The Decline of Hotstar: Losing IPL, Losing the Game ?
The Decline of Hotstar: Losing IPL, Losing the Game?
If you follow the world of OTT platforms closely, you must have noticed a significant shift recently—Hotstar, once the undisputed leader of India’s streaming industry, is gradually losing its dominance. There was a time when cricket lovers had no choice but to turn to Hotstar for live streaming, but with JioCinema’s disruptive entry and changing market dynamics, Hotstar is struggling to retain its audience. So, what went wrong? How did a platform that once ruled the Indian OTT market start losing its charm? Let’s dive into the full story.
Journey to the Top
Launched in 2015, entered the Indian market when online streaming was still in its infancy. However, India’s undying passion for cricket made it an instant hit. The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and the acquisition of IPL streaming rights turned Hotstar into the go-to platform for millions of cricket fans. It reached a historic milestone in 2019 when the India vs. New Zealand World Cup semi-final was streamed live by a record-breaking 25 million viewers!
it expanded into football, kabaddi, and Hollywood’s biggest shows. The addition of Game of Thrones and Marvel’s blockbuster content helped it capture apremium audience. But then came a major plot twist!
Jio’s Masterstroke and Hotstar’s Downfall
The year 2022 marked a turning point when the IPL media rights auction took place. For Hotstar, retaining these rights was a matter of survival. However, Mukesh Ambani’sViacom18 swooped in with a whopping ₹23,000 crore bid and took away the IPL’s digital rights. The final blow came when Jio announced that IPL streaming would be completely free! The result? Millions of Hotstar users shifted to JioCinema overnight.
But cricket alone wasn’t the only reason behind Hotstar’s decline. Popular HBO shows like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us were also major attractions for premium subscribers. However, in 2023, HBO also cut ties with Hotstar, further weakening its content library.
Can Hotstar Make a Comeback?
Now, the big question—can Hotstar regain its lost glory? The short answer is yes, but only with the right strategy! Instead of depending solely on cricket, Hotstar must invest in original Indian content, gripping web series, and regional entertainment. If it fails to adapt, it risks becoming irrelevant in the ever-competitive OTT race.
Have You Switched ?
Did you once subscribe to Hotstar? If so, what made you leave? Have you moved to a different platform now? Share your thoughts in the comments!