Earlier this month during Disney’s quarterly financial results call, it was revealed that Disney+ now has over 54.5 million subscribers globally.  With the streaming app still set to launch across Asia, Africa and Latin America, in addition to more European countries.

According to a new report by Media Partners Asia, Disney+ could reach as many as 100 million subscribers in India by 2025.   Disney obtained HotStar, when it purchased 20th Century Fox last year, leading to the streaming platform rebranding as Disney+ HotStar in April.

One of the reasons for increased number of subscribers, is how the current Coronavirus situation has speeded up how many people are cutting the “cord”, leaving traditional satellite and cable providers for streaming services.

“In this context, Disney+ Hotstar is a major agent of positive change with potential for significant future growth.  Such growth will be dependent on a number of key factors and growth levers,”

The researchers are predicting that India’s total online video revenues will grow from $1.4 billion today to $4 billion by 2025, with Disney+ Hotstar taking 25 percent of the market, just behind YouTube.

“Despite the absence of the popular IPL cricket tournament, Disney+ has contributed meaningfully to premium tier subscriber growth.  As a result, the Disney+ Hotstar platform has remained churn positive through the 1H 2020 period.”

They predict that Disney+ Hotstar will reach 18 million paying subscribers by the end of 2020 — but only if the IPL tournament is able to return to air before year’s end.

“They need to maintain their momentum between now and the IPL restart, and Star and the other local broadcasters aren’t really shooting anything right now.  That’s something they’ll need to address over the next few months — we expect they’ll have to push some more original content out there.”

There are two tiers of subscriptions available in India, VIP costs $5.20 per year and gives access to unlimited live cricket, Star TV series and Bollywood films, Hotstar originals and all of Disney’s Marvel films and series.  While Premium costs $20 annually and includes access to Disney+ originals, the Fox and Disney library, plus new U.S. shows from HBO and Showtime.

Do you think Disney+ HotStar will pull in over 100 million subscribers in India by 2025 ?

Source – The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood Reporter

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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