Disney to Integrate Hulu into Disney+ by 2026, Unifying Streaming Services Under One App

Disney plans to shut down the standalone Hulu app by 2026 and integrate Hulu content into Disney+, aiming to simplify its offerings and improve user experience. Hulu originals, licensed content, and live TV options will continue to be available through the new Disney+ platform. Subscribers will have access to different subscription options, but will no longer need to switch between multiple apps. Internationally, Disney will retire the "Star" content hub and replace it with Hulu branding. The decision is driven by Disney's strategy to streamline user experience and reduce churn.

Title: Disney to Fully Integrate Hulu into Disney+ by 2026

Disney has announced plans to fully integrate Hulu into its Disney+ streaming service by 2026, aiming to simplify its offerings and enhance the user experience. The move comes as Disney takes a strategic step to streamline its streaming portfolio and reduce churn [1].

According to Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston, the integration will result in a unified app that combines Disney+ and Hulu content, including Hulu originals, licensed content, and live TV options. Subscribers will have access to different subscription options but will no longer need to switch between multiple apps. This integration is expected to lower churn and improve operational efficiencies, potentially saving the company significant costs [2].

Internationally, Disney plans to retire the "Star" content hub and replace it with Hulu branding. This marks the first major international expansion for Hulu, which has long been targeted as a global entertainment brand. The decision follows Disney's recent acquisition of Comcast's stake in Hulu, finalizing Disney's full ownership of the streaming service [3].

The integration of Hulu into Disney+ is part of Disney's broader strategy to double down on streaming as a key pillar of growth. Disney's stock was down 2% in premarket trading on Wednesday, but it has seen a 6% increase year-to-date. The company's entertainment direct-to-consumer business is expected to contribute $1.3 billion to full-year profits, an increase from the previous estimate of $1 billion [2].

The move is also part of Disney's efforts to create a more personalized and convenient streaming experience for its subscribers. By combining Hulu and Disney+ into a single app, Disney aims to provide a more seamless viewing experience, reducing user frustration and increasing engagement.

The integration of Hulu into Disney+ is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Disney will continue to provide information on the profitability of its entertainment direct-to-consumer segment but will no longer report quarterly subscriber numbers and average revenue per user stats for its streaming services.

References

[1] https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/hulu-app-phased-out-disney-plus-fully-integrating-1236480450/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-become-1-starting-next-122011556.html
[3] https://deadline.com/2025/08/hulu-to-become-international-tile-on-disney-replacing-star-1236479835/