Disney has said it is considering launching its own free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) service, joining a wider industry shift towards free content offerings. CEO Josh D'Amaro told investors on Wednesday's earnings call that a free product would help the company reach more price-sensitive customers and boost advertising revenue, while also potentially funnelling viewers towards Disney+ subscriptions. He stressed no formal plans have been confirmed, but the idea is under active consideration as rivals move to strengthen their own free streaming positions.

The move follows growing momentum in the FAST sector, with Fox announcing plans to acquire Roku and Netflix also signalling openness to a free tier in certain markets. Free ad-supported channels such as Tubi and the Roku Channel captured 2.3% and 3.1% of all US TV viewing respectively in May. Disney reported SVOD entertainment revenue of $712 million in its latest results, alongside plans to transform Disney+ into a broader "membership ecosystem" from early next year, and a new deal to bring TikTok videos onto the platform.