This month, The Walt Disney Company finally launched an ad-supported tier of its flagship streaming platform, Disney+, and gave current subscribers the option to switch rather than absorb the price hike that was placed on the original ad-free service.
However, new reports show that some Disney+ subscribers are unable to take full advantage of the ad-supported service if they connect their subscriptions to any Roku device.
The Disney+ help center states the following:
Disney+ Basic is not currently available on Roku devices. This means that viewers are unable to sign up for this plan on Roku devices or stream Disney+ on Roku devices if viewers have this plan or the Disney Bundle Duo Basic or Trio Basic.
Streaming of Disney+ Basic (With Ads) is not available on Roku devices or the Microsoft Windows Desktop app. If you recently subscribed to an ad-supported Disney+ plan as a new or existing subscriber and are unable to view on your preferred device, you have the following options:
- Switch your subscription to one of our plans with ad-free Disney+: Disney+ Premium, or the Disney Bundle Trio Premium.
- Stream Disney+ content from a device that supports Disney+ with ads.
According to TechCrunch, Disney is still in talks with Roku to get the ad-supported tier up and running for the affected subscribers. It is unclear at this time, however, exactly when these negotiations will be settled. Roku declined to comment on the negotiations. Roku’s streaming device already offers ad-free Disney+ as well as its own Roku TV, and other streaming services like Netflix, Youtube TV, ESPN, and Apple TV. Subscribers have been able to install Disney plus on their Roku streaming stick which is compatible with a smart TV with an internet connection (similar to an Amazon Firestick for Fire TV and Prime Video). This situation should not interfere with one’s ability to cancel subscriptions.
The Disney+ ad-supported tier costs $7.99/month, while the original ad-free service, now called Disney+ Premium, jumped in price to $10.99/month. Click here to read more about the subscription options available.
Related: Disney+ Shifts Focus to ‘Quality Over Quantity’ Under Iger’s Leadership
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney+ news and stories as more developments come to light.