JioHotstar has recently launched in India. Users can now watch content from both Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar in one app.
JioHotstar is a revamped streaming platform that mergers Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar in a single app. While the OG Disney+ Hotstar has changed its logo, the Jiocinema app will re-direct users to watch content on the JioHotstar app. In an announcement, JioHotstar said JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will be able to easily transition to the new platform. Apart from original content, JioHotstar will also aggregate content from the likes of NBCUniversal Peacock, Warner Bros, Discovery, HBO and Paramount, which is something no other streaming service offers at the moment.
This means, you don’t have to subscribe to different OTT apps to binge-watch Game of Thrones and Marvel movies. Starting today (February 14, 2025), you will get both on one platform, JioHotstar. Moreover, the app will cater for content in 10 languages. In addition to content from the two merging companies, the platform will feature titles from various international studios and streaming services.
Speaking on the launch of JioHotstar, Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar said, “At the core of JioHotstar is a powerful vision—to make premium entertainment truly accessible to all Indians. Our promise of Infinite Possibilities ensures that entertainment is no longer a privilege, but a shared experience for all. By integrating AI-driven recommendations and offering streaming in over 19 languages, we are personalizing content like never before.”
JioHotstar subscription plans:
While JioHotstar is currently free to access without a subscription, it remains unclear if certain content will be paywalled in the future. The platform has confirmed that subscription plans will be available for users seeking an ad-free experience and higher resolution streaming, starting at Rs 149 per quarter.
Kevin Vaz, CEO-entertainment, JioStar, clarified that for current Disney+ Hotstar paid subscribers, nothing changes when they open the new app. But for JioCinema subscribers, subscriptions will be auto-upgraded to the premium service.
Existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will be seamlessly transitioned to the new platform. Upon first login, they will be able to set up their JioHotstar subscriptions, while new users can explore the available plans.
Additionally, questions remain regarding whether JioHotstar’s reported user count includes duplicate accounts from both merged platforms. More details on content access and monetisation are expected to emerge soon.
JioHotstar’s Sparks
Previously, both Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar have been in competition to partner with Star Sports network to livestream sports on their channels. At first, Hotstar was the only OTT channel to livestream cricket matches, including IPL and other big tournaments. Then after Jiocinema entered the picture, it took over several sports livestreaming, especially IPL. But, now after the merger of these two apps, users need not google which match in livestreaming where. It is now clear that JioHotstar will be the hub for sports livestreaming, when it comes to OTT.
That said, JioHotstar has also introduced Sparks, a new initiative aimed at showcasing India’s top digital creators. In addition to entertainment content, the platform will serve as the streaming hub for major sporting events, including the IPL, WPL, ICC tournaments, Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi, and ISL.
Emphasising the platform’s transformative role in sports, Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar, said, “Sports in India is more than just a game—it’s a shared experience that unites millions. JioHotstar is revolutionizing how fans experience live sports, combining the best of technology, access, storytelling, and innovation with the fan at the heart of everything. Whether it’s the pride in India Cricket, the electric atmospherics of Premier League, passion for India’s indigenous sports or exposure for grassroot-level competitions, we will deliver a range of experiences, catering to both ‘lean in’ and ‘lean back’ behaviours across a billion screens. We are now taking this philosophy beyond sports by bringing culture-defining live experiences to our audiences. The overwhelming response to Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres live-stream has set us off on this exciting new journey towards infinite possibilities.”
Beyond 4K streaming, JioHotstar is enhancing the viewing experience with AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, and specialised content feeds tailored to user interests.
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