JioHotstar Streaming Platform Launched, Combines JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar

JioHotstar, the brand new streaming platform created by bringing collectively JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, was launched by JioStar on Friday. The newly created platform will host all the content material library of each the over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Aside from reveals and flicks from the 2 merging entities, the platform may also host content material from numerous worldwide studios and streaming platforms. The JV has additionally introduced a free tier for the streaming service. Notably, the JioStar three way partnership was fashioned in November 2024 after the profitable merger of Viacom18 and Star India.

JioHotstar Streaming Platform Launched

In a press launch, JioStar introduced the launch of JioHotstar and shared particulars in regards to the new streaming platform. The corporate stated the brand new platform will function roughly 300,000 hours of content material in addition to stay sports activities protection.

At launch, the platform can have a complete person base of greater than 50 crore by combining the customers on each platforms. Nonetheless, it’s not clear whether or not the claimed quantity excludes duplicate accounts (individuals with each JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar accounts). The brand new platform additionally will get a brand new brand, which is basically the phrase JioHotstar alongside an asymmetrical seven-pointed star.

JioHotstar shall be free to entry and watch content material for now. Customers won’t want a subscription to observe reveals, motion pictures, or stay sports activities. Nonetheless, it’s unclear if sure content material shall be behind a paywall. The JV added that there are subscription plans for these “in search of an uninterrupted and enhanced expertise.” This doubtless implies that paying subscribers won’t be proven advertisements, and so they can stream the reveals at the next decision.

Coming to subscriptions, present subscribers of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will mechanically be transitioned to the brand new platform. The corporate stated these customers will be capable of arrange their JioHotstar subscriptions when logging within the first time. New subscribers can flick thru the platform’s new plans beginning at Rs. 149.

JioHotstar will function content material in 10 Indian languages throughout a variety of genres and content material codecs. Viewers will be capable of watch motion pictures, reveals, anime, documentaries, stay sporting occasions, and extra. The corporate additionally stated the platform will showcase worldwide premieres. Moreover, JioHotstar may also function content material from Disney, NBCUniversal Peacock, Warner Bros., Discovery HBO, and Paramount.

The platform can be introducing a flagship initiative dubbed Sparks, which is able to highlight “India’s largest digital creators” via distinctive codecs.