Jio Cinema To Introduce Paid Subscription Model Post IPL 2023, Says Report

Jio Cinema has not only been streaming all Indian Premier League 2023 matches for free, but also breaking several viewership records solely due to this free model. Now, they've announced their new foray into original content, as well as hinted at launching subscription based plans soon.

Jio Studios is the content arm of the Mukesh Ambani led Reliance industries, and in a recent interview, the media and content business President Jyoti Deshpande said that Jio Cinema is looking to add over 100 movies, shows, web series and more. Here's all we know so far.

Jio Cinema May Not Be Free Anymore, May Need Paid Plans Post IPL

Jyoti Deshpande said that the platform is adding a whole host of new content in a bid to retain viewers post IPL 2023, and also attract new viewers. A set of 100+ multilingual content is set to release on the platform soon. These include Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Dunki', and sequels of 'Bhediya' and 'Stree.'

These recent additions are being done in a bid to compete with the leading OTTs existing in the market. "The expansion will coincide with JioCinema starting to charge for content, though the exact pricing strategy is still being finalized," said Bloomberg in their report.

Although details regarding the pricing of plans and timeline of launch are yet to be announced, the move is expected to improve revenues for the company, while strengthening its market position.

The new content will be added before the end of IPL '23, but users will be able to watch the matches for free on the platform, she clarified. Keeping in mind the accessibility of Indian users, Deshpande said that the tariff plans would be kept 'simple for viewers.'

Cricket Plans Available for Jio Users

Reliance-backed Viacom18 had acquired IPL 2023's digital rights for a whopping Rs 23,758 crore, and streamed the matches for free for viewers in a bid to attract viewers to its platform. The platform reportedly registered 375 crore views in the opening week itself.

Jio users also have access to special cricket plans that offer 3GB of data per day along with options of add-ons. The packs, at Rs 222, Rs 444, and Rs 667 were launched to ensure cricket fans don't miss out on the live streaming due to lack of data on their phones.