Draft:JioHotstar
{{Short description|Indian streaming service}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}{{Use Indian English|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox website
| name = JioHotstar
| former_name = *Hotstar (2015–2019)
- Disney+ Hotstar (2019–2024)
| logo = JioHotstar 2025.png
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_caption =
| type = OTT platform
| company_type = Streaming
| language = {{hlist|Bengali|Bhojpuri|English|Gujarati|Hindi|Kannada|Malayalam|Marathi|Odia|Punjabi|Tamil|Telugu|Haryanvi}}
| successor =
| country_of_origin =
| area_served =India
| founder = Star India
| industry = Entertainment, mass media
| parent = JioStar
| url = https://www.hotstar.com
| commercial = Yes
| registration = Required
| users = 200 million ({{As of|2025|3|27|lc=y}}){{efn|Only users from India are counted, while Disney+ Hotstar users located in the Southeast Asia are considered Disney+ flagship users.}}https://whatsondisneyplus.com/jiohotstar-hits-100-million-subscribers-following-jiocinema-disney-hotstar-merger/
| launched = {{start date and age|2015|2|11|df=y}}
| current_status = Active
| footnotes =
}}
JioHotstar is an Indian subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by JioStar. The brand was introduced as Hotstar for a streaming service carrying content from JioStar's (formerly Star India) local networks, including films, television series, live sports, and original programming, as well as featuring content licensed from third parties such as Showtime among others. Amid the significant growth of mobile broadband in India, Hotstar quickly became the dominant streaming service in the country.
Following the acquisition of Star India's parent company 21st Century Fox by Disney in 2019, Hotstar was integrated into Disney's global streaming brand Disney+ as 'Disney+ Hotstar' in April 2020. The co-branded service added Disney+ original programming, and films and television series from its main content brands of Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and National Geographic alongside the domestic and third-party content already carried on the platform.In India Disney+ Hotstar was merged with JioCinema in February 2025 to form JioHotstar.{{cite web |title=Disney+ Hotstar Becomes JioHotstar In Major Streaming Shake-Up |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-hotstar-becomes-jiohotstar-in-major-streaming-shake-up/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |language=en-us}}
Outside India, in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, Disney+ Hotstar service is fully owned by The Walt Disney Company, where it similarly combines entertainment content licensed from local, third-party studios, with the larger Disney+ library. In Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Hotstar operates as a streaming service targeting the Indian diaspora, focusing on JioStar's domestic entertainment and sports content.Hotstar formerly operated in the United States as well, it was closed in 2021 and its content was folded into Hulu and ESPN+.
History
Star India officially launched Hotstar on 11 February 2015 after fifteen months of development, coinciding with the 2015 Cricket World Cup and the 2015 Indian Premier League (for which Star had acquired the streaming rights). The ad-supported service initially featured a library of over 35,000 hours of content in seven regional languages, as well as live streaming coverage of sports such as football and kabaddi, and cricket on a delay. Star CEO Sanjay Gupta felt that there "[weren't] many platforms available to Indian consumers offering high-quality, curated content besides, say, YouTube", and explained that the service would appeal most prominently to the growing young adult demographic, and feature "very targeted" advertising. He estimated that by 2020, the service could account for nearly a quarter of Star's annual revenue.{{cite web |last=Dina |first=Arzoo |date=11 February 2015 |title=With Hotstar, Star India aims to change the way content is consumed in India |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/Nfv7GOoewo9xdcGKVnOVnL/With-Hotstar-Star-India-aims-to-change-the-way-content-is-c.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211151/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/Nfv7GOoewo9xdcGKVnOVnL/With-Hotstar-Star-India-aims-to-change-the-way-content-is-c.html |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=Livemint}}{{cite web |date=11 February 2015 |title=Star India's Novi Digital Entertainment bags IPL media rights for whopping Rs 302 crore |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/star-indias-novi-digital-entertainment-bags-ipl-media-rights-for-whopping-rs-302-crore-2091287.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326072827/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/star-indias-novi-digital-entertainment-bags-ipl-media-rights-for-whopping-rs-302-crore-2091287.html |archive-date=26 March 2018 |access-date=5 April 2018 |website=Firstpost}}
Hotstar generated at least 345 million views throughout the 2015 Cricket World Cup, and approximately over 200 million views during the 2015 Indian Premier League season.{{cite news |date=5 June 2015 |title=Hotstar notches up 200 million views in IPL 8 |url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/Hk3d4d6KIQ6YgpnxGjxn1I/Hotstar-notches-up-61-million-views-in-IPL8.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827015322/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/Hk3d4d6KIQ6YgpnxGjxn1I/Hotstar-notches-up-61-million-views-in-IPL8.html |archive-date=27 August 2015}}{{cite news |date=12 December 2017 |title=Amazon Prime Video vs Netflix vs Hotstar: From price to content, which is the best video streaming site in India |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/technology-gallery/759938/amazon-prime-video-vs-netflix-vs-hotstar-from-price-to-content-which-is-the-best-video-streaming-site-in-india/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223101919/http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/technology-gallery/759938/amazon-prime-video-vs-netflix-vs-hotstar-from-price-to-content-which-is-the-best-video-streaming-site-in-india/ |archive-date=23 December 2017}} In April 2016, Hotstar launched a subscription tier primarily oriented towards international content and the possibility of premium sports content. The service launched alongside a new deal to carry HBO content uncut on the platform, with its introduction coinciding with the season 6 premiere of Game of Thrones.{{cite news |last=Sn |first=Vikas |title=Hotstar launches monthly subscriptions to offer US TV shows & movies |work=The Economic Times |url=http://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/hotstar-subscriptions-us-tv-shows-movies/51973979 |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211203/https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/hotstar-subscriptions-us-tv-shows-movies/51973979 |archive-date=29 May 2019}}
The 2016 launch of the LTE-only wireless carrier Jio spurred the growth of mobile broadband in India and was credited in turn for having bolstered the growth of streaming video in the country. While services of US origin such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix saw some growth in the Indian market, Hotstar remained the dominant streaming service.{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Manish |date=6 July 2018 |title=Netflix and Amazon are struggling to win over the world's second-largest internet market |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/05/netflix-and-amazon-are-struggling-to-win-over-indian-viewers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211153/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/05/netflix-and-amazon-are-struggling-to-win-over-indian-viewers.html |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=CNBC}} By July 2017, Hotstar's apps had reached 300 million downloads, and it was reported as being the top video streaming app in the country.{{cite web |last=Choudhary |first=Vidhi |date=16 July 2017 |title=Hotstar retains No. 1 spot among video streaming apps in January–June, shows data |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/gLpO7WF2jxF5DE1nGyZJnM/Hotstar-retains-No-1-spot-amongvideo-streaming-apps-in-Jan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211153/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/gLpO7WF2jxF5DE1nGyZJnM/Hotstar-retains-No-1-spot-amongvideo-streaming-apps-in-Jan.html |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=Livemint.com}}{{cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=29 December 2017 |title=Fall in data prices, new users reason for rise in video consumption |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/fall-in-data-prices-new-users-reason-for-rise-in-video-consumption/articleshow/62289634.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |access-date=29 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806054814/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/fall-in-data-prices-new-users-reason-for-rise-in-video-consumption/articleshow/62289634.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=6 August 2021}}
In May 2018, it was reported that the service had 75{{ndash}}100 million active users per month.{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |date=4 May 2018 |title=Fox Streaming Service Hotstar Breaks Out in Burgeoning India Market |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/global/fox-hotstar-india-1202795869/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608221845/https://variety.com/2018/biz/global/fox-hotstar-india-1202795869/ |archive-date=8 June 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=Variety}} In September 2018, Hotstar CEO Ajit Mohan left to become the vice president and managing director of Facebook India.{{cite web |title=Who is Ajit Mohan, the new Facebook India head- Business News |date=25 September 2018 |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/who-is-ajit-mohan-the-new-vp-and-md-of-facebook-india/story/282812.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411111710/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/who-is-ajit-mohan-the-new-vp-and-md-of-facebook-india/story/282812.html |archive-date=11 April 2019 |access-date=11 April 2019}} That same month, it was reported that the service had begun to restructure its leadership to have separate executives for its ad-supported and premium services, and, aided by new funding from Star US Holdings, planned to increase its production of premium original content to better compete with Amazon and Netflix, amidst concerns that the service was beginning to haemorrhage cash.{{cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |title=Star India rejigs Hotstar service to drive growth |work=The Economic Times |url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/star-india-rejigs-hotstar-service-to-drive-growth/65686673 |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513172641/https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/star-india-rejigs-hotstar-service-to-drive-growth/65686673 |archive-date=13 May 2019}}
By 2019, the service had over 150 million active users monthly. In March 2019, ahead of the 2019 Indian Premier League, Hotstar migrated existing subscribers of its All Annual Sports plan to a new entry-level plan known as Hotstar VIP. Intended as an introductory option, it includes access to sports content (including the IPL, 2019 Cricket World Cup, and Premier League football), early access to serials before their television broadcast, and original series from the new Hotstar Specials banner. It is also payable via cash. Chief product officer Varun Narang described the offering as "a value proposition built with the Indian audience at the heart of it".{{cite web |date=22 March 2019 |title=Star India launches Hotstar VIP OTT featuring premium sport |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/star-india-hotstar-vip-ott-sport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806054834/https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/star-india-hotstar-vip-ott-sport |archive-date=6 August 2021 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=SportsPro Media}}
The 2019 Indian Premier League repeatedly broke records for concurrent viewership on Hotstar, with the 2019 final setting a new "global record" peak of 18.6 million. US website TechCrunch credited these gains to the extensive growth of internet usage in the country.{{cite web |title=Hotstar, Disney's Indian streaming service, sets new global record for live viewership |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/12/hotstar-disneys-indian-streaming-service-sets-new-global-record-for-live-viewership/ |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=TechCrunch |date=12 May 2019}} This was surpassed during the semi-final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between India and New Zealand, with 25.3 million. After the India-Pakistan match earlier in the tournament, Hotstar surpassed almost 100 million daily users.{{cite web |date=17 July 2019 |title=Hotstar sets global streaming record during India-New Zealand semi-final |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hotstar-global-streaming-record-india-new-zealand-semi-final |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718183201/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hotstar-global-streaming-record-india-new-zealand-semi-final |archive-date=18 July 2019 |access-date=18 July 2019 |website=SportsPro Media}}
= Acquisition by Disney, integration with Disney+ (2019– Late2024) =
Star, and in turn Hotstar, were acquired by the Walt Disney Company in 2019, as part of its acquisition of their US parent company 21st Century Fox.
During a February 2020 earnings call, Iger announced that its recently launched international streaming brand Disney+ and its original programming would be integrated into Hotstar as part of a re-launch on 29 March 2020. Iger stated that the service's launch—originally scheduled to coincide with the opening of the 2020 Indian Premier League—would take advantage of Hotstar's existing infrastructure and customer base. The Motley Fool described Hotstar as being Disney's "secret weapon" in the market, due to its already-dominant position.{{cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=5 February 2020 |title=Disney Plus To Launch on India's Hotstar |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/asia/disney-plus-to-launch-india-hotstar-1203493375/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205131254/https://variety.com/2020/digital/asia/disney-plus-to-launch-india-hotstar-1203493375/ |archive-date=5 February 2020}}{{Cite web |title=Disney+ to launch in India through Hotstar on March 29 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/04/disney-to-launch-in-india-through-hotstar-on-march-29/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806054836/https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/04/disney-to-launch-in-india-through-hotstar-on-march-29/ |archive-date=6 August 2021 |access-date=25 February 2020 |website=TechCrunch|date=5 February 2020 }}{{cite web |last=Vena |first=Danny |date=10 February 2020 |title=Disney+ Has a Secret Weapon in India |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/02/10/disney-has-a-secret-weapon-in-india.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416201331/https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/02/10/disney-has-a-secret-weapon-in-india.aspx |archive-date=16 April 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |website=The Motley Fool}}
Hotstar began to soft launch the expanded service for some users in March. On 20 March 2020, in recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated postponement of the IPL season, the launch was pushed back to 3 April.{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=20 March 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar launch deferred in India |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/disney-hotstar-launch-deferred-in-india-11584697919138.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321160013/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/disney-hotstar-launch-deferred-in-india-11584697919138.html |archive-date=21 March 2020 |access-date=21 March 2020 |website=Livemint}}{{cite web |title=Disney+ India launch postponed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/20/disney-india-hotstar-launch-postponed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806054757/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/20/disney-india-hotstar-launch-postponed/ |archive-date=6 August 2021 |access-date=21 March 2020 |website=TechCrunch|date=20 March 2020}} The service officially launched with a "virtual red carpet premiere" of The Lion King and Disney+ series The Mandalorian, featuring actors Rana Daggubati, Katrina Kaif, Shraddha Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, and Tiger Shroff participating in live interactions.{{cite web |last=Bhushan |first=Nyay |date=3 April 2020 |title=Disney+ Launched in India with "Virtual Red Carpet Premiere" Amid Coronavirus Lockdown |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-launched-india-virtual-red-carpet-premiere-1288156 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404003812/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-launched-india-virtual-red-carpet-premiere-1288156 |archive-date=4 April 2020 |access-date=3 April 2020 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} The price of the Hotstar Premium service was also increased with the launch.{{cite web |date=2 April 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Subscription Costs More Than Hotstar Premium: Here's Why |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/disney-hotstar-subscription-costs-more-than-hotstar-premium-heres-why-2561355.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227212911/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/disney-hotstar-subscription-costs-more-than-hotstar-premium-heres-why-2561355.html |archive-date=27 February 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021 |website=News18}}
On 2 May 2020, Star announced that it would distribute the service for free to Labour in India in Singapore through 21 July, to improve morale amid their impact from COVID-19.{{cite web |date=4 May 2020 |title=Walt Disney Company bringing streaming service to migrant workers in Singapore |url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/disney-free-streaming-service-hotstar-migrant-workers-singapore-12699664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021070227/https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/disney-free-streaming-service-hotstar-migrant-workers-singapore-12699664 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |access-date=19 October 2020 |website=Channel NewsAsia |publisher=MediaCorp}} In June 2020, Hotstar named Sunil Rayan, formerly of Google, as its new president.{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |date=20 June 2020 |title=India's Disney Plus Hotstar Taps Google's Sunil Rayan as President |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-sunil-rayan-1234643415/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622005218/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-sunil-rayan-1234643415/ |archive-date=22 June 2020 |access-date=23 June 2020 |website=Variety}}
In August 2020, Disney announced that it would begin extending the Disney+ Hotstar service to other territories, beginning with Indonesia. The company also announced that it would similarly use the branding Star (as originated from Star Asia) for general entertainment streaming services in markets outside of the United States. Unlike Disney+ Hotstar-branded services, however, the Star brand is used as an equivalent to Disney's U.S. streaming brand Hulu (which has less recognition outside of the U.S.), and generally consists of a content hub added to existing Disney+ services (unlike Disney+ Hotstar, which is based on Hotstar's platform). In Latin America, Star was released as a second service, Star+, which also features ESPN content.{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Disney finally revealed the real Disney Plus |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/11/22169873/disney-plus-streaming-marvel-star-wars-new-shows-movies-star-hulu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211210539/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/11/22169873/disney-plus-streaming-marvel-star-wars-new-shows-movies-star-hulu |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=December 12, 2020 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=August 4, 2020 |title=Disney is launching a new Star-branded streaming service internationally |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21354712/disney-star-streaming-service-international-expansion-hulu-plus-abc-fx-fox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805125023/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/4/21354712/disney-star-streaming-service-international-expansion-hulu-plus-abc-fx-fox |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=December 14, 2020 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
In February 2023, Disney reported that Disney+ had a net loss of 2.4 million subscribers worldwide in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, with its loss of streaming rights to the IPL in India to Viacom18 being the main contributing factor.{{cite web |last=Maglio |first=Tony |date=2023-02-08 |title=Disney+ Lost 2.4 Million Subscribers in Q1: What Happened |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2023/02/disney-plus-lost-millions-of-subscribers-1234807625/ |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=IndieWire |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021930/https://www.indiewire.com/2023/02/disney-plus-lost-millions-of-subscribers-1234807625/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Jio effect: Hotstar sheds 3.8 mn subscribers in Dec quarter after losing IPL rights |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/jio-effect-hotstar-sheds-38-mn-subscribers-in-dec-quarter-after-losing-ipl-rights-369648-2023-02-09 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Business Today |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021931/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/jio-effect-hotstar-sheds-38-mn-subscribers-in-dec-quarter-after-losing-ipl-rights-369648-2023-02-09 |url-status=live}}
In February 2023, it was reported that HBO's original programming would be moving from Hotstar, possibly related to an announcement by Disney CEO Bob Iger regarding a restructuring and cutting $5.5 billion in costs at the Walt Disney Company.{{cite web |title=HBO Content Set To Move From Disney+ Hotstar In India |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Liz |last=Shackleton |date=10 February 2023 |access-date=8 March 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/house-of-the-dragon-succession-hbo-disney-plus-hotstar-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235254661/ |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308092048/https://deadline.com/2023/02/house-of-the-dragon-succession-hbo-disney-plus-hotstar-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235254661/ |url-status=live}} This was confirmed by the platform via a tweet the following month, announcing that HBO original programming would be removed from the platform from 31 March, including series such as Game of Thrones, its spinoff House of the Dragon, Succession and the ongoing series The Last of Us. Although it was speculated by analysts that HBO content would be made available on Amazon Prime Video, where HBO Max original programming, as well as films from the Warner Bros. Pictures library, are currently available,{{cite web |title=Disney+ Hotstar Confirms HBO Content Moving Off The Platform In India From March 31 |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Liz |last=Shackleton |date=7 March 2023 |access-date=8 March 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/ |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308084626/https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/ |url-status=live}} Reliance Industries/Viacom18's JioCinema signed a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2023 for the HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max content libraries to be made available on the platform.{{cite web |title=Warner Bros Discovery, Viacom18 Sign Exclusive Content Partnership For India |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Liz |last=Shackleton |date=27 April 2023 |access-date=27 April 2023 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/warner-bros-discovery-viacom18-jio-cinema-hbo-max-originals-1235339153/ |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427080412/https://deadline.com/2023/04/warner-bros-discovery-viacom18-jio-cinema-hbo-max-originals-1235339153/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |last2=Frater |first2=Patrick |title=Viacom18-JioCinema Secures HBO, Max Original and Warner Bros. Content for India |url=https://variety.com/2023/global/news/viacom18-jiocinema-india-hbo-warner-1235596330/ |website=Variety |date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427200723/https://variety.com/2023/global/news/viacom18-jiocinema-india-hbo-warner-1235596330/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=2023-04-27 |title=Viacom18 secures HBO deal in India for ₹1,000cr |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/viacom18-secures-hbo-deal-in-india-for-1000cr-11682618609758.html |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428081440/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/viacom18-secures-hbo-deal-in-india-for-1000cr-11682618609758.html |url-status=live}}
In response to JioCinema's decision to stream the entirety of the 2023 IPL for free, Disney+ Hotstar announced in June 2023 that it would stream the 2023 Asia Cup and 2023 Cricket World Cup for free on mobile devices.{{cite news |date=2023-06-14 |title=JioCinema bags digital rights for India's tour of West Indies |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/jiocinema-bags-digital-rights-for-indias-tour-of-west-indies/articleshow/100988098.cms |access-date=2023-06-18 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618014152/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/jiocinema-bags-digital-rights-for-indias-tour-of-west-indies/articleshow/100988098.cms |url-status=live}}
= Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema merger (2024–present) =
In November 2024, Reliance Industries and Disney concluded $8.5 billion merger of their media assets. In December 2024, Reliance Industries acquired the domain jiohotstar.com,{{cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Vasudha |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Reliance-owned Viacom18 acquires Jiohotstar.com domain name after long wait |url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/reliance-owned-viacom18-acquires-jiohotstar-com-domain-name-after-long-wait-124120400417_1.html |website=Business Standard}} giving rise to speculations that Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema would officially merge into a single platform.
On 14 February 2025, Disney+ Hotstar app was updated on various platforms in India, with the new name JioHotstar.{{cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=Meet JioHotstar, the new streaming platform that combines content from Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/jiohotstar-jio-cinema-disney-hotstar-streaming-platform-9834789/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} JioCinema, the other service owned by Viacom18, started redirecting and transferring subscriptions on the same day.
Content
{{further|List of Disney+ Hotstar original programming|List of Disney+ Hotstar original films}}
Disney+ Hotstar's content library draws from Disney Star's television networks, including its entertainment networks and Star Sports.{{cite news |title=Hotstar Rs 365 VIP subscription: What is it, what does it offer and everything you need to know |work=India Today |agency=Ist |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/hotstar-vip-subscription-what-is-it-what-does-it-offer-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1484053-2019-03-22 |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513172645/https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/hotstar-vip-subscription-what-is-it-what-does-it-offer-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1484053-2019-03-22 |archive-date=13 May 2019}}{{cite web |date=22 March 2019 |title=Should You Subscribe to Hotstar VIP or Hotstar Premium Ahead of IPL 2019? |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/should-you-subscribe-to-hotstar-vip-or-hotstar-premium-ahead-of-ipl-2019-2074341.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328154814/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/should-you-subscribe-to-hotstar-vip-or-hotstar-premium-ahead-of-ipl-2019-2074341.html |archive-date=28 March 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=News18}}{{cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=20 March 2019 |title=Hotstar launches new subscription pack ahead of IPL |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/hotstar-launches-new-subscription-pack-ahead-of-ipl/articleshow/68490906.cms |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521180641/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/hotstar-launches-new-subscription-pack-ahead-of-ipl/articleshow/68490906.cms |archive-date=21 May 2019}} Imported content is drawn primarily from Walt Disney Studios and Disney General Entertainment Content, and includes Disney+ original programming and the core Disney+ libraries of Disney (including Pixar), Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm (including the Star Wars franchises), and National Geographic. It also holds licensing agreements with other third-party content providers, such as streaming rights to first-run and library programming from HBO.{{cite web |date=2 December 2015 |title=Fox's Star India Strikes Exclusive Deal for HBO Originals |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foxs-star-india-hbo-content-845061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407175501/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foxs-star-india-hbo-content-845061 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
In July 2017, Hotstar gained domestic streaming rights to first-run and library programming from Showtime.{{cite web |last=Choudhary |first=Vidhi |date=12 July 2017 |title=Hotstar to stream shows from CBS's Showtime |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/cdfOg6N4ObxwTs1mWSGdKK/Hotstar-to-stream-shows-from-CBSs-Showtime.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211151/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/cdfOg6N4ObxwTs1mWSGdKK/Hotstar-to-stream-shows-from-CBSs-Showtime.html |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=Livemint.com}} Rights to new Showtime content later moved to Viacom18's Voot (a sister of Showtime via parent company Paramount Global).{{cite web |title=Viacom18 launches subscription-based video streaming service 'Voot Select' – ET BrandEquity |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/viacom18-launches-subscription-based-video-streaming-service-voot-select/74460526 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122233339/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/viacom18-launches-subscription-based-video-streaming-service-voot-select/74460526 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021 |website=ETBrandEquity.com}} In October 2018, Hotstar partnered with Hooq to offer its content on its premium service, including rights to films and series from its co-owners Sony Pictures and Warner Bros., as well as its other content partners.{{cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=8 October 2018 |title=HOOQ Massively Expands India Reach With Hotstar Partnership (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/asia/hooq-expands-india-reach-hotstar-partnership-1202971812/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409084712/https://variety.com/2018/biz/asia/hooq-expands-india-reach-hotstar-partnership-1202971812/ |archive-date=9 April 2019 |access-date=10 July 2020 |website=Variety}} The partnership ended following Hooq's liquidation in April 2020.{{cite web |date=30 April 2020 |title=Indian Arrowverse Fans Left in the Dark as Hooq Shuts Down |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/the-flash-supergirl-legends-of-tomorrow-hooq-shut-down-hotstar-gone-india-watch-online-2220871 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430074816/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/the-flash-supergirl-legends-of-tomorrow-hooq-shut-down-hotstar-gone-india-watch-online-2220871 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |access-date=30 April 2020 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV}} The partnership with HBO ended in 2023.{{cite web |last=Shackleton |first=Liz |date=8 March 2023 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Confirms HBO Content Moving Off The Platform In India From March 31 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/ |access-date=8 March 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US |archive-date=8 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308084626/https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/ |url-status=live}}
Some early original content on the service included the News satire program On Air With AIB and CinePlay. In March 2019, the service launched a new premium original content brand, Hotstar Specials, with the first production being Roar of the Lion—a docudrama miniseries chronicling the Chennai Super Kings in the 2018 Indian Premier League. Hotstar stated that these series would be at least six episodes in length, be available in seven regional languages (Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu){{cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=15 January 2019 |title=Hotstar to invest Rs 120 crore in generating original content |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/hotstar-to-invest-rs-120-crore-in-generating-original-content/articleshow/67534513.cms |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115154935/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/hotstar-to-invest-rs-120-crore-in-generating-original-content/articleshow/67534513.cms |archive-date=15 January 2019}} and focus on providing "big-scale, high-quality drama". Hotstar partnered with a large number of Indian filmmakers to produce a series for the brand.{{cite web |date=12 March 2019 |title=MS Dhoni bared his soul in Roar of the Lion: Kabir Khan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kabir-khan-ms-dhoni-roar-of-the-lion-hotstar-56222724/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090124/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kabir-khan-ms-dhoni-roar-of-the-lion-hotstar-56222724/ |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=12 March 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}{{cite web |date=5 March 2019 |title=MS Dhoni to feature in Hotstar's docu-drama Roar of the Lion |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ms-dhoni-to-feature-in-hotstar-docu-drama-roar-of-the-lion-5612155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101130/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ms-dhoni-to-feature-in-hotstar-docu-drama-roar-of-the-lion-5612155/ |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=12 March 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=14 January 2019 |title=Hotstar, Fox's Indian Streaming Service, Moves Into Original Content With Big-Name Talent |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hotstar-fox-india-streaming-original-content-hotstar-specials-1203107004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203073634/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hotstar-fox-india-streaming-original-content-hotstar-specials-1203107004/ |archive-date=3 February 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=Variety}}
In June 2020, Hotstar announced that it would begin to offer direct-to-streaming premieres of Indian films under the "Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex" banner due to COVID-19-related cinema closures, beginning with Star Studios' Dil Bechara on 24 July 2020, followed by The Big Bull, Lootcase, Khuda Haafiz, Laxmii, Bhuj: The Pride of India, Sadak 2, and Mookuthi Amman.{{cite web |title=Disney+ Hotstar launches Multiplex, to directly release Bollywood films – ET BrandEquity |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/disney-hotstar-launches-multiplex-to-directly-release-bollywood-films/76692553 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703042009/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/disney-hotstar-launches-multiplex-to-directly-release-bollywood-films/76692553 |archive-date=3 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=ETBrandEquity.com}}
Sports content
The following digital streaming rights were held as of 13 February 2025:
= Cricket =
- BCCI (2023-2028)
- IPL (2023-2027)
- SA20 (2023-2032)
- Women's Premier League (2023-2027)
- Cricket in South Africa (2024-2031)
- Cricket in Australia
- BBL
- ICC Events
- Major League Cricket
= Football =
= Field Hockey =
= Kabaddi =
= Kho Kho =
= MMA =
= Tennis =
= Badminton =
Device support and service features
Hotstar allows users to stream on up to four devices concurrently depending on their plan, and downloads for offline viewing depending on individual content licenses. Most content is able to be streamed in resolutions up to 1080p. In April 2020, Hotstar started rolling out Dolby Digital sound on Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire HD, and Roku,{{cite web |last=Arora |first=Akhil |date=3 April 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Rolls Out 5.1 Surround Sound, Starting With The Mandalorian |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/disney-plus-hotstar-surround-sound-dolby-5-1-digital-audio-tv-android-apple-fire-mandalorian-2205746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728184725/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/disney-plus-hotstar-surround-sound-dolby-5-1-digital-audio-tv-android-apple-fire-mandalorian-2205746 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV}} and later 4K with HDR in August 2020, initially for Apple TV and Android TV devices.{{cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Rolls Out 4K HDR Support on Android TV, Apple TV |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-4k-hdr-disney-plus-uhd-android-apple-tv-dolby-vision-2274650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728184742/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-4k-hdr-disney-plus-uhd-android-apple-tv-dolby-vision-2274650 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV}}
In India, the service was previously offered with "VIP" and "Premium" subscription tiers, which were differentiated by their content libraries (with the Premium tier featuring more premium international series and films). In September 2021, Hotstar introduced a new plan structure based on device support and concurrent streams (more akin to that of Netflix), with "Mobile" allowing a single stream on a mobile device only, "Super" allowing streams on up to two devices simultaneously, and "Premium" allowing streaming on up to four devices simultaneously, and with 4K support. Under the new plan structure, the same content library became available to all Disney+ Hotstar subscribers regardless of tier.{{cite web |last=Arora |first=Akhil |date=27 July 2021 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Unveils New Rs. 499 Mobile, Rs. 899 Super, and Rs. 1,499 Premium Plans |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-disney-plus-india-plans-new-mobile-super-premium-499-899-1499-year-annual-2495963 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728001322/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-disney-plus-india-plans-new-mobile-super-premium-499-899-1499-year-annual-2495963 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV}}{{cite web |date=5 August 2021 |title=Disney+ Hotstar launches 3 new plans, price starts from Rs 499 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/techook/disney-hotstar-launches-three-new-plans-price-starts-from-rs-499-netflix-amazon-prime-plans-compared-7424656/ |access-date=20 November 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120071228/https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/techook/disney-hotstar-launches-three-new-plans-price-starts-from-rs-499-netflix-amazon-prime-plans-compared-7424656/ |url-status=live}}
Availability
= North America and the United Kingdom =
On 4 September 2017, Star Sports acquired the media rights to the Indian Premier League, with Hotstar acting as the international digital rightsholder. Hotstar launched an international subscription service in Canada and the United States, aimed towards providing its domestic Indian content and sports.{{cite news |date=4 September 2017 |title=Star India bags IPL media rights for next 5 years |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/watch-star-india-bags-ipl-media-rights-for-next-5-years/videoshow/60360432.cms |access-date=9 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=Hotstar Launches Its Premium Service in US and Canada |work=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-us-canada-premium-launch-price-1745759 |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709094409/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-us-canada-premium-launch-price-1745759 |archive-date=9 July 2018}} Hotstar launched in the United Kingdom on 13 September 2018, to coincide with the 2018 Asia Cup.{{cite news |title=Star India's Hotstar launches in United Kingdom |work=The Economic Times |url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/star-indias-hotstar-launches-in-united-kingdom/65778058 |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513172639/https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/star-indias-hotstar-launches-in-united-kingdom/65778058 |archive-date=13 May 2019}}
On 4 January 2019, Star discontinued its international linear pay television channels in the United States (such as StarPlus), pivoting its focus in the region to Hotstar.{{cite news |last=Baddhan |first=Raj |date=7 December 2018 |title=Star TV to shutdown television operations in USA |work=BizAsia |url=https://www.bizasialive.com/star-tv-ceases-television-operations-in-usa |url-status=live |access-date=11 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413032946/https://www.bizasialive.com/star-tv-ceases-television-operations-in-usa |archive-date=13 April 2019}} On 31 August 2021, Disney announced that it would, in turn, discontinue Hotstar in the United States, in favour of hosting its sports and entertainment content on ESPN+ and Hulu respectively beginning 1 September. Annual subscribers who had not yet subscribed to Disney's streaming services were provided with an offer to receive the Disney Bundle (Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu) at no cost for the remainder of their Hotstar subscription period.{{cite web |last=Lattanzio |first=Ryan |date=31 August 2021 |title=Disney to Phase Out Hotstar U.S. Streaming Service, Fold Programming Into Hulu and ESPN Plus |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/disney-phase-out-hotstar-us-espn-hulu-bundle-1235050111/ |access-date=3 September 2021 |website=Variety |language=en |archive-date=3 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903044017/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/disney-phase-out-hotstar-us-espn-hulu-bundle-1235050111/ |url-status=live}} The shutdown was later scheduled for 30 November 2021.{{cite tweet |user=Hotstarusa |number=1461160164795379715 |title=Hotstar will be discontinued in the US on November 30. You can find your favorite Indian entertainment, LIVE cricket & more on @DisneyPlus, @hulu, and @ESPNPlus with #TheDisneyBundle. If you're an existing Hotstar subscriber, please check your email for more details }}
= Asia =
In August 2019, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that plans were in place for the expansion of Hotstar into Southeast Asia.{{cite news |title=Disney Plans Southeast Asia Expansion for Hotstar |work=Gadgets 360 |publisher=NDTV |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-southeast-asia-expansion-disney-bob-iger-star-india-2081496 |url-status=live |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807112424/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-southeast-asia-expansion-disney-bob-iger-star-india-2081496 |archive-date=7 August 2019}} In August 2020, it was announced that Disney+ Hotstar would launch in Indonesia on 5 September 2020, marking the unified service's first expansion outside of India.{{cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=5 August 2020 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar to Launch in Indonesia in September |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-1234725872 |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805074351/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-1234725872/ |archive-date=5 August 2020}} On 19 October 2020, Star India announced the launch of Hotstar in Singapore, which took place on 1 November 2020.{{cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=19 October 2020 |title=Disney Streaming Platform Hotstar Set For Singapore Launch on StarHub |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/disney-hotstar-singapore-launch-1234809227 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628055150/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/disney-hotstar-singapore-launch-1234809227/ |archive-date=28 June 2021 |access-date=19 June 2021 |website=Variety}} On 25 February 2021, it was reported that Disney+ Hotstar would launch in Malaysia and Thailand in 2021.{{cite web |date=25 February 2021 |title=Disney+Hotstar expected to end 2021 with 50 million subscribers |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225185824/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |access-date=25 February 2021 |website=indiantelevision.com}} The service launched in Malaysia on 1 June 2021,{{cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=3 May 2021 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar to Launch in Malaysia With Local Content Component |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-malaysia-launch-1234965831 |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504044452/https://variety.com/2021/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-malaysia-launch-1234965831/ |archive-date=4 May 2021}} and in Thailand on 30 June.{{cite news |last=Datta |first=Lisa Richwine, Tiyashi |date=13 May 2021 |title=Disney's streaming growth slows as pandemic lift fades, shares fall |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walt-disney-results-idUSKBN2CU27N |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514040445/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walt-disney-results-idUSKBN2CU27N |archive-date=14 May 2021}}
In addition to content from Disney's library, the Southeast Asian versions of Disney+ Hotstar also had a large focus on domestic acquisitions. In Indonesia, Hotstar reached content supply agreements with studios such as {{ill|Falcon Pictures|id}}, {{ill|MD Pictures|id}}, Rapi Films, Soraya Intercine Films, Screenplay Films, and {{ill|Starvision Plus|id|Kharisma Starvision Plus}} among others, and also acquired first-run direct-to-streaming releases (which are being marketed as Hotstar Originals). To appeal to the local Indian ethnicity population, the service also carries Hindi cinema films subtitled or dubbed into the Indonesian language.{{cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=7 May 2021 |title=Disney to Tailor Streaming Content for Competitive Asian Markets After Shuttering Linear Channels |url=https://variety.com/2021/biz/asia/disney-plus-asia-korea-viu-telkomsel-1234968712/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215955/https://variety.com/2021/biz/asia/disney-plus-asia-korea-viu-telkomsel-1234968712/ |archive-date=2 June 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021 |website=Variety}}{{cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=10 August 2020 |title=Local Content Gets Priority as Disney Plus Hotstar Confirms Indonesia Launch |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-2-1234730335/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603074706/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-2-1234730335/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021 |website=Variety}}
The Malaysian version of the service has similarly reached deals with studios such as Skop Productions, Revolution Media Films, Media Prima, WAU Animation, Act 2 Pictures, Les' Copaque Production and Red Films to carry films on the platform, with some being released direct-to-streaming. The Thai version reached agreements with studios and broadcasters such as GDH, GMM 25, Kantana Group, One 31, and Sahamongkolfilm, and has licensed content from other East Asian regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.{{cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=8 June 2021 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar Thailand Launch Plans Confirmed |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/global/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-thailand-launch-plans-1234991060 |url-status=live |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608091448/https://variety.com/2021/global/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-thailand-launch-plans-1234991060/ |archive-date=8 June 2021}}{{cite news |last=Laorattanakul |first=Supakarn |date=28 June 2021 |title=5 สิ่งที่ควรรู้ก่อนออกโลดแล่นสู่ดินแดน Disney+ Hotstar 30 มิ.ย. นี้ |language=th |trans-title=5 Things You Should Know Before You Imagine More with Disney+ Hotstar This 30 June |work=Beartai |url=https://www.beartai.com/lifestyle/movies/684420 |url-status=live |access-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629082535/https://www.beartai.com/lifestyle/movies/684420 |archive-date=29 June 2021}}
In January 2022, Disney+ Hotstar announced that it had acquired rights to the WWE Network in Indonesia, with its content and live events becoming available on the platform at no additional charge, but ended in 2024.{{cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=27 January 2022 |title=Disney Takes Exclusive WWE Network Streaming Rights In Indonesia, A Potential Prelude To Deals In Other Territories |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/disney-plus-hotstar-wwe-network-streaming-rights-indonesia-1234903900/ |access-date=27 January 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140947/https://deadline.com/2022/01/disney-plus-hotstar-wwe-network-streaming-rights-indonesia-1234903900/ |url-status=live}}
=Launches=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Launch as Hotstar ! scope="col" | Country/Territory ! scope="col" | Release date ! scope="col" | Release partner |
| Canada
| rowspan="2" scope="row" | {{dts|2017|9|4|format=dmy}} | rowspan="3" | None |
| United States{{efn|It was shut down on 30 November 2021 and its contents were moved to Hulu and ESPN+.|name=HotstarUS-Move}} |
| United Kingdom |
| Singapore
| scope="row" | {{dts|2020|11|1|format=dmy}} | StarHub |
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Launch as JioHotstar ! scope="col" | Country/Territory ! scope="col" | Release date ! scope="col" | Release partner |
| India
| scope="row" | {{ubl|{{dts|2015|2|11|format=dmy}}{{efn|As Hotstar}} {{dts|2024|2|14|format=dmy}}{{efn|Rebranded as JioHotstar}} | None |
Censorship
The HBO series Last Week Tonight faced several instances of censorship on Hotstar since the purchase of the service by Disney; two episodes were edited to remove jokes referencing Disney characters, including a November 2019 episode on the US census relating to a PSA featuring Mickey Mouse (where Oliver claimed the character was a "crack addict"; a scene was also cropped to obscure a graphic relating to the joke),{{cite web |title=Hotstar Censors Disney Jokes in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-disney-fact-censorship-india-2135884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219234521/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-disney-fact-censorship-india-2135884 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=27 February 2020 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360|date=20 November 2019}} and a joke about Donald Duck having a penis "shaped like a corkscrew" during an episode discussing China's one-child policy.{{cite web |date=8 March 2020 |title=John Oliver Slams Disney-Owned Streamer for Censoring 'Last Week Tonight' Jokes About Disney |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/john-oliver-slams-disney-owned-hotstar-removing-jokes-disney-1283146 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310025824/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/john-oliver-slams-disney-owned-hotstar-removing-jokes-disney-1283146 |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} In February 2020, Hotstar refused to carry an episode that contained segments critical of prime minister Narendra Modi, which had opined that his policy of Hindu nationalism was a growing threat to democracy in India.{{cite web |title=Disney India Blocks John Oliver Show Critical of Narendra Modi |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/walt-disney-in-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-modi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226125322/https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/walt-disney-in-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-modi |archive-date=26 February 2020 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=BloombergQuint|date=25 February 2020}}{{cite news |date=26 February 2020 |title=Hotstar blocks John Oliver's 'Last Week Tonight' episode criticising Narendra Modi |work=The Hindu
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/hotstar-blocks-john-olivers-last-week-tonight-episode-criticising-narendra-modi/article30920096.ece |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226104844/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/hotstar-blocks-john-olivers-last-week-tonight-episode-criticising-narendra-modi/article30920096.ece |archive-date=26 February 2020}}{{cite web |date=26 February 2020 |title=Disney India blocks John Oliver's show critical of Narendra Modi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/disney-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-narendra-modi-6287300/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226125322/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/disney-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-narendra-modi-6287300/ |archive-date=26 February 2020 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}
The programme's host John Oliver addressed all three instances of censorship by Hotstar in the 8 March 2020 episode. He placed a larger emphasis on the censorship of Disney references, however (noting that he had played Zazu in Disney's 2019 CGI remake of The Lion King), jokingly arguing that he resented the censorship of his "factually accurate" Donald Duck joke more than the Modi episode being pulled.{{cite web |title=John Oliver slams Disney for censoring his show in India |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/08/john-oliver-slams-disneys-hotstar-for-censoring-his-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806054805/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/08/john-oliver-slams-disneys-hotstar-for-censoring-his-show/ |archive-date=6 August 2021 |access-date=9 March 2020 |website=TechCrunch |date=9 March 2020}}
The service was highly criticised and ridiculed upon its launch in Thailand for the censorship and editing of Disney content, where violent and/or suggestive scenes were cut out or blurred, with a majority of titles being cropped to fit 16:9 widescreen televisions and/or also sped up to 25 frames per second (PAL).{{cite web |last=เหมียวนานะ |date=2 July 2021 |title=ชาวเน็ตบ่นอุบ หลังพบ Disney+ Hotstar ตัดฉากรุนแรง ฉากทางเพศออก จนเสียอรรถรส |trans-title=The internet complains of Disney+ Hotstar after noticing violent and suggestive scenes were cut out |url=https://www.catdumb.com/movie-series/20481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722043700/https://www.catdumb.com/movie-series/20481 |archive-date=22 July 2021 |access-date=21 July 2021 |website=CatDumb |language=th}} On 14 July 2021, during a live podcast hosted by Thai news reporter Jomquan Laopetch, Disney Southeast Asia and Thailand general manager, direct-to-consumer Winradit Kolasastraseni stated that he was aware of the issues and admitted they were the QC team's fault; the service has been replacing censored/edited video files with their original cuts since then.{{cn}}
Notes
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References
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