Latest news! Disney+ offers new promotions, Roku and Apple TV+ partner up again, Max adds CNN Max to its plans, and more
Reviewed by Multiscreens+ | Prices, Plans & BundlesToday, our team of experts works analyzing more than 2,600 streaming platforms in more than 140 countries around the world, detecting every day any changes in prices, new offers and commercial alliances. Our commitment is to provide accurate and updated information optimizing your experience in the streaming market. With us, you will have access to a comprehensive analysis that will allow you to always be one step ahead of your competitors and enjoy all the news of the market.
Disney+ with new strategies to gain subscribers
During the month of September, Disney+ had some big surprises in store for its users, including the release of exciting new titles. Among these, the latest Pixar movie, ‘Elemental’, and the continuation of its successful Star Wars series, ‘Ahsoka’, stand out.
The strategy of announcing certain titles in a ‘coming soon’ category has proven to be effective because it generates clear anticipation and piques the interest of users. This tactic not only keeps the platform in the minds of current subscribers but also attracts the attention of new enthusiasts.
To further enhance this, Disney+ is offering an exceptional discount that will undoubtedly attract a wider audience. Subscribers will be able to benefit from a 75% discount for the first 3 months, an offer that will be available worldwide (except for France, where the offered discount is only 25% for 3 months). The promotion will be valid from September 6th to September 20th.
It’s important to note that this offer applies to the Disney+ Basic, Ad-supported monthly plan in the United States and the monthly plans in the rest of the world. This is a strategy that was successfully implemented last year in all the countries where the platform operates.
New Disney plan offers Hulu and Disney+ without advertising
The North American platform has introduced a new plan in collaboration with Hulu, allowing users to enjoy content from both services without advertisements for a combined price of USD 19.99 per month. It’s essential to note that both OTTs are owned by The Walt Disney Company.
The collaboration with Hulu in this new plan simplifies subscription management by consolidating payments into a single bill. This way, users can save up to 23%. The option to subscribe to both platforms together retains subscribers for a more extended period and encourages interaction with other related services, strengthening the company’s competitiveness in the streaming market.
Roku and Apple TV+, the alliance that offers 3 months of free streaming
The alliance between Apple TV+ and Roku is once again available, offering a unique opportunity to streaming platform owners. This collaboration was present for a few months of the year but then disappeared, and it now returns with an enticing incentive. Users who sign up for Apple TV+ through Roku will be able to access the service for free for 3 months.
Apple TV+ offers different trial periods for its users based on various criteria. Those who subscribe directly to Apple TV+ enjoy a 7-day free trial. If they purchase an Apple device, they can access a 3-month free trial. On the other hand, Apple One plan subscribers and Apple Music customers are entitled to a 1-month free trial. However, this alliance with Roku differs from the offers mentioned earlier because you don’t need to be an Apple TV customer to take advantage of it.
The benefit of this collaboration is clear: Roku device owners who seize this offer have the opportunity to explore the Apple TV+ platform for free for 3 months. This allows them to discover the content and the Apple TV+ experience, which could lead to more subscriptions once the free period ends, offering a more comprehensive experience to Roku device owners.
This offer is available until December 3rd in several countries, including Argentina, the United States, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, and Nicaragua, significantly expanding its reach and providing more users with the opportunity to explore the OTT for free for 3 months.
Max adds CNN Max to its subscription plans
Since September 27th, Warner Bros. Discovery has incorporated CNN Max, its live news channel, into its Max streaming platform in the United States. This way, they are offering continuous news streaming for free to all subscribers, regardless of their subscription plan. This strategic move by WBD adds to the growing popularity of live streaming services, allowing users to stay up to date with current events and news without the need for a cable subscription.
CNN’s foray into the streaming platform market is not new. When CNN was still under AT&T’s control in March 2022, they launched an independent OTT service called CNN+. However, it had a short-lived existence as it was canceled when Warner Bros. Discovery took over.
Netflix partners with telecommunications operators in Mexico
Considering the current trend in which consumers are opting to cancel their cable TV subscriptions in favor of streaming packages, Netflix has adopted a strategic approach to expanding its commercial partnerships with telecommunications companies. This strategy has been implemented not only in Mexico but also in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru in recent years.
On September 21st, Megacable, a telecommunications company in Mexico, announced a new way to access Netflix. Now, customers can add the Netflix Standard plan with ads to all double-pack (internet and landline) and triple-pack (TV, internet, and landline) packages. Previously, customers had to pay for Netflix separately through their Megacable bill.
These plans offer a range of options with prices ranging from MXN 410 to MXN 1,270, providing customers with the flexibility to access both Megacable services and Netflix in one place. This strategic focus on consolidating streaming services into telecommunications packages aligns with the growing consumer demand while representing a significant shift in how content is accessed and enjoyed in Mexico and other countries in the region.
It’s important to note that the Mexican company also has commercial agreements with other major platforms such as Disney+, Star+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount+. In addition to Megacable, Netflix has established partnerships in Mexico with other renowned telecommunications companies such as IZZI, Dish, Telmex, Telnor, AT&T, and Mvshub. These commercial agreements strengthen Netflix’s position as a leading streaming platform, collaborating with the country’s major telecommunications companies.
TVN Play introduces TVOD and more
The Chilean platform TVN Play has taken a step forward by introducing the buy and rent model (TVOD). Until now, it had focused exclusively on offering content through subscriptions, except in Chile, where it also had free Ad-supported content (AVOD). This new model allows users to access specific content through individual transactions.
For its launch, they chose the series ‘Los Mil Días de Allende’, an original production from the Chilean state broadcaster TVN, which is now available for purchase in all countries where the platform operates. It’s worth noting that this initiative has been followed by the Riivi platform in Chile, which has also started offering the series using the same TVOD business model.
With this expansion into TVOD, the Chilean platform provides users with flexible options to access specific content while generating direct revenue for each transaction. It’s an option that complements subscription models and can be beneficial for both consumers and streaming companies.
ViX’s new annual plan in Colombia
On August 30th, the introduction of a new annual plan on the platform in Colombia was detected. For this plan, ViX offers the first year of subscription at a price of COP 124,900 or USD 31.99 (plus applicable taxes). After the initial period, it will automatically renew at the non-promotional subscription price in effect on the renewal date.
This initiative allows users to achieve significant savings of 54% compared to standard subscription rates. It’s worth noting that the annual plan is also available in Mexico, the United States, and Puerto Rico, starting in late April 2023.
The new plan can result in higher subscriber engagement as they can enjoy the platform and save on their entertainment expenses. Additionally, it benefits the company by potentially reducing the cancellation rate and providing greater revenue predictability through annual subscriptions.
NBA League Pass introduces enhanced plans
On September 12th, NBA League Pass introduced 2 new Premium plans: one for monthly subscription and another for the season. The key difference with the previous League Pass plan is that these new plans allow simultaneous viewing on up to 3 devices. This improvement in features has resulted in a price increase, ranging from 27% to 35% compared to the previous plans.
Additionally, season-length subscription plans have been reactivated as the 2023-2024 NBA season is about to begin. These plans are available in all countries with access to the platform.
By offering a variety of subscription options, the company provides customers with the flexibility to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget. Furthermore, this strategy has the potential to attract a broader user base.
Currently, the platform offers a promotion with a 20% discount on the annual subscription for both plans, reducing the NFL+ plan to USD 39.99 and the Premium plan to USD 79.99.
One free month of soccer with Apple TV+
Starting on September 17th, a special offer was launched: one free month of MLS SEASON PASS for all countries where MLS plans are available. This promotion is activated by using a promotional code, which was shared by Lionel Messi on his official Instagram account and will expire on October 31st. With this subscription, users can enjoy all the remaining matches of the MLS season. To take advantage of this offer, an Apple ID with a registered payment method is required. This strategy could help Apple TV+ retain more subscribers and increase exposure. Additionally, it could strengthen its brand image by associating with a prominent figure like Messi and a sport as popular as soccer.
When examining the business models of both platforms, it is observed that both provide the possibility to enjoy their content in Full HD. They also share a subscription plan structure that offers various options for users. These include a monthly plan at BRL 19.99, an annual subscription priced at BRL 199.99, and a free plan with advertising.
Totalplay and Apple TV+ offer free MLS Season Pass
Totalplay is making a mark in the Mexican market with an enticing offer: free access to the Apple TV+ MLS Season Pass for 4 months. The promotion is valid from August 17th until November 30th, 2023. This initiative applies to both new subscriptions and reactivated ones. It’s not surprising that Totalplay is at the forefront of commercial partnerships, as they also have commercial agreements with other renowned platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Star+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Paramount+, Fox Sports, and NBA League Pass. It’s worth noting that Totalplay is one of the first telecommunications companies in the country to have a commercial partnership with Apple TV+.
This strategy underscores how consumers are seeking more comprehensive and accessible entertainment experiences. Totalplay, by catering to its customers’ demand for soccer, is aligning with the trend of unifying multiple entertainment offerings in one place. This creates added value for streaming platform owners, allowing them to reach a broader audience through strategic partnerships with telecommunications companies.
Rate updates in Argentina
NBA League Pass hadn’t increased its prices since January, Paramount+ since April, Amazon Prime Video and Mubi since May, and Teatrix and Cablevisión Flow since August.
Note: The prices listed in this message are those reported by the streaming platforms.
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