October 17th. While the company is clearly exploring new avenues to engage subscribers and potentially justify the increased cost.
This move to add live channels was first reported earlier this year as Disney hopes to be able to keep subscribers engaged by offering more channels.
Early signs are promising. Disney reports over 10 million hours of streaming for its initial live channels since August, according to Deadline, with positive indications of increased overall engagement among users who tune in.
Here’s a quick look at the new channels:
- Hallowstream: Get your spooky fix with Halloween-themed content.
- Hits & Heroes: Action-packed programming from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises.
- Throwbacks: Nostalgia reigns supreme with classic shows and movies.
- Real Life: Dive into documentaries, biopics, and true stories.
It remains to be seen whether this expansion will significantly impact subscriber numbers or viewing habits. However, it’s a clear indication that Disney+ is actively exploring new ways to evolve its platform and cater to a broader audience. This move could be a key differentiator as the streaming wars continue to intensify.