JioHotstar streaming platform launched as JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merges content

JioStar has announced the launch of its new streaming platform, JioHotstar, integrating the company’s two current services, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. The new platform is touted to be the largest in the Indian market, with a combined user base of over 50 crore and over three lakh hours of content.

The new platform will also offer international content from Disney, NBCUniversal’s Peacock, Warner Bros., Discovery, HBO, and Paramount.

Meanwhile, cricket streaming is expected to be a major part of the JioHotstar offering with rights to many major ICC events including IPL, WPL and domestic tournaments. English Premier League, Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League and ISL will also be available on the JioHotstar app.

The new streaming app offers ultra HD 4K streaming, multi-angle viewing, AI-powered insights and real-time stats overlays.

JioHotstar offers an ad-supported free tier, while paid plans will start at ₹149. Existing users of both Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema will be migrated to the new platform.

Notably, the Disney+Hotstar app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store has already transitioned to the JioHotstar name with the new logo. The new app currently has the same user interface as Disney+Hotstar, but this may change in future. On visiting the Hotstar.com website, the user is greeted with the message that the content from JioCinema is now available on JioHotstar.

JioCinema – Disney+ Hotstar merger:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger between Disney and Reliance Industries in August last year, and a joint venture was established in November that year.

Reliance owns a 60 per cent stake in the merged company. Of this, it owns 16 per cent directly and 47 per cent through its Viacom18 Media business, which it largely owns. 

Disney owns 37 per cent stake in the merged entity.