MUMBAI: Disney+ is making noise in the market even after its launch as it has surpassed the 50 million subscriber mark globally. The new streaming service from the mouse house has been racing ahead of all its guidance numbers and has reached the magnificent number within five months of its launch. Disney+ became available last week in India, where it is offered in conjunction with the existing Hotstar service, and already accounts for approximately eight million subscribers.

“We’re truly humbled that Disney+ is resonating with millions around the globe, and believe this bodes well for our continued expansion throughout western Europe and into Japan and all of Latin America later this year,” Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International chairman Kevin Mayer said.

The number has almost doubled in two months as it reported 28.6 million Disney+ paid subscribers as of 3 February. In the past two weeks, Disney+ rolled out in eight western European countries including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. 

“Great storytelling inspires and uplifts, and we are in the fortunate position of being able to deliver a vast array of great entertainment rooted in joy and optimism on Disney+,” Mayer added. 

These few weeks have been a bonanza for OTT services. Due to countrywide lockdown, more viewers are consuming online video content and signing up to more services. In India, the time spent on smartphones, the primary device to consume OTT content,  has also gone up.