JioCinema and Hotstar Merge: Introducing JioHotstar

JioHotstar: The Fusion of Two Streaming Giants

In India’s dynamic video streaming landscape, a significant change has occurred. Hotstar and JioCinema, both prominent platforms, have been combined to form JioHotstar.

The Integration Process

JioStar, a collaborative effort between Reliance-owned Viacom18 and Star India, announced on Friday the successful integration of JioCinema’s extensive content library into a redesigned Hotstar platform.

The newly merged application, available since early Friday in India, boasts a vast collection of content. This includes hundreds of thousands of hours of locally produced programs, over 100 television channels, and a diverse selection of films and series from major studios like Disney, Warner Bros., HBO, NBCUniversal, and Paramount.

Target Audience and Content Offerings

JioHotstar is strategically positioned to attract a substantial user base, aiming to reach over 500 million individuals throughout the country.

The platform delivers content in 19 different languages and generates 30,000 hours of television programming each year. Subscription options are available starting at ₹149 ($1.71) for a three-month period with advertisements, and ₹299 ($3.45) monthly for an ad-free experience.

The ad-free plan permits simultaneous streaming on up to four devices, while the more affordable, ad-supported tier restricts viewing to a single screen.

The Driving Force Behind the Merger

This consolidation is a direct result of Reliance’s $8.5 billion acquisition of Walt Disney’s Indian assets last year. This deal established a joint venture now controlling approximately 85% of India’s streaming market and 50% of its television viewership.

Statements from Leadership

Kiran Mani, JioStar’s digital chief executive, stated, “Entertainment is no longer a privilege, but a shared experience for all.” Existing JioCinema subscribers will be transitioned to JioHotstar as their current subscriptions conclude.

Sports Rights and Content Migration

The merger centralizes India’s most valuable sports broadcasting rights under a single platform. This includes major cricket events like the Indian Premier League and International Cricket Council tournaments, as well as soccer competitions such as the Premier League and FIFA World Cup.

The JioCinema application will be gradually discontinued once current subscriptions expire. Subscribers will be guided through a “seamless” transition to establish their JioHotstar accounts, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch.

Challenges in the Indian Market

This consolidation highlights the difficulties faced by international media companies in India’s price-conscious market. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have encountered challenges in expanding their paid subscriber bases despite significant investments in local content.

Competitive Landscape

Amazon, having acquired MX Player last year, is actively expanding the app with over 100 original shows and movies this year. According to Sensor Tower, MX Player ranked as the third most popular video streaming app in December, following Hotstar and JioCinema.

Here's a quick overview of the competitive landscape: