JioHotstar, the Indian streaming platform born from the merger of Reliance Industries’ Viacom18 and Disney’s media assets, has officially crossed the 100 million subscriber mark as of March 27, 2025. This remarkable achievement comes just a month after its launch in February 2025, and positions JioHotstar as a formidable competitor in the streaming landscape, vying for dominance against established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The platform, which integrates the content libraries of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, has rapidly gained traction among viewers, thanks to its vast array of entertainment offerings. Kiran Mani, CEO of Digital at JioStar, stated, "We have always believed that world-class entertainment should be accessible to all, and crossing 100 million subscribers is a testament to that vision. This milestone not only underscores India’s limitless potential but also strengthens our commitment to pioneering category-first experiences at an unprecedented scale."
In the past, Disney+ Hotstar reported 50.1 million paid subscribers back in May 2022, meaning JioHotstar has added an impressive 50 million subscribers in just under three years. This surge in numbers is attributed to the platform's diverse content portfolio, which includes television shows, Hollywood films, original digital content in various languages, and reality shows. Its recent introduction of “Sparks,” a feature spotlighting popular Indian creators, further enriches its content universe.
Sports streaming has been a critical driver of JioHotstar's growth. The platform boasts broadcasting rights for major sporting events, including International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Additionally, it covers international sports such as the Premier League and Wimbledon, along with domestic leagues like the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League (ISL). Mani emphasized that JioHotstar is revolutionizing sports streaming in India, providing immersive and interactive experiences for fans.
To enhance the viewing experience, JioHotstar has implemented cutting-edge features such as ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time statistics overlays, live chats, multi-angle viewing, and voice-assisted navigation. These innovations have transformed sports streaming into a more engaging experience, as seen during significant events like the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the IPL 2025. The platform has also successfully live-streamed cultural events, such as the Coldplay Music of the Spheres concert and the Mahashivratri: The Divine Night, which featured aartis from over 20 sacred Jyotirlingas across India.
JioHotstar's rapid subscriber growth is also linked to its strategic pricing and accessibility initiatives. Recently, Reliance Jio announced a promotional offer providing up to 90 days of free JioHotstar subscription to customers who recharge with plans of ₹299 or above. This offer, available to both new and existing Jio SIM users from March 17 to March 31, is designed to expand the platform's reach and make its services more accessible to a broader audience.
Industry experts have noted that the combined Reliance-Disney streaming entity is significantly larger than its competitors, with a total paid subscriber base far exceeding Netflix’s estimated 15 million and Prime Video’s 18 million users. The platform's ability to offer a vast library of content at competitive prices has been pivotal in attracting and retaining subscribers. However, some industry insiders caution that JioHotstar must carefully navigate the crowded OTT market, particularly as it seeks to attract viewers beyond sports programming.
Uday Shankar, vice-chairperson of JioStar, previously expressed the company's ambition to democratize access to streaming content, aiming to reach the lowest echelons of Indian society. This vision aligns with the broader goal of making streaming an integral part of daily life for millions of Indians. As JioHotstar continues to innovate and expand, its leadership remains focused on shaping the future of streaming by driving accessibility and unlocking infinite possibilities for a billion screens.
As the streaming landscape evolves, JioHotstar's success underscores the growing appetite for diverse and high-quality content among Indian viewers. With its impressive subscriber milestone, JioHotstar is not only setting benchmarks for the industry but also highlighting the potential of India's digital revolution. The service's commitment to providing world-class entertainment accessible to all is likely to resonate with audiences, propelling its growth in the coming years.
