- Saturday, February 15, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The highly anticipated merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar has officially gone live in India, introducing JioHotstar as a unified streaming platform for mobile, TV, and tablet users. This consolidation brings together the best of both platforms under one roof, offering users access to a vast content library, including sports, movies, and exclusive shows.
However, the transition has raised questions among existing subscribers about what happens to their current plans, subscriptions, and the new pricing structure. Here’s everything you need to know about JioHotstar and what it means for existing and new users.
Here is a table summarizing the JioHotstar subscription plans:
| Plan Type | Duration | Price | Devices Allowed | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile-Only Plan | 3 Months | ₹149 | 1 Device | Yes |
| Mobile-Only Plan | 12 Months | ₹499 | 1 Device | Yes |
| JioCinema Old Plan (Existing Users) | 1 Month | ₹29 | 1 Device | Yes (Extended by 3 Months) |
These plans cater to different user needs, with mobile-only options at competitive prices. More premium, ad-free, and multi-device plans may be announced later.
If you’re already a subscriber of Disney+ Hotstar or JioCinema, your existing plan remains valid until its expiration. For instance, if you have a Disney+ Hotstar subscription that is active until April 2025, you will continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to content without any changes. However, JioCinema subscribers have received an additional benefit. Those who were on the Rs 29 per month JioCinema plan have been given a complimentary three-month extension, a move that has been verified across multiple user accounts.
The new JioHotstar platform has introduced fresh pricing tiers, making the service accessible to a wider audience. The most affordable option starts at Rs 149 for a three-month mobile-only plan with ads, allowing streaming on a single device. Users who prefer an extended subscription can opt for the Rs 499 plan, which offers the same mobile-only access for an entire year.
These plans cater to different user preferences, ensuring that both existing and new subscribers can access premium content at competitive prices. However, those looking for ad-free experiences and multi-device streaming may have to wait for more premium plans to be announced.
For new subscribers, JioHotstar offers the same Rs 149 for a three-month plan as it does for existing users. The key difference is that while existing Hotstar and JioCinema users will continue on their current subscriptions until expiry, new users must subscribe immediately. Once their plan expires, existing subscribers will need to renew under JioHotstar’s new pricing structure.
The merger marks one of the biggest transformations in India’s digital entertainment ecosystem. By consolidating the user base of both platforms, JioHotstar is set to become a dominant player in the Indian OTT market, competing directly with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and SonyLIV. With the IPL, blockbuster films, and international content now housed under one brand, users can expect a richer streaming experience.
JioHotstar’s launch signals a new era in Indian streaming, combining the strengths of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into a single powerhouse platform. While existing subscribers can continue with their current plans until expiry, new users have access to affordable pricing options. With Jio’s aggressive expansion in the digital entertainment sector, this merger is poised to reshape how India consumes online content.
