Google signed a deal with Disney+ and Hulu that allows any user that has accumulated enough Google Play points to sign-up for free for their streaming services (with ads though). It wasn’t possible until now but you can redeem Google Play Points for Disney+ and Hulu if you are an Android user and got enough reward points.
What are Google Play Points?
Google Play Points are earned for purchases in the Google Play Store. Each in-app purchase for movies, books, apps and so on racks up points that you can use on various rewards. Earlier this year Google started partnering with others and began offering exclusive experiences and events (i.e. Comic-Con and Zedd In The Park tickets). This month they’ve started offering rewards for streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu.
How to redeem free Disney+ and Hulu accounts with Google Play Points
Play Points members at the Gold level and above can get extended trials or even free subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu. Here’s how the rewards break down:
- Gold members: 6 months of Disney+ Basic (with ads) and/or 6 months of Hulu (with ads)
- Platinum members: 9 months of Disney+ Basic (with ads) and/or 9 months of Hulu (with ads)
- Diamond members: A full year of Disney+ Basic (with ads) and/or a full year of Hulu (with ads)
To redeem these rewards, you’ll need to open the Google Play Points section in the Play Store, check the Perks tab, and select your streaming reward.
These offers are available to new subscribers only and come at no additional cost to your points, which makes it a win-win for Android users looking for their next favorite show or movie.
Why Disney+ and Hulu are no longer available on Apple devices
Here’s where the deal gets even more interesting. Earlier this year, Disney+ and Hulu removed the option to sign in through Apple devices. This means Apple users now need to visit the Disney+ or Hulu websites to stream movies and shows. Some might say it’s a move aimed at bypassing Apple’s fees on in-app subscriptions, which can be up to 30% of each purchase. But I think it’s more likely part of the deal with Google, most likely they said hey, we’ll add you and expose you to millions of Android users, but in exchange you give up on Apple users. Disney+ and Hulu start getting millions of new users to view their ads or even pay to remove them, while Google gets more incentives to offer as rewards.
Who can use Google Play Points to get free Disney+/Hulu subscriptions
The free Disney+/Hulu account redeem program program is currently available in the United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Taiwan. If you’re lucky enough to be from one of those countries, here’s what you can do to be eligible:
- Check your level – If you’re not yet a Gold member or higher, consider making additional Google Play Store purchases to climb the levels. Even in-app purchases for mobile games contribute.
- Explore your perks -Visit the Perks tab to ensure you’re up to date on all available rewards.
- Redeem rewards quickly – I don’t know if this partnership between Google and Disney/Hulu is permanent. So if you do have the points, choose a streaming offer as soon as possible to avoid losing this offer.
For Android users, this Play Points perk is a great way to enjoy content from Disney+ and Hulu at no extra cost. With recent hits like “Inside Out 2” and Hulu’s FX drama “Shōgun” now accessible, there’s plenty to binge-watch without tapping into your wallet.
If you’re ready to dive into the worlds of Disney, Marvel, and exclusive Hulu Originals without paying out of pocket, Google Play Points is one way to get it for free. Not if you’re an Apple user though. Ha ha.