Disney+ is going where no recently released streaming service has gone before. While HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock, and Apple TV+ fight for new subscribers, Disney+ has used its top notch classic content and hot franchises to reach half of Netflix’s subscriber base. In only 16 months.
Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company shared the news during the company’s annual shareholders meeting:
The enormous success of Disney+ — which has now surpassed 100 million subscribers—has inspired us to be even more ambitious, and to significantly increase our investment in the development of high-quality content.
In fact, we set a target of 100+ new titles per year, and this includes Disney Animation, Disney Live-Action, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Our direct-to-consumer business is the Company’s top priority, and our robust pipeline of content will continue to fuel its growth.
Even though Netflix leads with 200+ million subscribers, 100 million in less than two years means Disney+ is catching up fast. This is mostly due to their Star Wars and Marvel content. Not only are these possibly the two most popular franchises on the planet, their seasons so far have been higher quality than most Netflix shows.
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The Pandemic also surely helped, with Pixar movies and the like meant for theatres showing up for free on the platform. I’m sure most parents have looked to the streaming service to help entertain their kids who can’t even go to school.
We actually discussed this recently on Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast. Unlike Disney, Netflix doesn’t seem to have a clear brand. None of their content is as popular as Star Wars or Marvel. We literally called Amazon Walmart, Netflix Target, and Disney+ Apple (sorry Apple TV+) as far as quality of content vs diversity of content.
Yes, Amazon Prime has closer to 150 subscribers, but we all know most people use it for shipping and don’t watch their original or classic content. Honestly, aside from The Boys and Fleabag, everything else is underwhelming.
So, cheers to Disney+! I cannot wait for them to deliver Falcon and the Winter Soldier next week!
