Disney Plus and Hulu are merging into one app. What you need to know about beta launch

The beta version of the new feature for the Disney+ app was launched on December 6th. You can access Hulu content within it, but only subscribers of both platforms can do so. This is the beginning of tests that will continue until the official launch of the integrated applications in March 2024. You can still choose to use both services separately at the same time (see Variety).

Hulu is available on the Disney+ app, what does this mean?

Starting December 6, the Disney+ app features a distinct Hulu section. There are numerous films and series from the second platform available.The beta is also designed to help parents get acquainted with the presence of more mature content on Disney+ and with parental control options to separate content that they believe children shouldn't watch.

It should be noted that not all Hulu shows will be accessible on Disney+. Many of the shows will stay on the original platform until March 2024, and possibly even after the official launch of the integrated applications. It is advisable to keep the Hulu app installed at all times, as Disney hasn't provided information on how much time it will take to make all productions available in one place.

Furthermore, Disney+ and Hulu, whether used together or separately, do not synchronize the progress of watched programs. If you watch multiple episodes of a specific series on one platform, it won't be visible there, and the show will appear as unwatched. The corporation is expected to work on changing this state of affairs, but it is unclear when the change would take effect.

It's also worth to remember that in order to have access to the beta, you not only have to subscribe to Disney+ and Hulu. You must also connect both accounts to the same email address.

What comes after beta tests?

The official premiere of the combined Disney+ and Hulu is scheduled for March 2024. This signifies the introduction of new features, such as personalized recommendations, pre-made series collections for Hulu, and enhanced visibility of Hulu programs within the Disney+ platform. As a result, the new offer will be more integrated with Disney+.

Furthermore, Disney intends to increase advertising for the bundled package. Bob Iger believes that including Hulu in Disney+ will encourage people to watch a greater variety of shows. At the same time, the cost of acquiring a customer will be lower, as everything will be in one place. However, customers of Disney+ outside of the United States and Japan will be disappointed to hear that Disney has no intention of offering Hulu content in new countries, even after fully merging with Disney+.