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Introduction
Over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Hotstar and JioCinema have revolutionised the way people in India consume movies, sports, and shows. However, they’ve also done something smart — they’ve utilised marketing in a powerful way to reach millions of people.
In this blog, we’ll look at what these two platforms did right and what you can learn from them to grow your brand.
Why OTT Marketing Is Important
More People Are Watching Online
With cheap internet and smartphones, people now prefer watching shows on their phones or smart TVs instead of going to the theatre or watching cable TV.
Ads That Feel Personal
OTT platforms use data to show users ads and content they’ll actually like. This helps brands reach the right audience at the right time.
What Hotstar Did Right
1. Used IPL to Get Millions of Viewers
Hotstar became super popular by streaming the Indian Premier League (IPL). They added fun features like live polls and chat to make watching more fun.
What You Can Learn:
Promote your product during big events people already love.
Make your content interactive so people enjoy using it.
2. Free + Paid Model
Hotstar gave users the option to watch some content for free and pay for premium content. This helped them reach both free and paying customers.
Lesson for You:
Give people a free sample of your service or product.
Once they trust you, offer them a premium option.
3. Local Language Content
Hotstar created content in many Indian languages, so people from all regions could watch shows they understand and enjoy.
Takeaway:
Speak to your audience in their own language or style.
Personalizing your content helps build trust and connection.
What JioCinema Did Differently
1. Gave IPL 2023 for Free
In 2023, JioCinema streamed the IPL completely free, which brought in millions of users and surprised everyone.
What You Can Learn:
Sometimes giving away something valuable for free gets attention and builds your audience fast.
2. Part of a Bigger System
JioCinema is part of the larger Jio ecosystem, which includes mobile plans, broadband, and devices. All of these work well together.
Lesson:
Try to connect your product or service with others.
It gives your customers more value and makes them stick around.
3. Better Viewing Experience
JioCinema added cool features like 4K video and let users choose camera angles during matches.
Takeaway:
Improve the experience for your users.
People love using products that feel new, smooth, and fun.
What Brands Can Learn from Hotstar & Jio
1. Use Big Events
Both brands used the IPL to reach people. You can also connect your marketing to popular events like festivals, sports, or online trends.
2. Offer Free Value First
People like free stuff. Giving something for free can help build trust and attract new customers.
3. Talk to People in Their Language
Don’t try to speak to everyone the same way. Personalize your message for different groups — use local language, tone, and style.
4. Improve the User Experience
Make your website or app easy and enjoyable to use. Even small features can make a big difference.
5. Create a Bigger System
If you have more than one product or service, try to connect them. When things work well together, customers stay longer.
Conclusion
Hotstar and JioCinema have shown us how powerful smart marketing can be. Whether it’s offering free IPL, giving users a great experience, or talking to them in their own language — these brands have used creative strategies to grow fast.
If you want to grow your own brand, try using similar ideas in your own way. Focus on giving value, building trust, and making things simple and enjoyable.
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