JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company, has officially launched JioHotstar, a new streaming platform that merges JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This move aims to revolutionize the OTT industry in India by offering a massive content library with affordable pricing.
Free and Subscription-Based Access
JioHotstar introduces an innovative pricing strategy. Users can watch most content for free for a limited number of hours each month, except for Hollywood movies, which remain exclusive to paid subscribers.
For paid subscribers, pricing remains familiar. The ad-supported mobile plan costs Rs 149 per quarter, while the ad-free experience is available for Rs 499 per quarter. The premium plan, priced at Rs 299 per month, allows streaming on four devices simultaneously.
What Happens to Existing Users?
Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will experience no changes in their existing plans. JioCinema users will be auto-upgraded to premium service. The JioCinema app will be phased out gradually, ensuring a smooth transition.
Aiming for a Billion Screens
With content available in 19 languages and over 30,000 hours of programming annually, JioHotstar aims to reach over 500 million users in India and beyond. The platform will host:
Live sports including IPL, WPL, FIFA World Cup, Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, ISL, and ICC tournaments.
Blockbuster movies and TV series from Disney, Warner Bros, HBO, NBCUniversal, and Paramount.
100+ live TV channels with a mix of news, entertainment, and regional content.
A deep focus on regional and family-friendly programming, with South Indian content increasing from 500 to 1100 hours.
Technology and User Experience
JioHotstar is not just a merger of content but also of cutting-edge technology. The platform features 4K streaming for an ultra-clear viewing experience, AI-powered recommendations for personalized content suggestions, multi-angle viewing and real-time sports stats overlays for enhanced sports engagement, and a micro-app ecosystem that adapts to different screen sizes, from mobile phones to large TVs.
Introducing ‘Sparks’ – A Platform for Digital Creators
JioHotstar is also launching Sparks, an initiative to promote India’s top digital creators. This will showcase original and creator-driven content, making it a unique addition to the platform.
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