The highly anticipated merger between Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar is set to create India’s largest streaming platform, Jio Hotstar. This move comes after the $8.5 billion deal between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Walt Disney in February. The new unified platform aims to dominate the OTT market in India, bringing together two of the country’s most popular streaming services.

Key Points:

The merger of Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar will form Jio Hotstar, India’s largest OTT platform.

RIL will hold 56% control of the new entity, while Walt Disney retains a 37% stake.

Jio Hotstar will have a combined user base of over 550 million monthly active users.

The platform will host the 2025 IPL, among other premium content.

The merger combines content from Viacom18 and Star India, consolidating over 100 TV channels and diverse streaming libraries.

Merger Overview

Following the deal signed in February 2024, Viacom18 and Star India were combined under one umbrella, bringing their respective OTT services—Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar—into a single entity. The unified platform, Jio Hotstar, is expected to significantly expand its reach in the growing Indian market.

While Star India will operate the merged platform, Reliance will have majority control with a 56% stake, while Walt Disney will retain a 37% share of the venture. The merger has been approved by government bodies such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, paving the way for seamless content integration.

Why Disney+ Hotstar Was Chosen

Disney+ Hotstar’s technological edge played a key role in making it the absorbing platform in this merger. Its superior streaming technology and established brand presence made it the natural choice to lead the combined entity.

There were earlier discussions about operating two distinct platforms—one dedicated to sports and the other for entertainment—but the decision to merge the two has streamlined operations.

Content and IPL Streaming

The new platform is set to offer a vast array of content, from premium international shows and movies to exclusive sports coverage. Jio Hotstar will stream the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), continuing Disney+ Hotstar’s legacy of bringing sports entertainment to millions of Indian viewers.

Additionally, Jio Cinema’s exclusive rights to HBO Max content and Disney+ Hotstar’s extensive library of Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney originals will combine to create a content-rich platform, catering to a wide range of preferences.

Market Impact and Subscriber Base

With a user base of over 225 million monthly active users from Jio Cinema and 333 million from Disney+ Hotstar, the combined platform will serve more than 550 million monthly active users. The subscriber base will also grow, with 16 million paid users from Jio Cinema and 35.5 million from Disney+ Hotstar, making it a dominant player in India’s OTT space.

Future of OTT in India

The merger of these two platforms positions Jio Hotstar as a direct competitor to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other global streaming giants in the Indian market. By combining sports, entertainment, and international content, Jio Hotstar is set to offer an unrivaled variety of content to Indian viewers.

The platform’s comprehensive offerings, along with a powerful technological infrastructure, could reshape how viewers consume content in India, setting a new standard for streaming services.

Conclusion

As Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar unite to form Jio Hotstar, the Indian OTT market is poised for a massive transformation. With control over premium content, a large user base, and advanced technology, Jio Hotstar is set to become India’s largest and most influential streaming service. The merger brings new opportunities for both platforms, and viewers can expect a broader selection of content and enhanced streaming experiences.

Source @ timesofindia