Disney+ Hotstar Sets New Streaming Record with 53 million Viewers During ICC World Cup 2023 Semi-Final
In a spectacular display of its streaming prowess, Disney+ Hotstar achieved an unprecedented milestone during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final clash between India and New Zealand. With a record peak concurrency of 53 million viewers, the streaming giant shattered its own previous record, marking a significant moment in India’s booming streaming landscape.
Record-Breaking Streak:
Disney+ Hotstar has been on a remarkable record-breaking streak over the past month. The platform, known for offering free ad-supported streaming, not only set a record of 53 million concurrent viewers but had previously achieved an impressive 44 million just days earlier. This surge in viewership can be attributed to its strategic move of providing free streaming access to major cricket events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the recently concluded Asia Cup, specifically targeting mobile users in India.
Cricket Fever Grips the Nation:
The semi-final match between India and New Zealand emerged as a game-changer, shattering all previous on-demand video streaming records. Drawing in an astounding 51 million concurrent viewers, Disney+ Hotstar showcased its dominance in capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
Challenges in Subscriber Retention:
Despite its recent streaming triumphs, Disney+ Hotstar has faced challenges in subscriber retention. The service has experienced a notable decline, losing about 23.7 million paid subscribers in the past year, including a 2.8 million drop in the latest quarter. The overall subscriber base has dwindled to 37.6 million for the quarter ended September 2023, down from a peak of 61.3 million in October of the previous year.
Strategic Rights and Financial Landscape:
Disney Star secured digital and television rights for all ICC events until 2027, making a substantial investment of $3 billion. The streaming records set during the ICC Cricket World Cup have solidified Disney + Hotstar’s lead over its streaming competitors in India. However, this success comes at a time when Disney is reassessing its digital presence in India and evaluating the future of its local business.
Impact on Disney’s Digital Strategy:
While Disney had ambitious expectations for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup, aiming to reach over 50 million concurrent viewers, the success of Disney+ Hotstar has become pivotal for the company. The streaming platform’s ability to attract massive audiences during major cricket events has played a crucial role in its digital strategy, especially considering the challenges of subscriber loss in the Indian market.
Disney+ Hotstar’s achievement of 53 million concurrent viewers during the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final signifies a remarkable milestone in India’s streaming landscape. While facing subscriber retention challenges, the streaming giant’s strategic focus on major cricket events and offering free ad-supported streaming has proven successful. As Disney navigates the evolving digital landscape in India, the recent streaming records set by Disney+ Hotstar highlight its continued influence and dominance in the country’s competitive streaming market.
