In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian streaming, the recent upgradation of the JioHotstar app’s UI has taken users by surprise, as the streamer launched this upgrade without dropping any official statement about it. However, as with any major digital renovation, the audience is divided.
While a noticeable section of users has welcomed the new UI with open arms, calling it “refreshing” and a “much-needed change,” the rest aren’t so sure about it.
The biggest structural change in the JioHotstar app is the shift to a simplified three-section navigation, comprising My Space, Home, and Search. By stripping away the cluttered sidebars of the past, the app has adopted a minimalist feel that has left users both impressed and confused.
Replacing the old “My Account” or “Downloads” tab, My Space is designed to be your personalised hub. It consolidates your Watchlist, Downloads, and “Continue Watching” in one place. Users love that the “Continue Watching” row is now more prominent, making it easier to jump back into a show without scrolling through the Home feed.
However, some users feel it’s a bit too empty if you aren’t an active power user.
The Home section is the heart of the app, and it’s where the “Netflix-style” influence is most obvious. It now uses dynamic rows that change based on what’s trending (e.g., a “Live Sports” row during an IPL match vs. a “Hotstar Specials” row in the evening).
While visually beautiful, some critics on X argue that the Home page has become too “heavy.” With high-resolution, auto-playing trailers and massive posters, users with slower internet connections or older devices have reported significant lag when trying to scroll down to find specific categories.
Instead of just a keyboard, the new Search page often features “Trending in” and genre-based “Mood” tiles (like Action, Comedy, or Thriller).
This is where the mixed reactions get heated. By making Search a dedicated section at the bottom, JioHotstar removed the Search icon from the top right of the Home screen. Veteran users complain that “muscle memory” makes them look at the top of the screen, and having to click a separate tab at the bottom feels like an extra, unnecessary step.
In addition, the Hero Banner at the top is the crowning jewel of the new update. If the bottom navigation is about function, the top section is pure flair.
Instead of a simple flat icon, the new play button is often a translucent, high-gloss “pill” that sits elegantly over the banners. We also get an add-to-watchlist button just above the new play button for non-live streaming titles, which is a great addition.
Users on X are calling it “premium” and “international-grade.” It’s a small detail, but it makes the app feel less like a utility and more like a luxury entertainment service.
Moreover, the curved floating navigation bar at the bottom of the Home page has generated quite a conversation among users on social media. It houses the primary categories like Home, TV, Movies, and Sports.
It’s designed for modern, large-screen smartphones. Since most people use their phones with one hand, moving the main categories to a floating bar at the bottom makes them much easier to reach with your thumb.
Some users find it a bit too much. Because it floats over the content rather than being docked at the very edge, it can sometimes cut off the bottom of movie posters or thumbnails as you scroll.
Has JioHotstar’s new app UI managed to reach the premium feel of Netflix or Apple TV? Not really. There is still a lot of scope for improvement. But this major shift shows that the platform has finally started to take its users’ feedback into consideration, which is a good sign. Stay tuned for more updates.
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