Disney+ nearly doubles subscribers in two months as 50 million sign up since launch

Coronavirus lockdowns mean all major streaming services have seen a boost in viewing figures

Disney+ has nearly doubled its number of subscribers in two months after more than 50 million people signed up for the streaming service globally.

The video platform launched to UK viewers in March, having initially made its debut in the US back in November.

But while 26.5 million people had subscribed to the paid service in February, Disney+’s roll out in the UK, other parts of Europe and India in the recent weeks has caused that number to rise to more than 50 million.

With worldwide coronavirus lockdowns forcing people to stay inside, all major streaming services have seen a boost in viewing figures in recent weeks.

Disney bosses initially set their eyes on reaching 60 to 90 million subscribers for their latest project, which will compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime, by 2024, but quickly racked up 10 million subscribers within a day of its launch in the US in November.

Disney+ offers subscribers the chance to watch original series The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, as well as a back catalogue of more than 500 Disney films.

Its competitor streaming service Netflix has more than 167 million subscribers.