Disney Will Soar in 2025 and Beyond Thanks to This 1 Thing
Monday, Feb 3, 2025 8:23 pm ET
In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, one company has consistently risen above the competition: The Walt Disney Company. As we approach 2025, one thing stands out as the driving force behind Disney's expected growth and success: its direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, particularly the expansion and dominance of its streaming services, led by Disney+.

Disney+ launched in late 2019, and within just five years, it has amassed over 150 million subscribers worldwide. This rapid growth can be attributed to several key factors that set Disney+ apart from its competitors.
Firstly, Disney+ offers an extensive library of content from Disney's iconic brands, including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. This vast array of high-quality, exclusive content has been a significant draw for subscribers. Additionally, Disney+ has invested heavily in original content, with hits like "The Mandalorian" and "WandaVision" driving subscriber growth and engagement.
Secondly, Disney+ has expanded rapidly, reaching over 80 countries and leading to a significant increase in subscriber counts. This global expansion has allowed Disney to tap into new markets and attract a broader audience. As of late 2024, Disney+ had around 154 million viewers, surpassing the company's initial projections of 60 to 90 million subscribers by 2024.
NOA, EEA, APWC, DIS
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Thirdly, Disney+ has successfully implemented an ad-supported tier, which has become a major revenue driver for the streaming service. With around 60 percent of new subscribers and 37 percent of total U.S. subscribers choosing this option, the ad-supported tier has helped increase ad revenue, estimated to grow by over 300 million U.S. dollars between 2023 and 2025 in the U.S. alone.
Lastly, Disney+ has become profitable, with a combined profit of $47 million in Q2 2024 and $321 million in Q4 2024. This profitability marks a significant milestone for Disney, as it continues to invest more in streaming. The narrowing losses and eventual profitability of the streaming business demonstrate the success of Disney's DTC strategy.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, Disney's direct-to-consumer strategy, particularly the continued growth and success of Disney+, will be the driving force behind the company's expected growth. By leveraging its strong brand, exclusive content, and unique offerings, Disney can maintain its market position and attract new subscribers in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.
In conclusion, Disney's expected growth in 2025 and beyond is largely attributable to its direct-to-consumer strategy, with Disney+ at the forefront. By focusing on content quality, global expansion, ad-supported tiers, and profitability, Disney is well-positioned to continue its success in the streaming market. As we enter the next chapter in the entertainment industry, Disney's commitment to innovation and investment in its DTC strategy will be the key to its continued dominance.