Disney can now boast of 221 million total streaming subscribers worldwide, which is more than Netflix's 220.7 million. However, Netflix is still the largest individual streaming service.
Disney+ added 14.4 million additional subscribers in the second quarter of 2022 to reach 152.1 million worldwide. Combined with Hulu and ESPN+, Disney has surpassed Netflix in total streaming subscribers.
- "We had an excellent quarter, with our world-class creative and business teams powering outstanding performance at our domestic theme parks, big increases in live-sports viewership, and significant subscriber growth at our streaming services. With 14.4 million Disney+ subscribers added in the fiscal third quarter, we now have 221 million total subscriptions across our streaming offerings," said Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
During the quarter, Disney+ expanded to 42 additional countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Disney+ is now available in over 100 countries.
In most regions, Disney+ has six content hubs including Star with content from 20th Century Studios, Hulu and FX
Netflix still bigger than Disney+ alone
Netflix has seen its global subscriber base shrink in the first half of 2022, from 221.8 million to 220.67 million this summer. Netflix expects to add 1 million in the third quarter so Disney will likely remain in the lead for the time being.
Disney does see some challenges ahead for Disney+, though. The Disney+ growth forecast was reduced from 230-260 million to 215-245 million by 2025.
Both companies are planning to introduce ad-supported streaming plans in the near future.
Also read: Disney+ to raise prices and introduce ad-supported plan in December
However, Netflix (220.7m) is still the leading individual streaming service ahead of Amazon Prime Video (unknown), Disney+ (152.1m), HBO Max (76.8m as of Q1), Hulu (46.2m), Paramount+ (43.3m), Apple TV+ (unknown), and others.
