Disney to Stop Reporting Streaming Subscriber Numbers, Plans Hulu Integration
The Walt Disney Company announced a significant shift in its reporting strategy, confirming it will discontinue sharing quarterly subscriber numbers and Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for its streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This strategic move aims to emphasize the profitability of Disney’s streaming operations rather than subscriber growth metrics.
Key Changes in Disney’s Streaming Strategy
Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston revealed these changes in their executive commentary on Wednesday. The new reporting structure will take effect at different times for various platforms:
- Disney+ and Hulu: First quarter of fiscal 2026
- ESPN+: Fourth quarter of fiscal 2025
While subscriber numbers will no longer be disclosed, Disney will continue to report Entertainment Direct-to-Consumer profitability metrics.
Major Hulu Integration Plans
Following Disney’s complete acquisition of Hulu, the company announced plans for a comprehensive integration strategy:
- Full integration of Hulu into Disney+ by 2026
- Development of an entirely new app experience
- Replacement of the Star tile with Hulu in Disney+ international markets
Expected Benefits of Integration
The streaming service consolidation is expected to deliver multiple advantages:
- Enhanced subscriber choice and convenience
- Improved personalization features
- Higher user engagement rates
- Reduced subscriber churn
- Increased advertising revenue potential
- Operational efficiency improvements
This strategic shift mirrors Netflix’s recent move to stop quarterly subscriber reporting, suggesting a broader industry trend toward focusing on profitability rather than subscriber growth metrics. Disney’s fiscal 2026 begins later this year, with the current quarter being the company’s fiscal Q4.
The new integrated streaming experience aims to create a more streamlined and profitable entertainment platform, allowing Disney to reinvest operational savings back into content and service improvements.