Business · India Bureau
JioHotstar expands to Middle East and North Africa via STARZPLAY deal
Reliance-backed streaming service JioHotstar is entering the Middle East and North Africa region through a partnership with regional platform STARZPLAY. The move marks the latest phase of the Indian streaming giant's international expansion, following recent launches in Western markets.
LSN India ·
JioHotstar, which boasts over 500 million active users, will operate as a dedicated streaming destination within the STARZPLAY app and website, according to a joint statement from both platforms. The partnership enables the Indian streaming service to tap into diaspora communities across the Middle East and North Africa while broadening its global reach.
The collaboration comes a month after JioHotstar announced its entry into the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore markets as part of a strategic push to serve South Asian audiences internationally. The MENA expansion represents a significant geographical extension, positioning the platform to serve one of the world's fastest-growing streaming markets.
Viewers across the Middle East and North Africa will have access to JioHotstar Originals simultaneously with their India release, alongside a diverse content portfolio featuring programming in up to 10 languages. The offerings include Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Bangla-language content, supplemented by popular television programming from JioStar TV channels, major film releases, and locally successful reality franchises.
The substantial Malayalam content catalogue underscores the platform's recognition of the Malayali diaspora's importance as an audience segment in the MENA region. This multi-language approach aligns with JioHotstar's strategy of customizing content offerings for different regional markets and language communities across its international footprint.