JioHotstar launches today: Here's how to access new OTT platform
What's the story
JioHotstar, the new OTT platform born out of the merger between Reliance Industry Limited's Viacom and Disney Star India, will launch on Friday.
The platform will host content from both Reliance's JioCinema and Disney Star India's Disney+ Hotstar.
It will target "the last-mile consumer" by making all its content available free of cost, albeit with ads. Subscription packs for content start at ₹149/month.
Subscriber migration
What changes for existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers?
Existing subscribers of either JioCinema or Disney+ Hotstar will automatically be migrated to JioHotstar's most premium subscription plan of ₹499 per month.
"It's only after your existing Hotstar or JioCinema subscription expires that you'll need to choose from JioHotstar's different packs," a source told Mid-Day.
Meanwhile, for those having accounts on both platforms, the one with longer validity will be taken into consideration.
User experience
JioCinema's user experience and accessibility features
Users logging on to the Disney+ Hotstar app will be redirected to the JioHotstar homepage, while the JioCinema app will remain live, but users will be redirected to JioHotstar for content selection.
Kiran Mani, CEO—Digital at JioStar, emphasized that "at the core of JioHotstar is a powerful vision—to make premium entertainment truly accessible to all Indians."
The platform boasts of "close to three lakh hours of entertainment and more than 50 crore users."
Content expansion
JioCinema's content library and new vertical 'Sparks'
JioHotstar will include all web series, OTT films, general entertainment shows, regional offerings, sports, and movies available under the Disney Star India bouquet.
It will also have JioCinema's wide roster featuring HBO, Peacock, and Paramount's international offerings.
Plus, the platform is launching a new vertical called Sparks which will provide original mini-series.
"With compelling narratives and highly engaging formats...we introduce Sparks," a company spokesperson said.
Sports streaming
JioHotstar to continue streaming IPL matches
JioHotstar will also stream Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, a privilege that was previously held by JioCinema since 2023.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO—Sports at JioStar, promised to deliver an immersive experience whether it's the high-octane IPL or a Premier League showdown.
This move comes as part of Reliance's aggressive push into the streaming sector and is likely to attract a huge number of viewers.