Disney+ Adds Live Channels: Everything You Need to Know
Disney has dubbed these channels ‘continuous playlists,’ and they are now available for Disney+ Premium subscribers.
Disney is continuing to evolve its flagship streaming service Disney+. On Sept. 4, the streamer rolled out a selection of live channels dedicated to specific shows or themes, giving viewers the option of selecting a new episode on-demand or flipping on the channel and simply allowing it to play.
It’s the first time Disney+ has offered live-streaming channels, and while the feature is limited to ad-free Disney+ Premium subscribers for now, it appears the company is just beginning to flex its live-streaming capabilities on the service. See everything we know about Disney’s new live-streaming channels below!
What you need to about Disney+’s new channels:
What Are Live Streaming Channels on Disney+?
The new live streaming channels on Disney+ were called “continuous playlists” by the company in an August press release. They work a lot like free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels; the streamer has compiled large playlists of episodes of shows like “The Lion Guard” or “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” that run continuously, beginning a new episode automatically after the previous one ends.
How Many Live Channels Are Available on Disney+ Now?
It’s hard to say for sure, because the streamer has not organized these channels in a single hub yet. As of now, it appears the live channel inventory is limited to kids’ shows like those listed above, with the exception of the ABC News Live First channel.
Disney has pledged that more channels based on themes like Seasonal Content, Epic Stories — which will feature Marvel and Star Wars content — Throwbacks, and Real Life are coming to Disney+ at some point in the future, so it appears that live channels on the streamer won’t always be restricted to single shows.
Do Live Channels on Disney+ Come with Ads?
As of now, the live channels on Disney+ are only available to ad-free Premium subscribers. I watched an episode of “The Lion Guard” from start to finish to see whether or not it came with ads on my Premium account, and did not see a commercial break anywhere during the stream.
If and when these channels are rolled out to ad-supported Disney+ customers, it’s almost certain that they will include ad breaks. Generating new ad revenue any way it can is key for Disney as its linear channels continue to lose viewers and it increasingly relies on streamers to make up the difference.
Are Shows on Live Disney+ Channels Still Available On-Demand?
Yes, viewers can still opt to watch any of the titles used to create Disney+ live channels on-demand if they wish. When a visitor clicks a live channel tile on the Disney+ home screen, they are directed to either start watching the title or to head to a “Details” page. Clicking “Details” brings the viewer to a hub where they can either choose the livestream or watch episodes on-demand.
Are There Any Hulu Live Channels on Disney+?
As of now, there don’t appear to be any live channels dedicated to Hulu programming on Disney+. That could change in the future; Disney+ began adding Hulu titles in January, and officially launched the Hulu on Disney+ experience in March. Subscribers of both services can now watch most Hulu titles on the Disney+ app.
Will Disney+ Launch a Live Sports Channel in the Future?
Disney is planning to launch a new ESPN tile on Disney+ later this year, which CEO Bob Iger has said will have a “modest amount of programming” sourced from the linear family of ESPN networks. It would make plenty of sense for this programming to come in the form of a live channel, but we’re still waiting for more details from the company on that new content ahead of its December rollout.
Why is Disney+ Adding Live Channels?
Live channels are a good way for a streamer to boost engagement since they take the burden of choice out of the consumers’ hands and allow them to simply sit back and watch pre-selected programming. A report from earlier this year indicated that Disney was focused on boosting the time customers spend with the streamer, since the more indispensable it becomes the less likely customers are to cancel their subscription.
Do Live Channels Cost Extra to Stream on Disney+?
No, the live channels are available as part of a Disney+ Premium subscription, and there’s no need to pay an extra fee to watch them.
Disney+
Disney+ is a video streaming service with over 13,000 series and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Muppets, and more. It is available in 61 countries and 21 languages. It is notable for its popular original series like “The Mandalorian,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Loki,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and “Andor.”