Disney, $DIS, raises streaming prices for Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+

The price increases, which will take effect on October 17, are designed to enhance Disney’s top-line streaming revenue and ideally boost profitability. The pricing for the recently launched Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery will remain unchanged for now, and the Disney+/Hulu Premium no-ads bundle will stay at $19.99 per month.

In its price hike announcement on Tuesday, Disney revealed that starting September 4, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to the ABC News Live streaming channel and a playlist centered on preschool content. Disney+ Premium (no ads) subscribers will receive four additional curated playlists later in the fall.

“With this expanded offering and new ways to enjoy your favorite Disney+ content, Disney subscription plans continue to be among the best values in streaming today,” the company stated in the announcement.

The introduction of these new playlist features and the addition of ABC News Live appear to be an effort to ease the impact of the price increases on the streaming packages. The ad-supported Disney+ will rise by $2 to $9.99 per month, while Disney+ Premium (no ads) will also see a $2 increase to $15.99 per month. Hulu with ads will now be $9.99 per month (up $2), and the ad-free Hulu will rise by $1 to $18.99 per month.