JioCinema and Hotstar, two of India's most popular streaming services, have officially merged to create JioHotstar. The new platform combines the vast content libraries of both services, bringing together premium movies, TV shows, and live sports under one roof. The integration follows USD 8.5 billion merger between Reliance-owned Viacom18 and Walt Disney's Indian assets last year, consolidating 85 per cent of India's streaming market and half of its television viewership.

When two worlds come together, the extraordinary takes shape. #JioHotstar #InfinitePossibilities pic.twitter.com/1eW3qGUPsG

— JioHotstar (@JioHotstar) February 14, 2025

A Vast and Diverse Content Library

JioHotstar now boasts an extensive collection of entertainment, featuring hundreds of thousands of hours of local content, over 100 TV channels, and premium content from international studios such as Disney, Warner Bros, HBO, NBCUniversal, and Paramount. With support for 19 languages and an annual production of 30,000 hours of television programming, the platform aims to cater to a diverse audience across India.

Affordable Subscription Plans

JioHotstar has introduced flexible pricing plans to cater to different audience segments:

₹149 ($1.71) for three months—ad-supported, single-screen access.

₹299 ($3.45) per month—Ad-free experience with four-screen simultaneous streaming.

These competitive pricing models position JioHotstar as a strong contender in India's price-sensitive market, where global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime have struggled to expand their paid subscriber base.

Sports Streaming Powerhouse

One of JioHotstar’s biggest strengths is its control over India's most valuable sports broadcasting rights. The platform will be home to major cricket tournaments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and International Cricket Council (ICC) events. Additionally, fans of international sports can enjoy top-tier events like the Premier League and FIFA World Cup, making JioHotstar the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts.

Seamless Transition for Existing Users

JioCinema users will be smoothly transitioned to JioHotstar once their existing subscriptions expire. The company has assured that this migration will be seamless, and JioCinema’s app will eventually be phased out. Users will be able to easily set up their new JioHotstar accounts without any hassle.

Challenges in the Indian Market

The merger highlights the challenges faced by foreign media companies in India's highly competitive and price-sensitive streaming landscape. While Amazon Prime Video and Netflix continue to invest in local content, they have struggled to grow their subscriber base at the same pace as local platforms. In response, Amazon has ramped up its efforts by acquiring MX Player, India's third most popular streaming service, and is set to release over 100 original shows and movies this year.

Read More: TruthTell Hackathon: AI-Powered Battle Against Misinformation in Live Broadcasting

The Future of Indian Streaming

With over 500 million users in its sights, JioHotstar is set to revolutionise the Indian streaming industry. By combining top-tier content, live sports, and competitive pricing, the platform is poised to dominate the market and redefine digital entertainment in India. As Kiran Mani, JioStar’s digital chief executive, puts it, "Entertainment is no longer a privilege but a shared experience for all."