When two follower bases are fighting then the happiest among them is the leader. When two corporate companies are fighting then the happiest among them are the customers.
It is exactly the case with the ongoing rift between Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema. Hotstar lost IPL streaming rights and HBO content to JioCinema. With the rapidly expanding slate of JioCinema, things are getting too challenging for other platforms.
But, the push to JioCinema was given by free streaming of IPL and FIFA. And now, Hotstar has a plan to retaliate.
Disney+ Hotstar has made a surprising announcement. It will provide free live streaming of the highly anticipated Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup tournaments to all users of its mobile app. This move comes as Disney+ Hotstar faces increasing competition from JioCinema.
To combat the growing competition and retain viewership, the decision to offer free streaming of major cricket tournaments is a strategic move.
Sajith Sivanandan, Head of Disney+ Hotstar, emphasizes the platform’s commitment to enhancing the viewer experience. The company has introduced various innovations and features that delighted audiences across the region. By making the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup available to a wider audience for free, Disney+ Hotstar aims to grow the overall ecosystem and engage cricket enthusiasts.
Reliance Jio has been expanding its presence in the streaming industry through JioCinema. With exclusive rights to stream IPL matches and HBO content. However, Disney+ Hotstar’s decision to offer free live streaming of major cricket tournaments is a bold response to compete against JioCinema and retain its viewership.
The Indian streaming industry is witnessing intense competition as companies vie for dominance. The streaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and companies offering compelling content, enhanced user experiences, and competitive pricing are likely to emerge as winners. And this head on collision between Hotstar and JioCinema is all light and joy amongst the fans of cricket.