JioStar Launches Newly Merged Streaming Service in India for Kids

A new streaming platform called JioHotstar has been launched in India today, combining the services of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. This partnership between Disney’s Star India and Viacom18 has created an $8.5 billion venture owned by Reliance Industries in Mumbai. The platform boasts a massive entertainment library with over 300,000 hours of content, aiming to attract up to 500 million users in the Indian market. JioHotstar is led by three top executives: Kevin Vaz as CEO of entertainment, Kiran Mani as CEO of digital, and Sanjog Gupta as CEO of sports.
Bringing together a wide range of content, JioHotstar features popular titles from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, NBCUniversal, and Paramount. For kids, the platform offers a mix of international hits like Kung Fu Panda and Home Alone, alongside local favorites like Best of Luck Nikki and The Legend of Hanuman. Users can access JioHotstar through a quarterly ad-based subscription for $1.71 or opt for a premium ad-free monthly membership for $3.45. The platform is currently running on the Disney+ Hotstar app and plans to phase out the JioCinema app once memberships expire.
With a focus on affordability and a diverse range of programming, including live sports coverage and music events, JioHotstar aims to cater to a broad audience. By utilizing AI-driven recommendations and offering content in over 19 languages, the platform is committed to delivering a personalized viewing experience like never before.