Discovery+ Raises Prices Amid Skydance Merger
Discovery+ has increased subscription prices by up to 20%, with ad-free plans rising to $12 and ad-supported plans to $7. The hike takes effect immediately for new users, while existing subscribers receive 30 days' notice. A Skydance spokesperson stated the price changes were planned before the recent merger with Paramount closed.
Key points
- Ad-free plans increased from $10 to $12 per month, and ad-supported plans rose from $6 to $7.
- New subscribers face the higher prices immediately, while existing users get 30 days' notice before the change applies.
- The price hike follows the closure of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, forming Skydance.
- Skydance plans to eventually merge Paramount+, HBO Max, and Discovery+ into a single service.
- Discovery+ has been profitable since 2023 and had 24 million subscribers in 2022.
Background
Discovery+ is a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, which recently merged with Paramount to form Skydance. The service focuses on unscripted content, including reality shows and documentaries. It has been profitable since 2023 and had 24 million subscribers in 2022. The merger aims to consolidate streaming services into a single platform.
How outlets are covering it
Ars Technica and The Verge reported the price hike, noting it was planned before the merger. Variety emphasized the immediate effect for new subscribers and the 30-day notice for existing users. All sources agreed on the price increases and the timing relative to the Skydance merger.
Why it matters
The price hike reflects the broader trend of streaming services increasing costs. It also signals the start of consolidation efforts by Skydance, which may impact the future of Discovery+ and other streaming platforms.
What to watch
Skydance plans to merge its streaming services into a single platform. The future of Discovery+ as a standalone service is uncertain. Further price changes or content adjustments may follow as the merger progresses.
- Skydance’s Discovery+ prices increase by up to 20 percent Ars Technica
- Discovery+, Now Owned by Skydance, Hikes Prices Effective Immediately Variety
- Discovery+ Raises Prices One Week After Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Closes Yahoo Finance Singapore
- Discovery Plus is getting more expensive The Verge
- Discovery+ Raises Prices In One Of Skydance’s First Streaming Moves After Merger Close Deadline
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