On February 14, 2025, JioStar—a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India—officially launched JioHotstar, merging the content libraries of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single, comprehensive streaming platform.
The merger, valued at $8.5 billion, was finalized in November 2024, creating India’s largest entertainment company. With over 100 television channels and two streaming services, the platform is positioned to compete with global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Subscription Plans
JioHotstar offers three main subscription plans to cater to different user needs:
- Mobile Plan
Price: ₹149 for 3 months or ₹499 per year.
Access: Single mobile device.
Quality: 720p resolution.
Ads: Yes.
- Super Plan
Price: ₹299 for 3 months or ₹899 per year.
Access: Up to two devices, including mobile, web, and smart TVs.
Quality: 1080p (Full HD) resolution.
Ads: Yes.
- Premium Plan
Price: ₹299 per month, ₹499 for 3 months, or ₹1,499 per year.
Access: Up to four devices.
Quality: 4K (2160p) resolution with Dolby Vision support.
Ads: No ads, except during live content.
Existing subscribers of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be seamlessly transitioned to JioHotstar upon the expiration of their current plans. JioCinema users will be automatically upgraded to JioHotstar Premium for the remaining duration of their subscriptions. The JioCinema app will be discontinued.
Content Library
- JioHotstar provides over 300,000 hours of content in 10 Indian languages, including:
- Popular TV shows.
- Movies.
- Live sports events like IPL cricket, ICC tournaments, and English Premier League football.
- The platform also plans to expand its South Indian content library from 500 hours to 1,100 hours, with increased investments in original programming. Additionally, JioHotstar features content from major international studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., HBO, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, and Paramount.
JioHotstar will adopt a hybrid model for streaming Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches. Users can access free content up to a certain limit, after which a subscription is required. This strategy aims to convert the extensive user base into paying subscribers.
The launch of JioHotstar marks a significant milestone in India’s digital entertainment landscape. By combining the content from JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, JioHotstar offers a comprehensive and user-friendly streaming experience, catering to the diverse preferences of viewers across India.
Discover more empowering stories and insightful content like this on YOUxTalks, your go-to destination for inspiration and knowledge.
Follow YOUxTalks on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youxtalks
