Disney+, Emerging as a Rival to Netflix... Surpasses 100 Million Subscribers in Just 1 Year and 4 Months

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Disney+, the video streaming subsidiary of the American company Walt Disney, surpassed 100 million paid subscribers just 1 year and 4 months after its launch, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 9th (local time).

According to the report, this subscriber status was disclosed at the Walt Disney annual shareholders' meeting held that day.

Currently available in 59 countries, Disney+ announced that its goal is to reach 260 million subscribers by 2024.

With Disney+ rapidly gaining subscribers in a short period, it has emerged as a strong competitor to Netflix.

Netflix, the leader in the streaming industry, had 240 million subscribers as of last year.

Bob Chapek, Disney's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), stated at the shareholders' meeting, "Online-based direct-to-consumer streaming strategy is a priority," and added, "We will add more than 100 new pieces of content to the service every year."

Bloomberg interpreted this as "meaning that Disney+ has emerged as Netflix's strongest competitor."

Additionally, Disney announced its hope to reopen Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by the end of April.

Earlier, the California state government announced on the 5th that it would allow limited reopening of outdoor theme parks such as Disneyland starting in April.

Disney also stated that it may partially resume cruise ship operations in the fall.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.