Ads on OTT platforms have become too big and painful a dilemma to ignore. It seems all major streaming platforms, including Prime Video, JioHotstar, ZEE5, and others, are looking to earn as much as they can via ads in the growing streaming market. Or should we say forced ads? Users unable to afford premium ad-free plans have no alternative but to “forcefully” watch unwanted advertisements while trying to enjoy their desired content. But JioHotstar has taken things to a whole new level.
JioHotstar users, for several days now, have been strongly complaining about the platform showing seductive, adult-oriented ads for condoms during content viewing. This issue first surfaced during the live streaming of IPL 2025, and it hasn’t been resolved yet.
As a result, many users, especially those watching family-friendly content, have expressed extreme discomfort and embarrassment due to these ads.
Watching Kesari chapter 2 on @JioHotstar with family and it were so embarrassing 2 hours because only condom ad(1/2) was repeating after every 15 minutes. Now don't say like google that it's based on my history or what. First of all it was TV and also i don't search these things.
— Divigini (@davidguamano778) June 17, 2025
@JioHotstar cannot be watched along with Family... There is an obscene condom ad in every 15 minutes... Is this the culture @reliancejio wants to bring to India... Does @JioCare really care???
— Ravi Kumar Baid (@baidravi) June 17, 2025
@JioHotstar @JioCinema @MIB_India plz show your favourite condom ad only in "A" certified shows. It's awkward and embarassing to watch it along with kids. Also make it skip able so that someone can skip it if not comfortable.
— Satyendra Pandey (@pandit_satya) June 10, 2025
The core issue is the lack of context and timing. Many argue that such ads, while possibly acceptable in certain late-night slots or specific adult-oriented content, are completely out of place during family entertainment.
This problem is made worse for users who are paying for a JioHotstar subscription. They expect a more curated and family-friendly experience, or at least the option to filter such ads, which currently seems to be unavailable or ineffective for many.
JioHotstar does offer a premium ad-free subscription plan, but it comes at a high cost: INR 299/month, INR 499/3 months, and INR 1499/year. These rates feel steep for middle-class audiences, especially when compared to the platform’s ad-supported plans — INR 299/3 months and INR 899/year (Super), or INR 149/month and INR 499/year (Mobile).
This backlash poses a significant challenge to JioHotstar’s brand image and user loyalty. While advertising remains a crucial revenue stream, alienating a large segment of its family audience, especially during popular programming, could have long-term negative consequences. The platform will need to seriously re-evaluate its ad targeting and content policies to address these widespread concerns. Stay tuned for more updates.