iWorld
JioCinema doubles subscribers Q-on-Q to 16 million in Q2 FY2025
MUMBAI: Reliance group’s Viacom18’s streamer JioCinema is sprinting ahead at a rapid clip. The subscription-oriented OTT, according to Network18 Media’s filings with the Bombay stock exchange, doubled its subscriber base in Q2 FY 2025 quarter over quarter. The sub base at the end of 30 September 2024 stood at an impressive 16 million.
What worked in its favour, the company says, are the affordable monthly subscription plans of Rs 29 per month and Rs 89 per month (family plan) and an expanding content catalogue and the live sports that were streamed on it.
The third season of digital exclusive Bigg Boss OTT was the top driver of subscription and watch-time. Bigg Boss Marathi replicated its success on TV, becoming the third most-watched show on the platform. Network non-fiction shows like Laughter Chefs, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Splitsvilla were complemented by digital exclusive shows like Shekhar Home and Pill.
The international content catalogue on JioCinema was amongst the top drivers of subscriber acquisition during the quarter. Kung Fu Panda 4, Dune 2, Godzilla x Kong, and Fall Guy were some of the popular international shows and movies added on the platform during the quarter.
Viacom18’s coverage of Paris Olympics 2024 delivered the highest ever viewership of the event with 170+ million viewers and 15 billion minutes of watch-time across JioCinema and Sports 18. JioCinema had up to 20 concurrent live streams spanning 17 dedicated feeds for sports and three curated streams for India matches and other high viewer interest events. A studio panel comprising eminent sports personalities and experts delivered surround content, bringing an unparalleled coverage of the event.
A combination of comprehensive coverage and a growing interest in non-cricket sports led to high engagement of over 50 mins a day on JioCinema. The sports network also aired India vs Bangladesh cricket test series, Indian Super League and other popular sports events, cementing its position as the home of sports.
iWorld
Amazon MX Player launches free micro-drama destination Fatafat
New platform offers serialized short-form stories with Munawar Faruqui campaign.
MUMBAI: Amazon MX Player just made micro-dramas free because the only thing shorter than the episodes is now the price tag (zero). Amazon MX Player has launched Fatafat, India’s first completely free premium micro-drama destination, giving mobile-first audiences access to fast-paced, serialized short-form stories without any paywall. Designed for quick viewing bursts, Fatafat features a growing catalogue of romance, drama, thriller and youth-led narratives in bite-sized episodes that are instantly bingeable. Unlike most micro-drama platforms that charge for access, Fatafat removes the barrier entirely, expanding the format’s reach across India.
The launch is supported by a humorous digital campaign fronted by comedian-actor Munawar Faruqui. The spots playfully highlight how small spends on paid micro-drama apps could be better used elsewhere, positioning Fatafat as the smarter, no-cost choice for engaging entertainment.
Amazon MX Player head Karan Bedi said, “Our vision has always been to make premium entertainment accessible to everyone, free of cost. With Fatafat, we are extending that promise to the rapidly growing micro-drama category quick, engaging and mobile-first while remaining completely free for viewers across India.”
Amazon MX Player head of content Amogh Dusad added, “Micro-dramas open up exciting creative possibilities for storytelling. With Fatafat, we are building a diverse slate of serialized stories across genres while keeping the experience fast, engaging and accessible to viewers everywhere.”
Munawar Faruqui said, “Today’s entertainment landscape is defined by content that is fast, engaging, and instantly accessible. Shooting for the campaign was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially as the scenarios felt incredibly authentic and relatable.”
Fatafat will continue to expand its library with several new titles in the coming months. The destination is available to stream for free on the Amazon MX Player mobile app.
In a country where attention spans are shrinking faster than episode lengths, Amazon MX Player isn’t just joining the micro-drama party,it’s throwing the doors wide open and telling everyone the snacks (and stories) are on the house.
