JioHotstar Launches in UK, Canada, and Singapore with 1.6 Lakh Hours of Content

Expansion Details and Content Offering

JioHotstar has launched its streaming services in the UK, Canada, and Singapore, offering 1.6 lakh hours of content spanning webseries, TV shows, films, and regional programming. According to Inc42, the platform plans to add over 30,000 hours of fresh content annually to its library in these new markets.

The content will be available in more than 12 languages, catering to the linguistic diversity of the South Asian diaspora and local audiences interested in Indian entertainment. JioHotstar aims to leverage cultural affinity as a key differentiator in these markets.

Pricing Strategy for New Markets

JioHotstar has introduced region-specific pricing for its quarterly and annual subscription plans in the UK, Canada, and Singapore. In the UK, the quarterly plan is priced at £19.99 (₹2,562), while the annual plan costs £69.99 (₹8,972).

In Canada, subscribers can opt for a quarterly plan at CAD 19.99 (₹1,365) or an annual plan at CAD 49.99 (₹3,415). Meanwhile, in Singapore, the quarterly plan is priced at SGD 29.98 (₹2,235), and the annual plan costs SGD 69.98 (₹5,217).

Strategy to Attract Subscribers

JioHotstar is deploying a mix of new originals, iconic franchises, and early access to TV shows to attract subscribers in the UK, Canada, and Singapore. In Singapore and Canada, popular daily soaps will be available on the platform before their television broadcast, while key shows in the UK will stream simultaneously with TV.

Amit Malhotra, JioStar’s head of international business, stated that the platform sees an opportunity to serve a broader, underserved global audience by offering stories and cultures beyond local content. He emphasized the deep connection South Asian audiences have with Indian entertainment across languages and generations.

Competitive Landscape and Market Context

This expansion comes amid intensifying competition in the Indian over-the-top (OTT) streaming space, where platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and SonyLIV are actively rolling out new content and lower subscription tiers to retain users. According to Inc42, JioHotstar’s move is part of a broader strategy to test demand for its products internationally, potentially paving the way for further global expansion.

The Indian OTT market, driven by affordable mobile data, smartphone adoption, and demand for vernacular content, is projected to become a $27 billion opportunity by 2033. JioHotstar’s international launch could serve as a testbed for evaluating global demand for its offerings.

Background on JioHotstar’s Growth

JioHotstar is part of the JioStar entity, formed nearly two years ago through a joint venture between Disney and Reliance, merging Viacom18 with Star India Private Limited. The combined entity now operates over 100 channels and has established itself as a major player in India’s entertainment industry.

JioHotstar claims a library of more than 3 lakh hours of programming and 50 crore monthly average users. Its recently launched microdrama vertical, Tadka, crossed 10 crore active users within two months of its launch, as reported in Reliance’s Q1 FY27 results.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

JioHotstar’s expansion into the UK, Canada, and Singapore is a strategic move to tap into the South Asian diaspora and global audiences interested in Indian content. For founders and operators in the streaming and digital entertainment space, this signals two key opportunities: First, the growing demand for vernacular and culturally resonant content in international markets. Second, the potential for Indian OTT platforms to scale globally by leveraging their existing libraries and regional expertise.

The region-specific pricing and early access to popular shows also highlight how platforms can adapt their strategies to local preferences, a playbook that could be relevant for other Indian startups eyeing global markets. However, the move also intensifies competition for local players in these markets, who may need to rethink their content and pricing strategies to retain subscribers.