JioCinema, the Indian video-streaming giant, has restructured its pricing strategy with the introduction of a new monthly subscription plan. The plan features two tiers: a premium tier priced at Rs 89 ($1) per month, offering four simultaneous screen access, and a basic tier at Rs 29 per month, providing single-screen access. Both tiers boast an array of features, including an ad-free experience, 4K streaming capabilities, and the ability to download content for offline viewing. JioCinema Premium subscribers will have access to these benefits across the platform, including during the highly-anticipated Indian Premier League cricket tournament. The platform also offers a comprehensive content library, including offerings from international studios such as Peacock, HBO, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The revamped pricing strategy is part of JioCinema’s broader plan to gain a competitive edge over rivals like Netflix and Prime Video. In India, Netflix’s cheapest plan costs $2.40, while Prime Video’s most affordable option is priced at $2.15. JioCinema’s new 35-cent premium tier significantly undercuts these prices, making it a more attractive proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
Viacom18, the parent company of JioCinema, has discontinued its previous annual premium tier, which was priced at Rs 999. Existing subscribers of that tier will be automatically migrated to the new plan. Despite the introduction of premium tiers, JioCinema will continue to offer ad-supported streaming of the Indian Premier League tournament free of charge.
The move comes on the heels of Reliance, which owns a majority stake in Viacom18, merging its media business with the local unit of Disney earlier this year. The joint venture, valued at $8.5 billion, is expected to capture a significant share of India’s streaming and television audience. Disney operates the popular streaming service Hotstar in India and Southeast Asia.
According to Kiran Mani, CEO of Viacom18 Digital, the company’s goal is to create an entertainment ecosystem that caters to every Indian household. He believes that JioCinema Premium will redefine the concept of premium entertainment in India while fostering the habit of daily viewing among users. Hotstar, Disney’s streaming service, has recently achieved a milestone by attracting over 50 million concurrent viewers during a cricket match between India and New Zealand.
