Mumbai: Jio Hotstar has shaken up the global OTT scene with a massive subscriber surge, rapidly closing the gap with Netflix, thanks to the blockbuster success of IPL 2025 live streaming. The platform now boasts a staggering 300 million subscribers, just shy of Netflix’s 316.3 million global users.
Back in February 2024, Jio Hotstar had only 50 million users. But by the end of the IPL season in May, subscriptions soared more than sixfold, marking one of the most dramatic growth stories in Indian streaming history. The merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, alongside Viacom18’s digital IPL rights, powered this phenomenal leap.
During the tournament, Jio Hotstar hit record-breaking ad and subscription revenue. Digital IPL viewership touched 652 million, surpassing television’s 537 million, signaling a clear shift in how India consumes live sports.
The June 3 IPL final, featuring RCB vs Punjab Kings, drew 237 million digital viewers, outpacing 189 million TV viewers—a landmark moment for streaming in India.
While Netflix maintains its global lead, with over 301.6 million users across 190 countries, Jio Hotstar is emerging as a global contender, backed by Reliance and India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
With its IPL-driven momentum and a growing subscriber base, Jio Hotstar is not just dominating Indian OTT—it’s aiming for the world stage.
