JioCinema looking to charge for content after IPL: Report


JioCinema, the official digital streaming partner of the Tata IPL, may start charging for its content after the cricket tournament ends, according to a Bloomberg report. The IPL is setting new records for viewership this year, but JioCinema is still offering free streaming of the matches at the moment.

OnePlus TV recently announced that it has integrated the JioCinema app to offer an enhanced viewing experience for Tata IPL 2023. In addition, Samsung has also partnered with JioCinema to provide an immersive entertainment experience for the upcoming cricket season.

JioCinema to add Over 100 Films and TV Series in a push to compete with Global Giants

JioCinema, is set to expand its content library by adding more than 100 films and TV series to its platform. This move is aimed at taking on global giants like Disney+ Hotstar and and Netflix in the fast-growing Indian market.

JioCinema has gained popularity through its cricket broadcasts and plans to roll out new titles before the end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket season next month, while continuing to offer free viewing of matches.

JioCinema to introduce paid content, focusing on pricing and localized Content

As part of its expansion plans, JioCinema will start charging for content, although the exact pricing strategy is still being finalized, according to Jyoti Deshpande, President of Media and Content Business.

JioCinema aims to keep tariffs simple for viewers and plans to focus on localized content that caters to Indian audiences.

JioCinema aims to tap Into India’s immense viewership potential

With a population of 1.4 billion and a growing middle class with expanding internet access, India presents immense viewership potential.

JioCinema, the popular streaming service, witnessed an astounding viewer engagement during the opening weekend of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in April, with over 1.47 billion video views.

The platform’s appeal continued to soar as it garnered a massive viewership of 22 million for a thrilling match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on a Wednesday.

However, the Indian market has been challenging for global streaming platforms to crack due to factors such as price-conscious users and a robust local cinema-going culture that influences online viewing choices.

JioCinema to offer diverse content in multiple Indian languages

In its expansion plans, JioCinema aims to offer diverse content in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati. The content will span various genres, such as thrillers, romance, and biopics.

Jio Studios, which is part of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., plans to release new and original movies produced by Jio Studios, such as Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” and Amitabh Bachchan’s “Section 84.” The company has also announced a multi-year, multi-film collaboration with SVF Entertainment for the Bengali market.

Source