Pluto TV

Disney Considers Free Ad-Supported Streaming Tier

During Disney’s quarterly earnings call on August 5, 2026, CEO Josh D’Amaro reiterated that the company is exploring a free streaming tier as a way to attract more price-sensitive viewers and drive top-of-funnel growth for paid subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. Disney executives view a free offering as a funnel to paid subscriptions and as a way to expand ad inventory, which D’Amaro said could accelerate ad revenue growth. The company positions Disney+ as the digital centerpiece for fan engagement and data collection, enabling additional revenue streams such as games, merchandise and personalized subscriber benefits. No specific product or launch date was announced; the comments confirm strategic consideration of ad-supported/free offerings amid competitive pressure from growing free services.

Paramount+ Adds 2M Subscribers; Q2 Revenue $6.9B

Paramount Skydance Corporation reported second-quarter 2026 results showing continued streaming growth after the Skydance merger. Paramount+ added 2 million subscribers to reach 81.6 million worldwide, with average revenue per user up roughly 12% year-over-year; direct-to-consumer revenue rose to $2.5 billion and DTC adjusted EBITDA grew to $366 million (14.8% margin). Company-wide revenue was $6.9 billion (up ~1%), while adjusted EBITDA increased 27% to $1.1 billion. Studios revenue improved and swung to positive adjusted EBITDA; television media revenue declined due to softer advertising and affiliate fees but margins strengthened through cost controls. Management raised a $2.7 billion enterprise efficiency target, guided full-year 2026 revenue to about $30 billion with adjusted EBITDA of $3.8–$3.9 billion, and reported regulatory clearances in 65 jurisdictions for the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition, expected by end of Q3 2026 subject to remaining conditions.

Pluto TV Adds Five New Live Channels

Pluto TV expanded its free ad-supported streaming lineup in August 2026 by launching five new live linear channels — Pluto Royal Drama, El Rey Rebel, Ghosts, Pluto Quirky AF, and Pluto Action/Drama — aimed at drama, comedy, action and niche-themed programming. The additions reflect Pluto TV’s strategy of offering continuous, genre-focused linear streams alongside on-demand content to increase engagement without subscription fees. The article recounts Pluto TV’s origin in 2013 (public beta March 31, 2014), its January 2019 acquisition by Viacom for about $340 million (completed March 2019), and subsequent expansion under Viacom, Paramount Global, and now described as part of Paramount Skydance. The channel rollout is presented as part of seasonal refreshes intended to retain and attract viewers in the competitive free streaming (FAST/AVOD) landscape.