Disney Plus shows ads because you're on the ad-supported plan, not the ad-free one

Disney Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads and one without. If you're seeing commercials, you're paying for the cheaper plan that includes advertising. Disney calls this the "Disney Plus Basic with ads" tier. The ad-free version is called "Disney Plus Premium" and costs more per month.

The ad-supported plan was introduced in December 2022 as a lower-cost option. Disney uses it to compete with other streaming services that also offer cheaper ad-supported tiers. If you signed up for Disney Plus years ago, you were on an ad-free plan by default—but Disney may have moved you to the ad-supported tier if you didn't update your subscription when they changed their pricing structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus Basic with ads is the cheaper plan and shows commercials during shows and movies; Disney Plus Premium removes all ads but costs more.
  • If you were grandfathered into an older plan, Disney may have automatically switched you to the ad tier when they restructured pricing in late 2022.
  • You can check which plan you're on by opening your account settings and looking at your current subscription tier.
  • Upgrading to the ad-free plan requires changing your subscription through your Disney Plus account or your payment method's app store.

How to check which Disney Plus plan you're on

Open the Disney Plus app or website and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Subscription" or "Plan Details." This page will show you whether you're on "Disney Plus Basic with ads" or "Disney Plus Premium." If it says "Basic with ads," that's why you're seeing commercials.

On some devices, the subscription information appears under "Account" in the main menu. On others, you may need to click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Account" from the dropdown. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you're using a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.

What changed with Disney Plus pricing in late 2022

In December 2022, Disney restructured its pricing and introduced the ad-supported tier. At the same time, they raised the price of the ad-free plan. Existing customers who had signed up before this change were initially allowed to keep their old plan at the old price, but only if they accepted ads. Many subscribers didn't notice this change happen automatically.

If you've had Disney Plus for several years and suddenly started seeing ads without changing anything, this is likely what happened. Disney sent email notifications about the change, but they were straightforward to miss. You were not charged extra—instead, your plan was downgraded to include ads at a lower price point.

How to upgrade to the ad-free plan

To remove ads, you need to upgrade to Disney Plus Premium. Go to your account settings and find the subscription section. Look for an option to "Change Plan" or "Upgrade Subscription." Select Disney Plus Premium and confirm the change. The price difference will be charged to your payment method on your next billing date.

If you signed up through an app store—Apple's App Store, Google Play, or Amazon—you may need to manage your subscription through that app store instead of through Disney Plus directly. Open the app store, find Disney Plus in your subscriptions, and select the option to change or upgrade your plan there. The process is similar but the interface looks different.

The upgrade takes effect when ready, and you should stop seeing ads right away. If ads continue to appear after you've upgraded, try logging out and back in, or restart the app.

How many ads appear on Disney Plus Basic with ads

Disney Plus shows between 4 and 5 minutes of ads per hour of content on the Basic with ads plan. This is less than traditional cable television, which typically shows 8 to 10 minutes of ads per hour, but more than streaming services without ads. The exact number varies depending on the show or movie.

Ads appear at the beginning, middle, and end of shows and movies. You cannot skip them. Some content, particularly certain Disney Junior programs, may have fewer ads or none at all, but most of the catalog includes the standard ad load.

Why Disney Plus switched to an ad-supported model

Disney introduced the ad-supported tier to increase revenue and offer a lower entry price for cost-conscious viewers. Streaming services lose money when they charge low subscription fees without ads, so Disney created a cheaper option funded by advertising. This is the same model used by Hulu, HBO Max, and other major streaming platforms.

The ad-supported tier also allows Disney to compete with free or very cheap ad-supported services like Tubi and Pluto TV. By offering a middle ground—lower cost than premium, but with ads—Disney captures viewers who might otherwise choose a competitor.

What to do if you don't want to pay more but want fewer ads

If the cost of upgrading to ad-free is a barrier, you have a few options. You can accept the ads on the Basic plan and watch as normal. You can also check whether you're may be able to access for any promotional offers—Disney occasionally runs deals where new or returning subscribers get a discounted rate on Premium for a limited time.

Another option is to share a Disney Plus account with family or friends and split the cost of Premium. Disney allows multiple profiles on one account, though they do have rules about simultaneous streaming depending on your plan. Check your account settings to see how many devices can stream at the same time on your current plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Disney Plus for free without ads?

No. Disney Plus requires a paid subscription. The cheapest option includes ads; the ad-free option costs more. Some promotions offer discounted rates for new subscribers, but there is no free tier.

Will Disney Plus ever remove ads from the Basic plan?

Disney has not announced plans to remove ads from the Basic tier. The ad-supported plan is a permanent part of their pricing structure, similar to how Hulu and HBO Max operate. The ads are how Disney keeps that tier affordable.

Do I lose my shows and movies if I downgrade from Premium to Basic with ads?

No. Your watchlist, saved shows, and viewing history stay the same. The only difference is that you'll see ads during playback. You can upgrade back to Premium at any time without losing anything.

Why am I seeing ads if I'm paying for Disney Plus?

You're seeing ads because you're on the Basic with ads plan, which is the lower-cost subscription tier. Disney offers two plans: one with ads (cheaper) and one without ads (more expensive). Both are paid subscriptions—the ads are part of how Disney keeps the Basic plan affordable.

Can I skip ads on Disney Plus?

No. Ads on Disney Plus Basic with ads cannot be skipped. You must watch them in full before the content resumes. This is different from some other streaming services where ads can be skipped after a few seconds.