Last Updated on February 14, 2025 by IPO Manthan Team
JioHotstar launched on Friday, February 14, 2025, combining JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into one streaming platform. This move marks a major shift in India’s OTT landscape, bringing together a vast content library from Indian and international studios.
A Unified Streaming Experience
With JioHotstar launched, users now have access to 300,000 hours of content in 10 Indian languages. The platform features movies, TV shows, anime, documentaries, and live sports. It also hosts content from major global players like Disney, Warner Bros., HBO, Paramount, and NBCUniversal Peacock.
JioHotstar is expected to dominate the streaming industry, thanks to its massive reach. At launch, it already has a combined user base of 50 crore, making it one of the largest OTT platforms in the world.
Subscription Plans and Free Access
Initially, JioHotstar is free to access, but details about paywalls remain unclear. Subscription plans are available for users who want an ad-free experience with higher resolution streaming.
Existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers are being automatically transitioned to JioHotstar. The new plans include:
- Mobile Plan: ₹149 for 3 months or ₹499 per year (HD streaming on one device, ad-supported).
- Super Plan: ₹299 for 3 months or ₹899 per year (FHD streaming on two devices, ad-supported).
- Premium Plan: ₹299 per month (web purchase only), ₹499 for three months, or ₹1,499 per year (ad-free except for live content, 4K streaming on four devices).
Users with existing Disney+ Hotstar plans will continue with their current subscriptions without any immediate changes.
Advanced Features and AI Integration
JioHotstar offers advanced features to enhance user experience. It includes 4K streaming, real-time sports stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, and AI-powered insights. Additionally, the platform has introduced “Sparks,” an initiative to support digital content creators in India.
The transition also means that the JioCinema app will soon be phased out. Subscribers will be redirected to JioHotstar once their existing plans expire.
Sports Streaming and IPL Access
JioHotstar is set to become the go-to platform for sports enthusiasts. It will stream major cricket tournaments like IPL, WPL, and ICC events. Additionally, it will feature international and domestic leagues such as the Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL.
However, one of the biggest changes with JioHotstar launched is that IPL streaming will no longer be entirely free. JioStar aims to convert its massive user base into paying subscribers. While some content will be accessible for free, a hybrid model will gradually introduce paywalls based on user viewing habits.
The Impact of the JioStar Merger
The launch of JioHotstar comes after the merger of Viacom18 and Star India in November 2024. This merger formed JioStar, which now controls 85% of India’s streaming market and nearly half of its television viewership.
By consolidating content from two of India’s biggest OTT platforms, JioHotstar is expected to redefine digital entertainment in the country. It brings together Bollywood, regional cinema, international hits, and live sports under one roof.
Final Thoughts
With JioHotstar launched, the Indian streaming industry enters a new phase. The platform’s vast content library, AI-driven features, and premium sports coverage position it as a dominant player. While free content remains available, subscription-based models will play a key role in its long-term strategy.
For now, users can enjoy a mix of free and premium content while exploring the new platform. As JioHotstar evolves, it will be interesting to see how Indian audiences respond to this major shift in digital entertainment.