Netflix Declines Streaming Bundle with Disney+ or Max Competitors

As the dust of the streaming wars begins to settle, the landscape continues to evolve. Each movie studio now sports its own streaming service, and some former rivals are starting to collaborate. Disney+ and Max, in particular, have decided to offer a combined bundle, allowing subscribers to save money by signing up for both services simultaneously. However, Netflix has announced that it has no intention of joining this trend and bundling with other platforms.

In its latest shareholder earnings letter, Netflix elaborated on its strategy: “From the early days of streaming, we saw partnerships with device makers and pay TV and mobile operators as key to ensuring Netflix was easy to find and use. These partnerships are a win-win—making it simple for people to discover, sign-up, use, and pay for Netflix. In turn, our device and operator partners benefit through increased device sales from consumers seeking devices integrated with Netflix and greater customer acquisition and higher retention, as well as the opportunity to upsell higher value data or content packages.”

The letter continued, “We haven’t bundled Netflix solely with other streamers like Disney+ or Max because Netflix already operates as a go-to destination for entertainment thanks to the breadth and variety of our slate and superior product experience. This has driven industry-leading penetration, engagement, and retention for us, which limits the benefit to Netflix of bundling directly with other streamers.”

As of this writing, the Disney+ and Max bundle has yet to officially roll out, despite announcements that it would be available this summer. Joe Earley, president of direct-to-consumer for Disney Entertainment, expressed excitement for the new collaboration, stating, “On the heels of the very successful launch of Hulu on Disney+, this new bundle with Max will offer subscribers even more choice and value. This incredible new partnership puts subscribers first, giving them access to blockbuster films, originals, and three massive libraries featuring the very best brands and entertainment in streaming today.”

JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games for Warner Bros. Discovery, echoed similar sentiments. “This new offering delivers for consumers the greatest collection of entertainment for the best value in streaming and will help drive incremental subscribers and much stronger retention,” he said. “Offering this unprecedented entertainment value for fans across all the complementary genres these three services offer presents a powerful new roadmap for the future of the industry.”

With streaming services continuously evolving, the market could see more innovations and collaborations aimed at providing consumers with varied and valuable options. How will such partnerships shape the future of the entertainment industry? Only time will tell.

Source: ComicBook