In a surprising turn of events, Disney+ Hotstar rebranded to Jio Hotstar overnight, without any prior announcements or launch events. This unexpected change took place early this morning, leaving many subscribers in astonishment.
The New Branding
The new Jio Hotstar logo now graces the platform, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in streaming services. This rebranding is part of a merger between JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, combining their extensive content libraries into a unified streaming experience.
Impact on Subscribers
Current subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar will be automatically upgraded to Jio Hotstar Premium for the duration of their existing subscription. JioCinema users will be redirected to the new platform when accessing content. Jio Hotstar offers a rich array of content, including series, movies, and sports coverage from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and more.
Subscription Plans
Jio Hotstar provides flexible subscription options, starting at ₹149 for three months with ads, and an ad-free premium tier priced at ₹499. Existing subscribers will retain their plans until the next billing cycle.
Public Reaction
The sudden rebranding has sparked a mix of reactions. While some subscribers are thrilled about the expanded content library and seamless integration, others have expressed concerns about the abrupt changes and their potential impact on the viewing experience.
The merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar into Jio Hotstar marks a significant shift in India's streaming landscape. With a vast content library and competitive subscription plans, Jio Hotstar aims to become the preferred streaming platform for millions of viewers across the country.