Blake Jesse’s Post

Disney is stepping up its game in the streaming world! According to Variety, Disney's streaming platforms are getting a major technical upgrade to rival Netflix. Bob Iger, Disney's former CEO, shared insights into the company's strategy for enhancing user experience and content delivery. With this move, Disney is doubling down on its commitment to providing top-notch streaming services. As the competition in the streaming space heats up, Disney is making sure it stays ahead of the curve. This development is not just about technical improvements; it's about offering viewers an unparalleled streaming experience. As consumers continue to embrace streaming as their go-to entertainment source, it's essential for companies like Disney to innovate and adapt. #Disney #Streaming #NetflixRival #Entertainment #Innovation #BobIger #Variety #TechUpgrade

Disney finally posted their first profitable quarter for their streaming wing (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), and they beat their own guidance by 2Q. Why is this a big deal? The company has spent tens of billions of dollars on building their platforms since its first commitment to streaming. This mostly includes series development, staffing, marketing, and licensing content (probably mostly for Bluey 😂). In an era where consumer access to entertainment is easier than it ever has been by a magnitude that is tough to fathom for younger audiences, Disney knew that it couldn't rely solely on exclusivity and scarcity of its creations. They were losing home viewing share to companies like Netflix and Amazon at a rate they couldn't afford to sustain. While they knew there would be a seriously steep loss leader in entering the sector, but in order to continue to be a leader in entertainment, they had to endure quarter after quarter of losses. This generation of content production has mostly been about acquiring users in exchange for R&D spend. Disney is proving that there is a shelf life to that arrangement and it bodes well for the streaming industry as a whole, especially for up-and-coming players. Do other studios or brands have the same level of fandom? I think WB/Discovery is most intriguing company to watch in the space, as it is taking a much different approach from Disney at this point in its operation. Will WB/Discovery's austerity prove profitable or will users still prefer to expect rising prices with the cost investment needed for perpetual content creation?

The land of Mickey is making changes. For ages, Disney has focused on signing up subscribers as a way to disrupt Netflix and the streaming business. The entertainment giant is now changing tactics by providing a more Netflix-like experience at Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ in order to reach profitability. Addictive vs engaging...there's a fine line between addictive and engaging content. Disney is walking that line to keep viewers subscribed, and it's attempting to find some balance by emulating streaming leader, Netflix. At a high level and this is true for all streaming services, there are essentially three buckets to consider: content strategy, personalization, and interconnectivity. In terms of content strategy, Disney+ viewers are already seeing those changes. Like Netflix, Disney+ is pumping out a lot of content, with new shows and movies added regularly, which gives viewers a reason to keep coming back to see what's new. An important element here is variety. Disney+ is offering a wide variety of content, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic, alongside their classic library. An interesting twist if you will is Disney's strategy towards serial releases. Similar to Netflix, Disney+ is moving away from traditional all-at-once releases for some shows and leveraging staggered episode releases to viewers engaged over a longer period. Personalization is more important than ever, and this is an area that Netflix has arguably struggled with. For example, recommendations or suggested content are often more miss than hit on Netflix. Better algorithms may be a key area for Disney+ to stand out in terms of serving up and suggesting shows and movies viewers might enjoy based on their watch history. Done in conjunction with its focus on variety, Disney+ has the opportunity in differentiating and excelling in this area. Interconnectivity is not something that's mentioned often, but Disney has a unique opportunity to differentiate itself. Call it shared universes, but Disney+ is building on interconnected franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. This certainly can be leveraged to encourage viewers to watch everything to understand the bigger picture and creates a sense of following a larger story. The other area that streaming services including Netflix are now trying to tap into is short-form content. This is an area that has YouTube into the streaming leader that even has Netflix feeling envious. For now, Disney+ has been introducing short "behind-the-scenes" content or mini-series that tie into existing shows, giving fans extra reasons to stay invested. There are plenty of opportunities to expand into other areas. Ultimately, Disney needs to continue prioritizing quality storytelling. Addiction may get eyeballs, but it's engagement that builds subscriber loyalty https://lnkd.in/gEJf2KR9 #disneyplus #hulu #espn #streaming #subscription #engagement

The Scoop: "No, Disney’s D2C streaming is not profitable – far from it" "Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer Entertainment sector, which comprises Disney+ and Hulu, reported an operating loss of -$19 million for the second quarter." "So, to straighten things out, Disney+ and Hulu are not profitable. ESPN+ is profitable" Aren't they trying to sell ESPN? #nextgenstreaming #freecast #nomoreappdiving #streamingward https://lnkd.in/e2FAwPHS

Are we back in the future? It's being hailed as new and innovative, but in reality, Disney and Max's recent announcement about a summer bundle feels like a throwback to the big cable bundles of the '90s. This new bundle promises to include a range of broadcast and cable networks, from ABC and Fox to TNT, TBS, CNN, and more, all for one undisclosed price. But hold on a minute—wasn't the whole appeal of streaming services supposed to be their tailored, a la carte approach? Consumers had grown tired of paying for 200 channels when they only watched a fraction of them. That's why we saw the rise of customizable packages and skinny bundles, aiming to address this issue by offering smaller, more focused selections at lower prices. Streaming services initially started out as niche platforms with specific content offerings. However, they've since evolved into conglomerates like Disney, bundling together various services like Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN. And now, with this new bundle crossing company lines, it feels like we've come full circle back to those large packages with loads of unused channels. So, despite the hype around innovation, it seems like we're repeating old patterns rather than truly breaking new ground. Who said progress was linear? https://lnkd.in/gsAJJtbQ

On Tuesday, Disney announced that Disney+ is officially in a transitional phase, switching the platform to a more standalone, TV channel-based service that will feature ads. "The so-called “FAST” channels — “free ad-supported streaming television” offered by apps like Pluto and Tubi — would tap hit shows from its vast library to create a 24-hour “Simpsons” option and major franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars". This move is prompted by Disney wanting users to remain on the platform "instead of clicking over to other streaming options - a pivot away from its former strategy of getting as many users to sign up so they can watch ad-free content". The landscape is changing by the week as platforms continue to fight for eyeballs. As a result, consumers are being met with more and more streaming options, while marketers face the challenge of reaching those consumers as they bounce from platform to platform. https://lnkd.in/ej24qucR

Disney’s streaming services have hit a profitable stride in Q1 2024, with a $500 million savings and a $7.5 billion annualized savings target by year’s end. The company forecasts a 20% EPS increase and $8 billion in free cash flow, alongside a subscriber growth for Disney+ Core despite price hikes. These results reflect Disney’s successful strategic shifts and cost-efficiency measures. #Q1EarningsGrowth #StrategicEfficiency #SubscriberGrowth #MediaTransformation https://lnkd.in/ehQUngw2

Netflix, Disney, Comcast, Google, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount are on track to invest a combined $126 billion in content in 2024, according to a new forecast by Ampere Analysis. The firm’s estimate translates to a record 51% of total content spend, up from 47% in 2020. Ampere anticipates that $40 billion will be allocated specifically towards the companies’ streaming services. Original content has accounted for over $56 billion in investment, or 45% of total spend, since 2022 #Streaming #Content

On Tuesday, Disney announced that Disney+ is officially in a transitional phase, switching the platform to a more standalone, TV channel-based service that will feature ads. "The so-called “FAST” channels — “free ad-supported streaming television” offered by apps like Pluto and Tubi — would tap hit shows from its vast library to create a 24-hour “Simpsons” option and major franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars". This move is prompted by Disney wanting users to remain on the platform "instead of clicking over to other streaming options - a pivot away from its former strategy of getting as many users to sign up so they can watch ad-free content". The landscape is changing by the week as platforms continue to fight for eyeballs. As a result, consumers are being met with more and more streaming options, while marketers face the challenge of reaching those consumers as they bounce from platform to platform. 

📢 Streaming Giants Join Forces Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney Collaboration: • A new streaming bundle has been announced. •This bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and WBD’s Max (itself, a merger of HBO Max and Discovery+). Continued Consolidation: • Another highlight of ongoing consolidation in the streaming entertainment sector. • The aim is to offer more value and options to consumers and to ultimately increase loyalty and retention. Consumer Spending Trends: • Consumers appear to have set a spending limit of around $40 to $50 per month on streaming services. • There is a trend of switching between services to manage costs-which is becoming easier and easier for consumers. Broader implications for #fitness and #wellness: • Likely to see similar spending patterns emerge in other subscription-based services and wellness memberships-and possibly partnerships and consolidation (some early indications already https://lnkd.in/gHfYy6fR). • As services become more accessible and on-demand, the balance of power shifts towards consumers, signifying a shift towards more consumer-centric offers. www.garrettmarshall.com https://lnkd.in/g74mxcU6  Brooklyn Dougherty Christine Hsu Evans Cody Fair David Ko Geoff Cook Jodi Hunt Bryant Julia Matthews Lindsay Cook Meeta Roy RIM IDI, M.Ed. Rishi Mandal Russell Cook Russell Glass Scott Nelson, PMP, M.Ed. Shannon Barnett Sima Sistani Wizdom Powell,PhD, MPH