JioHotstar: The Ultimate Streaming Platform Combining JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar
JioHotstar: The Ultimate Streaming Platform Combining JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar
The new platform will feature global content from Disney, Peacock by NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Discovery, HBO, and Paramount.
JioStar has introduced JioHotstar, a new platform that combines JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, attracting 500 million users and offering 300,000 hours of content. The service includes both original and international programming, with a particular emphasis on cricket.
The upcoming platform will feature a wide array of international content from Disney, Peacock by NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Discovery, HBO, and Paramount.
In addition, cricket streaming is anticipated to play a significant role in the JioHotstar service, boasting rights to numerous prominent ICC events such as the IPL, WPL, and various domestic tournaments. Fans can also look forward to watching the English Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, and ISL on the JioHotstar app.
This new streaming application will provide ultra HD 4K streaming, multi-angle viewing options, AI-driven insights, and real-time statistics overlays.
JioHotstar provides a free tier supported by ads, with paid subscriptions beginning at ₹149. Current users of both Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema will be transitioned to the new platform.
The new JioHotstar marks the end of the completely free IPL cricket streaming era, as the joint venture aims to transform its large user base into paying subscribers. The platform will implement a hybrid model, allowing users to access content for free at first, but eventually requiring a subscription based on their viewing habits. Subscription options begin at ₹149 for three months with advertisements, while an ad-free premium option is offered at ₹499.
Importantly, the Disney+Hotstar app has already been rebranded to JioHotstar on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, complete with a new logo. The app retains the same user interface as Disney+Hotstar for now, although changes may occur in the future. When users visit the Hotstar.com website, they are welcomed with a notification that JioCinema content is now accessible on JioHotstar.
The merger between Disney and Reliance Industries received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in August of the previous year, leading to the formation of a joint venture in November.
Reliance holds a 60 percent share in the newly merged company. This includes direct ownership of 16 percent and an additional 47 percent through its Viacom18 Media division, which it predominantly controls.
Disney possesses a 37 percent stake in the combined entity.
