Price hikes, ads and lower quality: has ‘streamflation’ ruined the TV experience?
US consumers are increasingly reconsidering streaming as Disney raises prices for most Disney+ and Hulu plans and bundles. The changes come amid frequent increases across the industry, including repeated Apple TV+ hikes and higher Peacock bills since summer 2025, while subscribers also face advertising and concerns about catalog size and service quality.
US consumers are starting to opt out of streaming as several services raise prices without offering many additional benefits.
Disney has increased prices for most Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions and bundles, whether they include advertising or not. Some bundles will keep the same price only if they use the ad-supported versions of both services, along with ESPN.
Disney’s terms of service say the company may place advertising before or after programming on any subscription tier.
Price increases have become frequent across the streaming industry. Apple has raised its prices four times in four years, while Peacock subscribers have seen increases of $5 or $6 per month since summer 2025, including another increase last month.
Netflix has not raised prices since March 2026, according to the report.
THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND
What conditions would cause consumers to return to streaming services after opting out?
How much of the price increases is being directed toward programming rather than advertising or platform operations?
What alternatives are available to viewers who want to avoid both higher prices and ad-supported plans?
Could repeated price increases change how consumers value smaller streaming catalogs?
YOUR QUESTION
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GLOBAL CURIOSITY MAP · JULY 2026