As 2024 comes to a close, the streaming scene in India has never been more vibrant. In our JustWatch market report — compiled from 5.3 million users selecting their go-to platforms, click-outs for streaming offers, and “seen” title markings — we reveal how providers like Hotstar, Prime Video, Netflix, and more fared throughout an incredible year of content.
Table of Contents
Q4 2024: Hotstar and Prime Video Battle for the Streaming Top Spot
In the final quarter of 2024:
- Hotstar and Prime Video went head-to-head, each clinging tightly to the leading share.
- Netflix continues its meteoric rise, boasting a 5% lead over both Apple TV+ and Zee5.
Chart (Q4 Snapshot):
Hotstar at 23%, Prime Video at 23%, and Netflix at 16%, while Apple TV+ and Zee5 share the spotlight at 11% each. Trailing behind are JioCinema, SonyLIV, and ALT Balaji.
Full-Year Trends: Netflix Dominates Gains, JioCinema and Apple TV+ Also Shine
Looking at the entire year of January to December 2024:
- Netflix clocks in as the top gainer with a noteworthy +3% surge in market share.
- JioCinema and Apple TV+ follow closely behind, each up by +2%, reflecting their strategic content rollouts and growing fan bases.
- Hotstar and ALT Balaji struggle to retain traction, each experiencing a -2% slip.
Chart (Year in Review):
- Major monthly fluctuations show Netflix’s steady upward trajectory.
- Both JioCinema and Apple TV+ chart consistent gains.
- Hotstar started strong but saw a mild decline toward year’s end.
Key Takeaways: What’s Fueling These Market Shifts?
1. Content is King
From blockbuster series to local-language exclusives, Netflix’s expansive catalog continues to captivate diverse Indian audiences. Prime Video and Hotstar remain heavy contenders, relying on cricket broadcasts, Bollywood premieres, and original hits to keep viewers locked in.
2. Tech Innovations & Accessibility
Apple TV+ and JioCinema harness user-friendly interfaces, bundling services, and flexible mobile viewing options to court new subscribers. As data costs drop nationwide, more Indians are sampling multiple platforms.
3. Expansion Beyond Metro Cities
Regional content booms. Platforms investing in multi-language offerings see rising returns — a key factor driving Zee5’s resilience and JioCinema’s popularity beyond Tier-1 cities.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
With 5.3 million (and growing) JustWatch users in India, competition in the streaming sphere is fierce. Providers that prioritize local content, user-friendly tech, and consistent drops of fresh series and films will shape the new status quo. Meanwhile, strategic partnerships (e.g., telecom bundling deals) could redefine how Indians discover and consume on-demand video.
Final Word
India’s streaming race is no sprint — it’s a marathon, and 2024 proved how quickly the tides can turn. With Netflix’s surge, Hotstar and Prime Video’s showdown, and underdogs like Apple TV+ and JioCinema steadily inching forward, 2025 promises even greater drama.
If you’re looking to stay on top of game-changing releases and track the next big thing in streaming, keep your eyes on JustWatch India. Explore your favorite titles, compare platform offers, and discover hidden gems in just a few clicks.
Curious where to stream your next binge? Visit JustWatch.com to navigate the ever-growing digital content universe in India. After all, the small screen has never been bigger!
