Disney Plus shows ads because you chose a plan that includes them

Disney Plus displays ads on certain subscription tiers. The company offers two main plans: one with ads and one without. If you are seeing commercials, you are on the Disney Plus Basic with Ads plan, which costs less per month than the ad-free option. Disney introduced this tier in December 2022 to give subscribers a lower-cost choice.

The ads appear between shows and movies, similar to traditional television. You cannot skip them, and they play at full volume. The number and length of ads varies — some breaks last 15 to 30 seconds, while others run longer. Disney does not publish exact ad counts, but users typically report seeing 4 to 8 minutes of ads per hour of content.

If you did not knowingly choose the ads tier, your account may have been switched automatically when Disney changed its pricing structure, or someone else with access to your account selected it. You can change your plan at any time through your account settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus offers two subscription tiers: one with ads at a lower monthly price, and one without ads at a higher price.
  • The ads-included plan shows 4 to 8 minutes of commercials per hour, and you cannot skip them.
  • Your plan may have switched automatically if Disney changed your subscription or if someone else on your account adjusted the settings.
  • You can switch to the ad-free plan when ready through your Disney Plus account settings, though the price will increase.
  • Some content is not available on the ads tier, including certain movies and shows that require the premium plan.

The two Disney Plus subscription tiers and what each costs

Disney Plus Basic with Ads is the lower-priced tier. As of 2024, this plan costs less per month than the ad-free version, though the exact price varies by region and changes periodically. You get access to most of Disney's library, but with commercials during playback.

Disney Plus Premium (formerly called Disney Plus Basic without ads) removes all advertising. This plan costs more per month and also includes the ability to read content to watch offline and stream on up to four devices at the same time. Some newer movies and shows are released on Premium first before becoming available on the ads tier.

A third option, Disney Plus Standard with Ads, sits between the two. It offers fewer simultaneous streams than Premium but still includes ads. The exact features and pricing of this tier have shifted since its introduction, so check your account settings to see which plan you actually have.

How to check which plan you are on right now

Open the Disney Plus app or website and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Subscription" or "Plan Details." This page shows your current tier, the monthly cost, and your renewal date. If you see "with Ads" in the plan name, you are on an ads-inclusive tier.

The same page displays what features come with your plan — for example, whether you can read episodes or stream on multiple devices at once. If you are unsure which plan you have, this is the fastest way to find out.

Why Disney added an ads tier in the first place

Disney introduced the ads plan to offer a lower entry price for people who did not want to pay full price for ad-free streaming. The company also generates revenue from advertisers who pay to show commercials to Disney Plus viewers. This dual-revenue model — charging subscribers and selling ad space — is now standard across most streaming services.

When Disney Plus first launched in 2019, it had no ads at any price. As competition from other streaming services increased and subscriber growth slowed, Disney added the ads option to attract price-sensitive viewers and create a new income stream. Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms followed similar strategies.

How to switch to the ad-free plan

Go to your account settings on Disney Plus and find the "Subscription" or "Plan" section. Select the option to change your plan or upgrade. Choose the Premium tier (or whichever ad-free option is available in your region). Confirm the new price and billing date, then complete the change.

The switch usually takes effect when ready, though in some cases it may take a few minutes to process. Your next billing date may shift depending on when you make the change — Disney typically prorates the cost if you upgrade mid-cycle. You will not lose any saved shows, watchlists, or viewing history when you switch plans.

If you want to downgrade back to the ads tier later, you can do the same process in reverse. There is no penalty for switching between plans, though you will pay the higher price for any months you keep the ad-free plan active.

What content is restricted on the ads tier

Not all Disney Plus content is available on the Basic with Ads plan. Some newer theatrical releases and premium shows are exclusive to the ad-free Premium tier for a set period after their release. Disney does not publish a complete list of restricted titles, but you can check whether a specific show or movie is available by searching for it in the app — if it is not there, it is not on your current plan.

This restriction is Disney's way of encouraging people to pay for the premium tier. Over time, most content eventually becomes available on the ads tier, but the delay can range from weeks to several months depending on the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off ads on Disney Plus if I have the ads plan?

No. If you are on the Basic with Ads tier, you cannot disable or skip the commercials. The only way to remove ads is to switch to the Premium plan through your account settings. There is no setting within the app to turn off ads on the lower-priced tier.

Why did my plan switch to ads without my permission?

Disney may have automatically moved you to the ads tier if you had a promotional rate that expired, or if you were on a legacy plan that the company discontinued. Check your email for notifications from Disney about plan changes. If someone else has access to your account, they may have switched the plan. You can change it back when ready through your account settings.

Do I have to watch ads on every show and movie?

Yes. Every piece of content on the ads tier includes commercials. You cannot pay extra to remove ads from a single show or movie — you must switch to the Premium plan to watch ad-free content across the entire service.

Will Disney Plus ever remove the ads tier?

Disney has not announced plans to remove the ads option. The company is likely to keep offering it as long as it generates revenue. However, pricing and features of each tier can change at any time, so check your account settings periodically to see what options are available.

Can I use a VPN to avoid ads on Disney Plus?

Disney's terms of service prohibit VPN use, and the service actively blocks VPN connections. Using a VPN to bypass ads or access content from other regions violates the terms and may result in your account being suspended or closed. The only supported way to remove ads is to pay for the Premium plan.