Reliance-Disney Unveils JioHotstar Subscription Model

Following the merger of Reliance's JioCinema and Disney's Hotstar into JioHotstar, the new service will offer a hybrid subscription model for streaming, ending completely free access to IPL cricket matches by 2025. Users with existing Disney+ Hotstar or JioCinema subscriptions will see their plans transition seamlessly to JioHotstar, with the remaining duration of their subscriptions continuing under the new service. The rebranded app will have subscription plans starting at 149 rupees, with an ad-free version available for 499 rupees. The decision to implement this model aligns with the Reliance-Disney $8.5 billion merger and aims to monetize the extensive user base over time, as users will need to subscribe after a threshold of free viewing is surpassed. This strategic move positions JioHotstar to compete in India's growing $28-billion media market against platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.