JioCinema plans to launch a new subscription plan on April 25th, potentially going ad-free, a long-desired feature by users and common among competitors like Netflix and Prime Video.Also Read | Reliance’s JioCinema Welcomes Pokemon Content To Its Platform
Teasing Change
JioCinema took to social media platform X (previously Twitter) to drop hints about what could be coming next with this cryptic post: “Change is constant but your plan doesn’t have to be.” Some have taken this as an indication that an ad-free tier might not be too far off.
Change is constant, but your plan doesn't have to be 😉
A new plan. Coming April 25th.#JioCinema pic.twitter.com/aJ4FtsBl7J
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 21, 2024Current Subscription Plan
Currently, there is only one subscription available on JioCinema. This particular package gives subscribers access to English content from partner platforms like HBO and Peacock; however other shows produced in Hindi by Viacom18 channels along with Indian Premier League cricket matches are free-to-watch instead. Jio Cinema adopted this approach to draw more visitors to their site, reflecting the growing demand for OTT platforms. This plan allows for four simultaneous streams. However, paying members argue that these benefits do not compensate for the numerous short and long format ads during streaming.
Possible Ad-Free Tier
If implemented successfully, an ad-free tier would put JioCinema on par with India’s other streaming giants like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix who already offer ad-free options as part of their subscriptions. However outside U.S., some international streaming services do provide plans supported by ads where you get full library access at cheaper rates; maybe Jio Cinema might follow suit by introducing higher priced packages that allow interruption-less content streaming.
Enhanced Features
New reports suggest that Jio Cinema’s upcoming monthly tariff, beyond offering commercial-free viewing, could also support 4K streaming and downloading. This upgrade enhances the viewing experience for both existing free and paid subscribers.
Pricing & Availability
At present, JioCinema Premium is available at INR 999 per year without any monthly option being made available. In contrast, other popular over-the-top platforms such as Prime Video or Netflix among others have priced their services on yearly basis but also offer them monthly too at different price points ranging from low cost to premium rates depending on what you want out of your subscription package; thus far there are no details regarding how much this new ad-free plan will cost subscribers when officially unveiled by Jio Cinema except that it should provide better value thanks to potential absence of ads coupled with these enhanced features.
Conclusion
JioCinema’s forthcoming release of a fresh subscription plan could indicate that they’re readying themselves for even higher expectations from their users. With the introduction of an ad-free tier and possibly other additions like 4K streaming, viewership through the platform is likely to become more immersive than ever before.
