Disney and Hulu's Future: A Unified Streaming Service by 2026

Disney has announced plans to fully integrate Hulu into the Disney+ app by 2026, a move that could render the standalone Hulu app unnecessary. Despite this, standalone subscriptions for Hulu will remain available, although the duration of their availability is uncertain.

This integration aims to combine the catalogs, recommendations, and profiles of both services, potentially making them more seamless and user-friendly. The result could see the standalone Hulu app becoming obsolete.

Reports vary on the future of the Hulu app, with some suggesting a phase-out as early as next year, while others see the possibility but no definitive guarantee.

Consumer experience is a driving factor, with Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, highlighting its enhancement as motivation for integration. The merging process has already started with both platforms offering a more unified experience since March, and engagement has reportedly increased.

Technical adjustments such as reworking login tools and matching all Hulu content to Disney+ standards are underway to ensure a seamless experience. An updated app is anticipated to launch in 2026, following Disney’s $9 billion acquisition of Hulu’s remaining stake from Comcast.

This strategic move is expected to improve Disney’s streaming profitability by boosting engagement, reducing churn rates, increasing advertising revenue, and creating operational efficiencies.

Despite this integration, Hulu still holds significant value for Disney. According to their Q3 2025 earnings, Hulu’s subscriber base stands at 55.5 million, compared to Disney+’s 127.8 million. This considerable number of subscribers highlights the risk of losing millions if Hulu subscriptions are entirely replaced.

Currently, Hulu generates more revenue per subscriber than Disney+, providing a good reason to maintain its presence. Disney's bundle deal of both services at $11 per month supports this strategy, potentially reducing subscriber churn.

Aside from revenue considerations, logistical elements such as Hulu’s Live TV options pose challenges to phasing out Hulu. Moreover, there are considerations regarding maintaining mature content separate from Disney's family-friendly offerings.

While Disney may aim for a single enhanced service, the Hulu brand showcases resilience. Internationally, it might replace the "Star" hub on Disney+, symbolizing Disney's global general entertainment brand. The evolution of Disney and Hulu's integration highlights broader trends in the streaming industry, potentially influencing future mergers and acquisitions.