Disney Quietly Adds A Disney+ Feature Fans Have Wanted For Years
On October 30, without much fanfare, Disney finally added “Top 10 Today” to Disney+, letting viewers see the movies and shows currently trending on the streaming service. This has been a staple of Netflix since it was first implemented in 2019, driving users towards the newest and most popular options, but Disney’s version has a catch. The “Top 10 Today” will vary based on the profile’s content rating, whether the subscription is for both Disney+ and Hulu, and, of course, the country.
The Daily Top 10
Ever since Netflix launched the Top 10, it’s been a helpful guide for users looking for the next show or movie to stream, but the Disney+ version lumps all content into one list. Shows and movies won’t be separated, at least not at first, which is why the initial “Top 10 Today” in the United States has Hocus Pocus as number one, followed by Agatha All Along. The surprise entries are number five, which is a Holiday special, The Simpson’s Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and number 6, Venom, which is being re-watched thanks to the recent release of Venom: The Last Dance.
Most surprising is that the smash hit children’s program, Bluey, is not on the list at all. That makes sense, as Disney had to clarify to users that the “Top 10 Today” isn’t a list of the most-viewed programs but rather is built off different factors, from views to trending popularity with a boost for titles new to the platform. By comparison, Netflix’s Top 10 is based solely on views.
The Discoverability Problem
Disney is using the Hulu methodology behind that service’s Top 15 as the base for the new Disney+ feature, further integrating the two. The one difference between the service’s top listings is that Disney+ blocks it from showing up on kid’s profiles, which should stop children from seeing something advertised that parents may not want them to watch. Adults don’t get the same consideration, which means there’s a chance Madame Web shows up in the Top 15.
For users that have Disney+ and Hulu, the new “Top 10 Today” will help unearth some hidden gems, since it’s so easy to forget just how much content is on the service. The Simpsons exist alongside Bob’s Burgers, Reservation Dogs and Pochahontas are both a click away, and that’s before you dive into either the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the award-winning anime series. Discoverability will always be an issue for every streaming service; just look at the hidden treasures buried on Tubi someday, and a top list is an easy solution.
A Small Insight Into Disney+ Popularity
As the weeks go on, it will be interesting to see how the Disney+ “Top 10 Today” starts to shift. Will it remain dominated by Holiday shows and films, or will Bluey and The Simpsons climb to the top? When Thunderbolts is on its way to theaters, will The Falcon and The Winter Soldier suddenly become a popular rewatch?
Disney+ viewer numbers are, as with all streaming services, shrouded in secrecy, forcing everyone to extrapolate information based on tidbits, like the top listings, and whenever a company shares total viewership numbers or watch hours. It’s not perfect, but this is another way to try and get a clear view of what’s popular and what’s not.
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