Hotstar is an Indian OTT platform operated by Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, basically, Disney plus Hotstar is a chunk of The Walt Disney Company. Hotstar app hosts a bunch of local networks, TV series, live sports, original programs, and is also licensed to stream from third-party television networks like HBO, Showtime, National Geography, Disney, Pixar, and many others. In India, Hotstar became the dominant streaming service due to the significant growth of mobile Internet. Disney Hotstar service is now offering mobile-only viewing plans to make it more convenient and affordable for the mobile platform.
It is following the footsteps of Netflix in its plans. On Tuesdays at a virtual conference, Hotstar announced its new 18 Hotstar Specials series and Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex movies, and also its new updates on its plans.
Disney Plus Hotstar mobile-only subscription plan:
From September 1, 2021, Disney+ Hotstar will allow its users to choose an option from the updated plans: Disney+ Hotstar “Mobile” at Rs. 499 per year, Disney+ Hotstar “Super” at Rs. 899 per year, Disney+ Hotstar “Premium” at Rs. 1,499 per year. The subscription starts with Rs. 399 for VIP, subscribers the premium price will remain the same. For already existing premium subscribers there are not many changes, except users can stream in 4k on four devices instead of two devices. 4k option will be exclusive for premium members only.
Disney+ Hotstar’s “Super” plan at Rs. 899 per year will allow users to stream on two devices at the same time in HD quality, Disney+ Hotstar “Premium” at Rs. 1,499 plans per year will allow you to stream on 4 devices with 4k resolution, “Mobile” at Rs. 499 per year plan will allow users on your mobile available only on one screen with HD quality.
Will, all other streaming services follow the same:
Basing on research since the majority of users seem to enjoy this affordable feature mobile-only plans will benefit the streaming services to attract more subscribers. Netflix already provides a mobile-only subscription plan, likely we can expect other services to follow suit.
Disney Plus and Hotstar have been profitable deals in India with a subscriber base of 300 million. The service also earns through unpaid subscribers as well as ads. It has seen a 43% as of 2019’s report with INR 1112.7 Cr, and by 2020 it earned about INR 974.23 Cr through ads and INR 618.79 Cr through subscriptions, representing a growth of over 50%.
