The US$8.5 billion power play: How JioHotstar reshaped India’s video streaming industry

JioHotstar was formed through a US$8.5 billion joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited and The Walt Disney Company. Within a year of its launch, it reshaped the Indian digital entertainment industry and emerged as India’s largest digital entertainment platform. The case traces how the Reliance–Disney joint venture led to the formation of JioHotstar and highlights the strategic moves and technological innovations that contributed to the platform’s success. It examines how JioHotstar built a technology-enabled digital entertainment ecosystem by integrating premium content, live sports, artificial intelligence, advanced streaming technologies, and diversified monetization strategies. It also highlights how JioHotstar is changing sports broadcasting and competing with traditional broadcasters. The case further assesses JioHotstar’s competitive position against global and domestic over-the-top (OTT) platforms. By examining JioHotstar’s rapid growth and the key factors that contributed to its market leadership, the case offers insights into the changing dynamics of India’s digital entertainment industry. It also examines the challenges of sustaining this leadership, highlighting the need to balance continued innovation, consumer engagement, and profitable growth.