Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) has decided to make Disney+ Hotstar the main streaming platform after its merger with Star India and Viacom18.
This decision comes as part of an $8.5 billion deal signed with Walt Disney earlier this year. The merger has received approval from all regulatory bodies.
Why Disney+ Hotstar?
Disney+ Hotstar was chosen for its superior technology infrastructure and large user base.
As of Q4 2023, Disney+ Hotstar had 333 million monthly active users, compared to JioCinema’s 225 million.
Despite a decline in paid subscribers, dropping from 61 million to 35.5 million by June 2024, Disney+ Hotstar’s extensive content library remains a strong asset.
Content and Strategy
The combined platform will offer over 200,000 hours of content, including popular sports like the IPL, ICC, and Premier League. In addition, it will offer Hollywood content from major studios like Disney and HBO.
This move aims to create a unified platform that competes with global giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Impact on JioCinema
JioCinema, which gained traction streaming the FIFA World Cup 2022 for free, will be combined into Disney+ Hotstar.
This strategic shift is expected to enhance users’ streaming experience by using Disney+ Hotstar’s robust infrastructure.
With this merger, Reliance aims to dominate the Indian OTT market by offering a diverse range of content under one roof.
How will this merger affect competition and consumer choice in India’s vibrant streaming landscape? What are your thoughts?