Mukesh Ambani’s JioCinema, a leading streaming service in India, is making strategic moves to solidify its position at the top. The platform has introduced new affordable premium plans, aiming to expand its reach and attract a wider audience. These plans are set to replace the existing INR 999 ($12) annual plan for international premium content with a monthly plan of INR 29 (35 cents) for single-device access and INR 89 ($1.05) for a family plan covering four devices. The new plans, branded as JioCinema Premium, will offer up to 4K streaming quality.
JioCinema’s strategy aligns with the competitive pricing of the Indian streaming market. Disney+ Hotstar’s mobile-only plans start at INR 149 ($1.75) for three months, while premium plans cost INR 499 ($6) for three months or INR 299 ($3.50) monthly. Prime Video charges INR 299 ($3.50) monthly or INR 599 ($7.15) for three months, and Netflix offers a mobile-only plan for INR 149 ($1.75) or a premium plan for INR 649 ($7.75), both on a monthly basis.
Despite the introduction of premium plans, JioCinema’s popular sports content, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, will remain free as an ad-supported service (AVOD). In 2022, Ambani’s Viacom18, the parent company of JioCinema, acquired the digital rights to the IPL for $3 billion, outbidding Disney, which secured the broadcast TV rights for a similar amount. Viacom18 and Disney’s Star India are currently in the process of merging in an $8.5 billion deal.
The launch of JioCinema Premium aims to provide affordable access to premium entertainment, breaking down cost and quality barriers. The platform will offer a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, and sports, from various sources. JioCinema’s aggressive pricing strategy, combined with its strong content offerings, is likely to make it a formidable competitor in the Indian streaming market.
