Disney Plus Hits 73.7 Million Subscribers Globally?

Yes, Disney Plus reported 73.7 million paid subscribers globally as of May 4, 2020, according to The Walt Disney Company’s Q2 FY2020 earnings release. This figure, announced on May 5, 2020, represented a significant jump from the 33.5 million subscribers reported in February 2020, driven largely by stay-at-home orders during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The number has since grown substantially, but this milestone marked a key moment in the streaming service’s rapid expansion.

Background: Disney Plus Launch and Early Growth

Disney Plus launched on November 12, 2019, in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands. It expanded to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland in March 2020, and to additional European markets in April 2020. The service was priced at $6.99 per month (or $69.99 per year) in the US, which was notably lower than competitors like Netflix and HBO Now. Disney’s strategy combined its vast library of classic films, Pixar titles, Marvel movies, Star Wars content, and National Geographic programming with original series like The Mandalorian, which premiered at launch and became a cultural phenomenon.

The 73.7 million figure was disclosed in Disney’s quarterly earnings report for the fiscal second quarter of 2020 (ending March 28, 2020), but the company updated it to reflect subscribers as of May 4, 2020. This update was unusual because Disney typically reports subscriber counts at the end of a quarter, but the company chose to provide a more current number given the rapid growth. The announcement sent Disney’s stock price up by about 7% in after-hours trading, as the subscriber count exceeded most analyst expectations.

How the Subscriber Count Was Calculated

Disney’s reported subscriber numbers include all paying customers who have access to Disney Plus, whether they pay directly or receive the service through a bundle (e.g., Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). The company counts each individual plan as one subscriber, not per household or per user. For example, a family subscribing to Disney Plus under one account counts as one subscriber, even if multiple family members use it.

It’s important to note that the 73.7 million figure did not include subscribers from India’s Hotstar, which was rebranded as Disney+ Hotstar in April 2020. In India, Disney Plus was offered as a premium tier within the existing Hotstar streaming service, and those users were counted separately. If Hotstar subscribers had been included, the total would have been higher—Disney later reported that Disney+ Hotstar had around 8 million subscribers by May 2020, bringing the combined total to roughly 81.7 million.

Why the Subscriber Count Grew So Fast

Several factors contributed to the explosive growth from 33.5 million to 73.7 million in just a few months:

• COVID-19 lockdowns: With people staying home, streaming demand surged globally. Disney Plus launched in several European markets right as lockdowns began, which likely boosted sign-ups.
• Bundling with other Disney services: In the US, Disney offered a bundle of Disney Plus, Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month, which was attractive to households that wanted multiple streaming options.
• Strong content library: Disney’s deep catalog of beloved films and shows, including Frozen, The Simpsons, and Marvel movies, appealed to families and nostalgic adults alike.
• Original programming: The Mandalorian was a major draw, particularly the second season that premiered later in 2020. The show’s popularity, especially the character Baby Yoda (Grogu), generated massive word-of-mouth.
• Free trials and promotions: Disney offered free trials (7 days in the US) and partnered with telecom providers like Verizon in the US to give free subscriptions to customers, which boosted sign-ups.

How Disney Plus Compares to Competitors

At the time of the 73.7 million announcement, Disney Plus had become the second-largest streaming service by subscribers, trailing only Netflix, which had around 183 million global subscribers in early 2020. Amazon Prime Video had an estimated 150 million members (though that number includes Prime subscriptions, not just video viewers), and Hulu had about 32 million subscribers. Disney Plus’s rapid growth was unprecedented for a new service; it took Netflix over a decade to reach similar subscriber counts.

By the end of 2020, Disney Plus had surpassed 86 million subscribers, and by March 2022, it hit 129.8 million. The service continued to grow, reaching 153.6 million by October 2022, but then saw a slight decline in early 2023 due to price increases and market saturation. As of late 2023, Disney Plus (excluding Hotstar) had around 112 million subscribers, reflecting a mature phase after the initial boom.

Common Misconceptions About the 73.7 Million Figure

One common misconception is that the 73.7 million subscribers were all in the United States. In reality, the figure was global, with a significant portion coming from international markets, especially Europe and India (via Hotstar, though those were counted separately at the time). Another misconception is that the number represented active users or households. Disney counted each subscription, not individual users, so a single household with multiple profiles still counted as one subscriber.

Some also assumed that the 73.7 million included free trial subscribers. Disney did not publicly break out how many were on free trials, but it’s likely that a portion of the sign-ups were trial users who may not have converted to paid subscriptions. The company’s reported numbers typically include all subscribers who have access to the service, regardless of whether they are on a promotional or discounted plan.

What the Subscriber Count Meant for Disney’s Business

The 73.7 million subscriber milestone was a major validation of Disney’s direct-to-consumer strategy. The company had pivoted away from relying solely on cable TV and box office revenue, investing heavily in streaming. The subscriber growth helped offset losses in other parts of the business during the pandemic, such as theme parks and theatrical releases. Disney’s stock price reacted positively, and the company’s management expressed confidence in hitting its long-term target of 60-90 million subscribers by 2024, which it actually surpassed much earlier.

However, the rapid growth also came with costs. Disney spent heavily on content production for Disney Plus, and the service didn’t turn a profit until 2023. The company also faced challenges in managing subscriber churn, as many users canceled after finishing a popular show. Despite that, the subscriber base remained strong, and Disney continued to invest in exclusive content like WandaVision, Loki, and Encanto to retain viewers.

How to Check Current Disney Plus Subscriber Numbers

If you want to see the latest subscriber numbers, you can check Disney’s quarterly earnings reports, which are published on the company’s investor relations website. These reports typically include a breakdown of Disney Plus subscribers by region (e.g., US/Canada, international, and Disney+ Hotstar). Alternatively, reputable news outlets like The Verge, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter often summarize the key figures. Keep in mind that Disney sometimes updates subscriber counts between quarters, as it did in May 2020, so the most current number may differ from the last official report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Disney Plus really hit 73.7 million subscribers in May 2020?

Yes, Disney announced on May 5, 2020, that Disney Plus had 73.7 million paid subscribers as of May 4, 2020. This was an update to the 33.5 million reported in February 2020, reflecting rapid growth during the early pandemic.

Does the 73.7 million include Disney+ Hotstar subscribers?

No, the 73.7 million figure excluded Disney+ Hotstar subscribers in India. Disney reported Hotstar separately at the time, with about 8 million subscribers, bringing the combined total to roughly 81.7 million.

How many subscribers does Disney Plus have now?

As of late 2023, Disney Plus (excluding Hotstar) had around 112 million subscribers globally. The number fluctuates quarterly, so it’s best to check the latest earnings report for the most current figure.

Why did Disney Plus grow so fast in 2020?

The growth was driven by COVID-19 lockdowns, the launch in new markets, strong content like The Mandalorian, competitive pricing, and bundling with Hulu and ESPN+.

Is Disney Plus the largest streaming service?

No, Netflix remains the largest streaming service by subscribers, with over 200 million as of 2023. Disney Plus is second, though it has occasionally surpassed Netflix in specific regions or in total Disney streaming subscribers (including Hulu and ESPN+).

How can I find the exact subscriber count for Disney Plus?

You can find official numbers in Disney’s quarterly earnings press releases, available on the company’s investor relations website. These reports include detailed subscriber breakdowns by service and region.

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