JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar Merge to Create JioHotstar
JioHotstar is making waves as the newly launched streaming platform resulting from the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This move has created the biggest platform in the Indian market, boasting a user base of over 50 crore and a content library with an impressive three lakh hours of entertainment.
What can viewers expect from JioHotstar? Well, get ready for a wide range of international content from big names like Disney, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Warner Bros., Discovery, HBO, and Paramount. Sports fans will also be thrilled as JioHotstar has secured the rights to major cricket tournaments including the IPL and WPL, along with other ICC events. And that’s not all—fans of the English Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, and ISL can also stream their favorite matches on the platform.
But it’s not just about content—JioHotstar is also stepping up its game with cutting-edge features like ultra HD 4K streaming, multi-angle video viewing, AI-driven insights, and real-time stats overlays to enhance the viewing experience.
One of the best parts? JioHotstar will offer a freemium model, meaning it has both ad-supported free content and paid membership plans starting at Rs 149. Plus, existing users of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be seamlessly transitioned to the new service.
The merger has already been implemented, with the Disney+ Hotstar app now rebranded as JioHotstar on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. While the current user interface remains the same, updates are expected to roll out in the future. In addition, the Hotstar.com portal now directs traffic to JioHotstar, hinting at a blend of content from JioCinema.
It’s worth noting that the merger was given the green light by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The joint company formed in November sees Reliance holding a 60% interest—16% directly and 47% indirectly through Viacom18—while Disney retains a 37% stake in the new combined entity.
JioHotstar is clearly set to revolutionize the streaming landscape in India, offering viewers an unparalleled mix of entertainment and sports content, with cutting-edge features to elevate the viewing experience.
