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Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicDisney has officially confirmed a major shift in its streaming strategy: Hulu will no longer exist as a standalone app beginning in 2026, and that’s not all. The move marks the end of Hulu as an independent platform and cements Disney+ as the company’s central streaming hub moving forward.
While speculation around Hulu’s long-term future has circulated for years, Disney’s confirmation removes any remaining uncertainty. The company is consolidating its streaming services, phasing out Hulu’s standalone app, and fully folding Hulu content into the Disney+ ecosystem.
Hulu Will Be Fully Integrated Into Disney+ in 2026
Beginning in 2026, Hulu will be merged directly into the Disney+ app. At that point, the Hulu app itself will be discontinued. Subscribers will no longer access Hulu through a separate platform and will instead find Hulu programming housed entirely within Disney+. We don’t have an official date yet for when the app will be totally phased out.
This means Disney+ will become the single gateway for content that previously lived across multiple Disney-owned streaming services. Hulu originals, next-day television episodes, and licensed programming will all be accessible through the Disney+ interface.
Disney has already been moving in this direction by gradually integrating Hulu titles into Disney+ for bundled subscribers. The formal shutdown of the Hulu app is the final step in that transition.
Disney Ends Hulu-First Subscription Structure
Disney has also begun eliminating older subscription models that allowed customers to add Disney+ as a discounted option through Hulu. Under the updated structure, Disney+ is now positioned as the primary service, with Hulu added on top rather than the other way around.
This change requires many subscribers to manage their accounts through Disney+ instead of Hulu, including billing and plan selection. The shift reflects Disney’s broader effort to simplify its streaming ecosystem and unify account management under a single platform.
The restructuring also signals a clear change in priorities. Hulu is no longer treated as a standalone anchor service but instead functions as a content offering within Disney+.
What This Means for Current Hulu Subscribers
For existing subscribers, the impact is more about how content is accessed than what content is available. Hulu’s shows are not being removed, but the experience of finding and watching them will change.
Viewers who rely on Hulu as their primary interface may notice differences in navigation, recommendations, and layout once everything moves into Disney+. While Disney has indicated that profiles and viewing histories will carry over, the experience will not be identical to the standalone Hulu app.
Pricing may also shift for some users, particularly those on older plans or promotional bundles. As Disney moves toward standardized bundle pricing, some subscribers could see higher costs over time.
Disney has stated that affected users will receive advance notice and guidance to help ensure a smooth transition.
Why Disney Is Making This Move
The decision aligns with broader trends across the streaming industry. Media companies are increasingly consolidating platforms to reduce costs, streamline operations, and centralize user data.
Operating Hulu and Disney+ as separate apps required parallel systems for technology, billing, and customer support. By bringing everything under Disney+, Disney gains tighter control over engagement, advertising strategy, and subscription management.
The move also positions Disney to compete more directly with other major streaming platforms that already operate under a single-app model.
The End of Hulu as a Standalone App
While the Hulu brand will continue to exist inside Disney+, the shutdown of the standalone app marks the end of an era. Hulu, once a defining force in cord-cutting and next-day television streaming, will now live entirely within Disney’s broader streaming ecosystem.
As 2026 approaches, this transition will reshape how millions of subscribers access Disney-owned content, reinforcing Disney+ as the company’s single, unified streaming platform.