JioCinema Slashes Premium Subscription Prices, Intensifying Competition with Netflix and Amazon Prime
On Thursday, the streaming platform operated by India’s Reliance Industries announced a significant reduction in the prices of its premium offerings, setting them as low as 29 rupees ($0.3480) per month. This move intensifies the competition with established players like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Reliance, through its media unit Viacom18, manages several TV channels and the JioCinema streaming app, solidifying its position in India’s $28-billion media and entertainment market.
According to a statement by JioCinema, the ad-free version will be available at an introductory price of 29 rupees per month for streaming on a single device, with a “Family” plan priced at 89 rupees for streaming on up to four devices simultaneously.
Previously, the platform priced its premium offering at 99 rupees ($1.19) per month or 999 rupees annually for streaming on up to four devices, albeit with advertisements. Existing premium members will automatically receive the benefits of the “Family” plan at no extra cost.
While JioCinema gained popularity by offering free streaming of the IPL cricket tournament, the new pricing applies solely to premium content, while cricket matches and various other shows will remain free to stream.
Mukesh Ambani, the head of Reliance Industries, is renowned for disrupting competitors in India’s price-sensitive market with attractive offers.
The reduced prices position JioCinema favorably against competitors like Netflix and Amazon, especially following agreements with Disney to integrate India TV and streaming assets, and content partnerships with major players like Warner Bros Discovery and NBCUniversal.
JioCinema boasts a diverse library, featuring popular titles such as “Succession” and content centered around the Harry Potter franchise, alongside a variety of offerings catering to children, including beloved Japanese anime series like Pokemon.
Source: Reuters
