Jio Hotstar is the name people are using now for the big streaming app in India that combines the content and technology of two older services: Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Recently these services were merged into a single platform so users can find movies, TV shows, regional programs, and live sports — including huge events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) — in one place. (Wikipedia)
This blog explains what the app does, what changed after the merge, how to use it, what to expect from subscriptions and streaming quality, and a few tips for everyday users. I’ll keep the language simple and easy to follow.
Short history — how we reached “Jio Hotstar”
For many years India had a few major streaming apps. Disney+ Hotstar grew famous for combining international shows (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars) with Indian TV and sports. JioCinema started from the Reliance group and became important after Viacom18 and Reliance increased their role in the streaming business. Over 2023–2024 there were many reports and moves toward bringing these big libraries together. In late 2024 and early 2025 the companies officially combined their services into one platform often called JioHotstar or Jio Hotstar. This was a big industry change and created one of the largest streaming platforms in India. (Wikipedia)
What you find inside the app
Open the app and you’ll see a mix of content that used to live on two separate services:
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International movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more.
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Indian movies and regional films in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi and other languages.
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Originals made specially for the platform — new local shows, short-form content, and web series.
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Live sports, which is one of the app’s biggest attractions. Cricket events such as IPL are streamed here, and the platform promotes major sports coverage. (Wikipedia)
Because the libraries were large even before the merge, the combined collection now runs into hundreds of thousands of hours of content according to company announcements. That means more choices for different age groups and regions.
Plans, pricing and what changed
After the merge, the platform introduced new subscription plans and adjusted how some sports were distributed. In many cases, events that were once free became part of paid tiers or a hybrid model. The new company positioned the service so it could offer budget-friendly plans as well as premium plans for viewers who want ad-free or higher-resolution streaming. Expect basic plans to be priced affordably and premium plans with extra features like 4K streams, multiple screens, and offline downloads. (The Times of India)
If you used Disney+ Hotstar or JioCinema before, your subscription was typically migrated or given a clear option to move over. Always check the app’s account section to see the latest plan and renewal details.
How good is the streaming quality and app performance?
The merged app was built to handle very large audiences — especially during live sports when millions of users connect at the same time. The companies invested heavily in infrastructure and content delivery networks so live matches and movies play smoothly on many devices. That said, streaming quality still depends on your internet speed and device. For best results use a stable broadband or a fast mobile data connection, and select the right video quality setting in the app. (Wikipedia)
My practical tips: if the video buffers, try lowering the quality one step, or download the show when on Wi-Fi to watch offline later.
Devices and where you can watch
Jio Hotstar works on Android phones, iPhones, many smart TVs, web browsers, and popular streaming devices. If you have an Android device you can find it on the Google Play Store and on the App Store for iPhone users. Smart TV versions support larger screens and often include simple remote-friendly navigation. Keep your app updated so you get the newest features and bug fixes. (Google Play)
Content language and regional reach
One strong point of the platform is regional language content. The service aims to support many Indian languages — not just Hindi and English. You’ll find originals and curated regional movies and series, which helps the app reach users across states and age groups. The company also planned to increase the amount of regional programming over time. (Wikipedia)
Sports on Jio Hotstar — what changed and why it matters
Sports, especially cricket, drive massive numbers of viewers in India. The merger allowed the combined platform to secure and present top sports events under one roof. This means when big tournaments come, you can expect very large live audiences and sometimes special features like multi-camera viewing, real-time stats, and interactive overlays. The platform’s ability to stream record-breaking audiences (for example during major IPL matches) has been widely covered in the press. (Indiatimes)
Be aware that rights and stream availability can change year to year. For major live events, check ahead whether the match will be free or behind a paid plan.
Account safety and parental controls
Like most streaming apps, Jio Hotstar includes account security settings and parental control options. You can set a PIN for kids’ profiles or restrict mature content. Use different profiles for family members so recommendations and viewing history stay separate. If you share your account across devices, watch the “device limit” clause so your stream doesn’t get blocked when too many devices are active.
Tips for finding good shows and saving data
Finding great new content in a very large library can feel overwhelming. A few simple tips:
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Use the “For You” or “Recommended” section — the app learns from what you watch.
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Follow official content hubs or genres (for example, “new Indian originals” or “best regional dramas”).
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Download episodes when on Wi-Fi to watch offline and save mobile data.
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If your plan limits screens or resolution, log in on the device where you watch most to avoid switching often.
Common questions people ask
Q: Do I need a new app if I used Disney+ Hotstar or JioCinema?
A: Generally the old apps were updated or accounts migrated. Check your old app for notices or visit the new app’s sign-in page. The companies usually give clear migration steps. (The Times of India)
Q: Will all shows from the old apps be available?
A: Most popular titles were moved to the new platform, but licensing and regional rules can cause some content to be unavailable. If you can’t find a title, check the app’s help section for details.
Q: Is live sports always paid now?
A: The platform moved to a hybrid model for some big events. That means some sports might require a subscription or specific paid plan. Always check the announcements for the event you want to watch. (The Times of India)
Downsides and things to watch for
No platform is perfect. With such a big user base, issues may include occasional regional licensing gaps, subscription price changes over time, or interface updates that take a little getting used to. Also, because sports attract huge audiences, some live events will be behind paywalls, which can be frustrating if you expect free access. Keep an eye on official news from the service for any changes.
Final thoughts — is Jio Hotstar worth it?
If you like a mix of global entertainment, local Indian content, and live sports, then the unified app is very convenient. The big advantage is having a single place for many content types and languages. If your watchlist is heavy on live sports or particular regional shows, the platform often becomes essential. If you only watch a few specific shows, compare the plans to see if a paid subscription makes sense for you.