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JioHotstar has become the world’s second-largest OTT platform with 280 million subscribers.

JioHotstar Becomes World’s Second-Largest OTT Giant with 280 Million Subscribers
Curated by the team of Boldvoices.in

In a turn of events that reflects the shifting tides of digital entertainment, JioHotstar has risen to become the world’s second-largest streaming platform, boasting a subscriber base of 280 million. This places it just behind Netflix, which holds the global top spot with close to 300 million users.

A major reason for this surge has been its powerful hold over cricket broadcasting, especially the Indian Premier League (IPL). The recently concluded season drew nearly 450 million viewers across screens, both big and small. Unlike earlier seasons where matches were freely streamed via Reliance Jio, this year, access required a JioHotstar subscription—prompting cricket-loving households to sign up in large numbers.

But the platform’s strategy goes beyond just cricket. JioHotstar has built a rich catalogue of international and regional content, pulling in everything from global blockbusters to local favourites. This mix ensures that once people subscribe for cricket, they find enough reason to stay for films, series, and more.

Despite this impressive climb, the road ahead carries challenges. The company has poured billions into acquiring streaming and TV rights for the IPL till 2027. While the sport continues to be a cultural heartbeat in India, converting viewership into sustainable profit remains complex in a country where advertising revenue is still modest and fragmented.

Yet, JioHotstar’s achievement is a sign of India’s rising power in the global digital space—a story where tradition meets technology, and cricket becomes the bridge between the two. The platform’s journey reflects how understanding local tastes and leveraging national passions can rewrite the rules of the global entertainment game.