Disney CEO confirms a free Disney+ tier is under consideration

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Disney is considering a free, ad-supported way to watch Disney+, CEO Josh D’Amaro confirmed during the company’s Q3 FY26 earnings call. For anyone tired of adding another monthly subscription, the idea sounds promising—but it is not a launch announcement.

D’Amaro said a free product could help Disney reach more price-sensitive viewers, create additional inventory for advertisers, and bring potential subscribers into Disney+. He also made clear that the company has nothing specific to announce yet.

That means there is no launch date, list of supported countries, or word on which movies and shows would be available for free.

Disney has not said what viewers would get

Disney+ currently offers only paid plans. In the U.S., the With Ads plan costs $11.99 per month, while Premium costs $18.99 per month or $189.99 per year. Disney also says it does not offer a free trial.

If a free option launches, ads would pay for it. Disney has not explained how it would differ from the existing paid With Ads plan, so it is too early to know whether viewers would get a smaller catalog, limited episodes, or something else.

The model itself is familiar. Free services such as Tubi already trade a monthly fee for regular advertising. A Disney+ free tier would also give the company a broader no-cost entry point than subscription services such as Apple TV.

The idea has moved beyond an internal discussion

Business Insider reported in July that Disney product and technology chief Adam Smith had discussed free-tier content during an internal streaming meeting. At the time, the report said Disney had shared neither a timeline nor the scope of the possible offering.

D’Amaro’s public comments confirm that the idea remains active. They also show why Disney is interested: its latest shareholder letter says streaming ad revenue rose 3% year over year in the quarter, while subscription revenue grew 15%.

A free tier could expand both sides of that business by adding more ad-supported viewing and introducing Disney+ to people who will not pay upfront. Until Disney shares a product or launch plan, free Disney+ remains an idea, not an option.

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