Disney+ debuts ad-supported service in UK, announces Disney+ Premium 4k plan

Disney+ will launch an ad-supported streaming plan across Europe, starting November 1, the company announced first at an Earnings call overnight. It's also increasing the cost of streaming UHD and immersive audio.

One of three new tiers, the Standard ad-supported HD package will be available for £4.99 monthly, with a new Premium 4k with Dolby Atmos plan at £10.99 monthly.

Standard with Ads will offer video quality up to 1080p and sound up to 5.1 surround, with two concurrent streams. The ad-free Standard will cost £7.99 monthly, or £79.90 annually. This also supports video up to 1080p and 5.1 on two concurrent streams, but adds the ability to download shows.

A new Disney+ Premium package will video up to 4k HDR with expanded IMAX Aspect ratio and Dolby Atmos audio, and supports four concurrent streams and also allows downloads.

Existing customers will remain on their current subscription, which is being renamed Disney+ Premium and will have the option to switch to the Standard Plan or Standard with Ads Plan. Existing customers who choose not to switch will be billed the more expensive price starting from their next billing cycle on or after December 6.

The move follows the brand's first ad-tier launch in the US.

Starting November 1, the new Standard with Ads, in addition to Standard and Premium subscription plans, will be available in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Jan Koeppen, President of The Walt Disney Company EMEA said "The introduction of the ad-supported plan marks the next evolution for Disney+ in the UK, as we provide greater choice for our customers and our world-class advertising partners alike. Disney+ continues to set itself apart in today's streaming landscape, offering unrivalled value, genre-defining TV series and blockbuster movies set within a simple and seamless experience”.

Disney+ will continue to offer content from its six brands: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star.