Disney Plus Reaches 24 Million U.S. Subscribers in First Month
Analysts estimate Disney Plus signs up 24 million U.S. subscribers in November, exceeding expectations. The rapid launch causes a noticeable drop in Netflix customer retention.
Disney Plus officially launches to massive success as analysts estimate the streaming service signs up 24 million U.S. subscribers by the end of November. Research from Cowen & Co. bases this impressive figure on a census-weighted survey of 2,500 U.S. consumers. According to the data, 21% of total respondents state they register for the new platform during its debut month.
This explosive growth easily surpasses previous Wall Street forecasts that predict fewer than 20 million worldwide subscribers for all of 2020. The estimates even account for the massive influx of users who receive a free year of the service through a promotional partnership with Verizon. Disney clearly outpaces the most optimistic expectations of financial experts with this launch.
The immediate popularity of the Mouse House's new streaming bundle directly impacts its biggest competitor by boosting cancellation rates among Netflix customers. As Disney Plus rapidly absorbs a massive share of the viewer market, the streaming wars intensify. This early data indicates a major shift in how consumers allocate their entertainment budgets.