Since its UK launch on 24 March, Disney+ has become the third largest subscription video on demand (SVOD) player, behind only Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
With 4.3 million subscribers, Disney’s SVOD platform had already taken a 16.8% share of subscribers by the end of April, according to survey data from the Omdia ‘Consumer Research – Devices, Media & Usage Intelligence Service – Premium’.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video take the top two positions with Neflix claiming 58.5% and Amazon Prime Video taking 46.9% of online subscribers in the UK.
“Disney+ arrived in the UK just as Covid-19 social distancing and quarantine measures commenced,” pointed out Maria Rua Aguete, senior research director, video, TV and advertising for Omdia. “Streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix have become the biggest winners during the lockdown as consumers have sought new entertainment experiences to keep themselves entertained.
“The content and user experience offered by these services have proven to be their key differentiators. In particular, the current catalogues offered by these services have become increasingly alluring to viewers, given the pandemic has halted production of new video content.”
The Disney SVOD service is not only having great success in the UK but in other regions too. Disney+ is now ranked at number four in the US. In April, Disney+ took a 25% share of US SVOD subscribers, compared to 29% for Hulu, 47% for Amazon Prime Video and 60% for Netflix.
One out of four households in the US now has access to Disney+, according to Omdia’s survey.
Omdia’s online survey is conducted twice a year and looks at consumer behaviour with a focus on television and video services.