iWorld
F1 TV to launch on Amazon Prime
MUMBAI: Formula 1 (F1) recently launched its over the top (OTT) platform F1 TV and is now planning to hop on Amazon Prime. With the deal, F1 TV is expected to grow by more than 100 million subscribers, according to Digiday.
The OTT service was launched in the month of May with two service models F1 TV Pro (Live) and F1 TV Access (non-live) at two different price points. F1 TV Pro is priced at of $70-$150 annually, and monthly rates ranging from $8-12.
Formula 1 head of global sponsorship and commercial partnerships Murray Barnett was quoted as saying, “It makes sense for us to be on there (Amazon Prime) because it’s an open platform and we’re already in discussions with them about distribution in the future. In the US we have an agreement with ESPN that allows us to exploit our own OTT service separately so we’ll definitely be on Amazon Prime (there).”
The service would be made available to Prime subscribers in countries where the local broadcaster has given up its exclusive rights under new or renegotiated deals. Formula 1 must negotiate the freedom to launch its OTT service in each media-rights deal it agrees, as broadcasters who agree to the F1 TV launch in their territory lose some exclusivity.
Barnett sees F1 TV as a stand-alone revenue source exclusive of their relationship with the TV partners. “We want to be one of the smarter channels on the Amazon Prime platform,” he added.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
