India’s #1 Streaming Platform: JioHotstar Merges JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar

JioHotstar:

By HamariNews, Tech & Entertainment Analyst.

It’s a transformative moment in the Indian over-the-top (OTT) streaming landscape, as two towering titans — JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar — have merged to become a single dog, JioHotstar, that wants to be the Goliath of streaming. Come to the table on February 14, 2025, this was a partnership—a different level. Here’s what you should know about this news-making development.

1. The Merger: A Photo and Tech Powerhouse

The merger completed in November 2024 consolidates JioCinema’s tech-led infrastructure with Disney+ Hotstar’s vast content library. JioStar — merging 50 crore customers and 3 lakh hours of choice, covering the whole thing from Bollywood blockbusters and Hollywood franchises to stay sports and regional programming — is now a three way partnership referred to as JioHotstar.

Key Highlights:

– Foreign Content Aggregation: Jiohotstar was India’s first aggregator of global content — Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, NBCUniversal Peacock and Paramount on one set:

Sporting Powerhouse: The platform secures exclusive rights to blockbuster events like IPL, *ICC tournaments, Premier League, Wimbledon, and domestic cricket leagues.

AI-Powered Features For Engagement:

Using a wide array of features such as personalized recommendations, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, etc.

2. Subscription Plans: Flexibility and Affordability:

Jiohotstar introduces a tiered pricing model designed for diverse audiences: 

PlansPrice (3 Months)Features
Mobile (Ad-Supported)₹1491 device, live sports, Indian movies, Disney+ Originals.
Super (Ad-Supported)₹2992 devices, access on all platforms (mobile, web, TV).
Premium (Ad-Free)₹4994 devices, ad-free streaming (except live content), annual discounts.

Existing subscribers:

Disney+ Hotstar users, will continue with their plans for *3 months** and thereafter move into JioHotstar’s (Xiomeg a) pricing.

Jio Cinema Premium subscribers can upgrade to Jiohotstar Premium for free until their active subscription

3. Content Library: Infinite Possibilities:

Jiohotstar

JioHotstars content strategy is aimed at diversity and accessibility:

Content Hollywood & Global: Dealings with storied studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount provide access to blockbusters such as *Mission: Impossible and Star Wars.

– Regional Diversity: Stream in 19 languages, from Tamil to Telugu and Bengali, catering to India’​s linguistic patchwork.

Original Programming: Exclusive series, reality shows and anime premieres that seek to rival Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Sparks Initiative: A dedicated section featuring India’s digital creative talent, who will cultivate talent like Prajakta Koli and Bhuvan Bam.

4. Sports Streaming Revolution:

With JioHotstar’s 4K Ultra-HD streaming, AI-powered insights, and real-time stats, sports fans are set to be entertained like never before Key offerings include:

Cricket: IPL and WPL and ICC tournaments.

Global Sports: Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League

Innovative Features: Multi angle views of a camera for matches and immersive fan experiences, as seen during Coldplay’s live streamed concert.

5. Transition for Existing Users: What You Need to Know:

Jiohotstar

Here’s what I got from all of it:— JioHotstar Apps: Disney+ Hotstar app will automatically gets updated to JioHotstar App.

Free Tier: Non Subscribers can sample content for a handful of hours each month, but not Hollywood films.

—Legacy Plans: Disney + Hotstar subscribers will continue to enjoy its benefits, but everyone else will have to move to JioHotstar’s plans.

6. The Bigger Picture Reshaping India’s OTT Market:

Hence, JioHotstar’s launch is a strategic move to capture the projected rapid growth of India’s OTT sector (estimated to be $836.5 billion by 2032 ) nowhere on earth have so many average folks been subscribing to entertainment. With its focus on personalisation through AI, locally relevant offers, and sports innovation, the platform is at par with some of the biggest global players.

CEO Vision:

Kiran Mani (CEO – Digital): “Entertainment has ceased to be a privilege, it is now a common experience enjoyed by every Indian”.

-Kevin Vaz (CEO – Entertainment): We believe in opening up storytelling and that every Indian finds content to Love.

Conclusion: A New Era For Indian Viewers:

The coming merger of Jiohotstar is not just an industry partnership — it is a cultural transformation, democratizing premium entertainment. Combining technology, content and a low-cost approach, the platform aims to make India’s go-to streaming destination. Be it a Cricket Fanatic, a Reel Buff, or a Local Content category, Jiohotstar brings you “Infinite Possibilities”.

Ready to explore? ​Upload Free on JioHotstar app and Enjoy if Feel the Future of steaming​!

For further details on subscription plans or content offerings, refer to

[JioHotstar’s official announcement](https://www.indiatoday.in) or

[BusinessToday](https://www.businesstoday.in).

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