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D-Day for Disney – will subscribers surge?
Disney+ Day is finally here, marking two years since the birth of the streaming platform. After reporting slow streaming growth, will this be Disney’s happily ever after?
Disneyland is renowned as the happiest place on earth, but maybe not on wall street.
Disney has reported slow streaming growth in its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday after-the-bell.
It’s probably its laggiest in terms of subscriber growth since Disney Plus launched back in 2019.
The company did reach a total of one hundred and 18 million subscribers, which is in line with its estimates.
CEO Bob Chapek said the segment’s growth had “hit some headwinds” and that Disney expected to add “low single-digit millions” of subs into the fourth quarter.
Now, this really isn’t much of a surprise, back in September, Disney warned of a slowdown in growth due to COVID-19
Is Disney still on track to meet subscriber targets?
Well, Disney certainly thinks so.
During the company’s earnings call, Chapek said the company’s goal of reaching 230 million to 260 million Disney+ subscribers by 2024 is still firm.
“We remain focused on managing our DTC business for the long term, not quarter to quarter,” Chapek said. International expansion and new content are the primary drivers for the company to reach that target, Chapek told CNBC.
Is Disney+ Day D-Day?
Disney plus day falls on November 12th, AKA the birthday of the streaming service.
There is exclusive new trailers, announcements, and discounts, with special appearances from stars and creators too.
Most importantly – a prime opportunity to boost subs.
The company said Quarter 4 will be the first time in Disney plus history that it will release original content throughout the quarter from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and even Nat Geo.
Unlike Netflix’s Tudum and Warner Bros’ DC Fandome events, Disney Plus Day won’t be available to watch on YouTube or Twitch.
Instead, Disney Plus subscribers will see a live presentation exclusively on Disney Plus, which will reveal more concerning any first look trailers and clips, star appearances and extra content.
Disney+ Day will market some impressive deals for a limited time, with the aim to boost subs.
From now until November 14, Disney is offering a one-month subscription for just $1.99.
Given that it usually costs $7.99 per month, it’s an incredible saving for people who have been thinking of signing up to the service, but unsure if they wanted to add another streaming subscription to the mix.
The company is hoping for promising results come the next earning call.