Disney+, the popular streaming service, is reportedly planning to introduce ‘Channels’ to its platform. This move is seen as a strategy to increase viewer engagement and the time subscribers spend on the app. The introduction of Channels is part of the broader focus of streaming services to shift from merely increasing subscriber numbers to actually generating revenue.
The concept behind this is that Disney+ aims to keep its subscribers engaged even after they have finished watching their desired shows. For instance, after watching new episodes of ‘The Mandalorian’ or ‘X-Men ‘97’, viewers might be enticed to stay on the platform longer and potentially view some ads.
Disney already offers free live Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels through its ABC app, which features a diverse array of ABC shows including news, soap operas, game shows, and true crime. However, the new venture will be a bit different. The proposed FAST channels on Disney+ will likely require viewers to be Disney+ subscribers.
The new channels are expected to feel very much like other FAST channels, potentially grouping content such as “classic Disney animated movies or animated films made by Pixar,” as well as Marvel or Star Wars content. There is no confirmed timeline for when these FAST channels may be introduced to Disney+, but given the company’s measured approach to integrating Hulu into the streamer, sudden changes are not anticipated.
Read more at: gizmodo.com