Disney+ Hotstar: Difference between revisions

| name = Disney+ Hotstar

| logo = Disney+_Hotstar_logo.svg

* [[India]] (as [[Disney+]] Hotstar)

* [[Canada]] and [[United Kingdom]] (as Hotstar)

* Parts of [[Southeast Asia]] (version may differ)

* (see [[#Launch|full list of countries]])

| owner = Novi Digital Entertainment<br />{{small|([[Disney Star]])}}

| parent = [[Disney Streaming]]<br />{{small|([[Disney Entertainment]])}}

| url = {{url|https://www.hotstar.com/|hotstar.com}}

| users = {{increase}} 61.3 million (paid; as of 1 October 2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Q4 - FY 22 Earning Report |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/app/uploads/2022/11/q4-fy22-earnings.pdf |access-date=14 November 2022 |archive-date=9 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109122347/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/app/uploads/2022/11/q4-fy22-earnings.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><br />300 million active users (May 2020)<ref name="user">{{Cite web |date=9 April 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar has about 8 million subscribers |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/08/disney-plus-hotstar-subscribers-india/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409073133/https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/08/disney-plus-hotstar-subscribers-india/ |archive-date=9 April 2020 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=[[TechCrunch]]}}</ref>

* {{Start date|2015|02|11|df=yes}} (as Hotstar)

* 3 April 2020 (as [[Disney+]] Hotstar)

'''Disney+ Hotstar''' (also known as '''Hotstar'''{{efn|in Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom}}) is an Indian [[Video on demand#Subscription models|subscription video on-demand]] [[Over-the-top media service|over-the-top]] [[Streaming media|streaming]] service owned by Novi Digital Entertainment of [[Disney Star]] and operated by [[Disney Entertainment]], both divisions of [[The Walt Disney Company]], featuring domestic [[Cinema of India|Indian film]], [[Television in India|television]] and [[Sport in India|sport]] content for [[India]] itself and its [[Indian diaspora|worldwide diaspora]]. It also includes imported content and serves Southeast Asia as well.

The brand was first introduced as Hotstar for a streaming service carrying content from Disney Star's local networks, including films, television series, live [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|sports]], and [[List of Hotstar original programming|original programming]], as well as featuring content licensed from third-parties such as [[HBO]] and [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] among others. Amid the significant growth of [[mobile broadband]] in India, Hotstar quickly became the dominant streaming service in the country.

Outside of India, the Disney+ Hotstar service also operates in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, where it similarly combines entertainment content licensed from local, third-party studios, with the larger Disney+ library. Disney+ Hotstar is also expected to launch in Vietnam in early 2023. In Singapore, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Hotstar operates as a streaming service targeting [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|overseas Indians]], focusing on Disney Star's domestic entertainment and sports content; Disney+ operates as a standalone service in these markets. In 2021, Disney announced that it would discontinue the U.S. version of Hotstar in November 2021, in favor of adding its content to the domestic [[Hulu]] and [[ESPN+]] services instead.

[[File:Hotstar logo.svg|left|thumb|200px|First Hotstar logo from 2015 until 2020.]]

The 2019 Indian Premier League repeatedly broke records for concurrent viewership on Hotstar, with the [[2019 Indian Premier League Final|2019 final]] setting a new "global record" peak of 18.6 million. US website ''[[TechCrunch]]'' credited these gains to the extensive growth of internet usage in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotstar, Disney's Indian streaming service, sets new global record for live viewership |url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2019/05/12/hotstar-disneys-indian-streaming-service-sets-new-global-record-for-live-viewership/ |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=TechCrunch|date=12 May 2019 }}</ref> This was surpassed during the semi-final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between India and New Zealand, with 25.3 million. After the India-Pakistan match earlier in the tournament, Hotstar surpassed almost 100 million daily users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 July 2019 |title=Hotstar sets global streaming record during India-New Zealand semi-final |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hotstar-global-streaming-record-india-new-zealand-semi-final |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718183201/http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/hotstar-global-streaming-record-india-new-zealand-semi-final |archive-date=18 July 2019 |access-date=18 July 2019 |website=SportsPro Media}}</ref>

On 2 May 2020, Star announced that it would distribute the service for free to [[Migrant workers in India|migrant workers]] in Singapore through 21 July, to improve morale amid [[Indian migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic|their impact from COVID-19]].<ref name="NewsAsia 2020">{{Cite web |date=4 May 2020 |title=Walt Disney Company bringing streaming service to migrant workers in Singapore |url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/disney-free-streaming-service-hotstar-migrant-workers-singapore-12699664 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021070227/https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/disney-free-streaming-service-hotstar-migrant-workers-singapore-12699664 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |access-date=19 October 2020 |website=Channel NewsAsia |publisher=[[MediaCorp]]}}</ref> In June 2020, Hotstar named Sunil Rayan, formerly of [[Google]], as its new president.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |date=20 June 2020 |title=India's Disney Plus Hotstar Taps Google's Sunil Rayan as President |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-sunil-rayan-1234643415/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622005218/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-sunil-rayan-1234643415/ |archive-date=22 June 2020 |access-date=23 June 2020 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

In February 2023, Disney reported that Disney+ had a net loss of 2.4 million subscribers worldwide in the first fiscal quarter of 2023, with its loss of streaming rights to the IPL in India to [[Viacom18]] being the main contributing factor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maglio |first=Tony |date=2023-02-08 |title=Disney+ Lost 2.4 Million Subscribers in Q1: What Happened |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2023/02/disney-plus-lost-millions-of-subscribers-1234807625/ |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=IndieWire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Jio effect: Hotstar sheds 3.8 mn subscribers in Dec quarter after losing IPL rights |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/jio-effect-hotstar-sheds-38-mn-subscribers-in-dec-quarter-after-losing-ipl-rights-369648-2023-02-09 |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2023, it was reported that [[HBO]] original programming would be moving from Hotstar, possibly related to an announcement by Disney CEO [[Bob Iger]] regarding a restructuring and cutting $5.5 billion in costs at [[The Walt Disney Company]].<ref>{{cite web|title=HBO Content Set To Move From Disney+ Hotstar In India|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Liz|last=Shackleton|date=10 February 2023|access-date=8 March 2023|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/house-of-the-dragon-succession-hbo-disney-plus-hotstar-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235254661/}}</ref> This was confirmed by the platform via a tweet the following month, announcing that HBO original programming would be removed from the platform from 31st March, including series such as ''[[Game of Thrones]]'', its spinoff ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', ''[[Succession (TV series)|Succession]]'' and the ongoing series ''[[The Last of Us (TV series)|The Last of Us]]''. While it has not been decided which streaming service the content would move to, it is speculated by analysts that it will be made available on [[Amazon Prime Video]], where [[HBO Max]] original programming as well as films from the [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] library are already available.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney+ Hotstar Confirms HBO Content Moving Off The Platform In India From March 31|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Liz|last=Shackleton|date=7 March 2023|access-date=8 March 2023|url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/}}</ref>

Disney+ Hotstar's content library draws from Disney Star's television networks, including its entertainment networks and [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|Star Sports]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |title=Hotstar Rs 365 VIP subscription: What is it, what does it offer and everything you need to know |work=India Today |agency=Ist |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/hotstar-vip-subscription-what-is-it-what-does-it-offer-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1484053-2019-03-22 |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513172645/https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/hotstar-vip-subscription-what-is-it-what-does-it-offer-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1484053-2019-03-22 |archive-date=13 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 March 2019 |title=Should You Subscribe to Hotstar VIP or Hotstar Premium Ahead of IPL 2019? |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/should-you-subscribe-to-hotstar-vip-or-hotstar-premium-ahead-of-ipl-2019-2074341.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328154814/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/should-you-subscribe-to-hotstar-vip-or-hotstar-premium-ahead-of-ipl-2019-2074341.html |archive-date=28 March 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=News18}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=20 March 2019 |title=Hotstar launches new subscription pack ahead of IPL |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/hotstar-launches-new-subscription-pack-ahead-of-ipl/articleshow/68490906.cms |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521180641/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/hotstar-launches-new-subscription-pack-ahead-of-ipl/articleshow/68490906.cms |archive-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> Imported content is drawn primarily from [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|Walt Disney Studios]] and [[Walt Disney Television]], and includes [[List of Disney+ original programming|Disney+ original programming]] and the core Disney+ libraries of Disney (including [[Pixar]]), [[Marvel Studios]], [[Lucasfilm]] (including the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchises), and [[National Geographic]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> It also holds licensing agreements with other third-party content providers,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> such as streaming rights to first-run and library programming from [[HBO]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2015 |title=Fox's Star India Strikes Exclusive Deal for HBO Originals |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foxs-star-india-hbo-content-845061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407175501/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foxs-star-india-hbo-content-845061 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>

In July 2017, Hotstar gained domestic streaming rights to first-run and library programming from [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Choudhary |first=Vidhi |date=12 July 2017 |title=Hotstar to stream shows from CBS's Showtime |url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/cdfOg6N4ObxwTs1mWSGdKK/Hotstar-to-stream-shows-from-CBSs-Showtime.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529211151/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/cdfOg6N4ObxwTs1mWSGdKK/Hotstar-to-stream-shows-from-CBSs-Showtime.html |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=Livemint.com}}</ref> Rights to new Showtime content later moved to [[Viacom18]]'s [[Voot]] (a sister of Showtime via parent company [[Paramount Global]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Viacom18 launches subscription-based video streaming service 'Voot Select' – ET BrandEquity |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/viacom18-launches-subscription-based-video-streaming-service-voot-select/74460526 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122233339/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/viacom18-launches-subscription-based-video-streaming-service-voot-select/74460526 |archive-date=22 January 2021 |access-date=11 March 2021 |website=ETBrandEquity.com}}</ref> In October 2018, Hotstar partnered with [[Hooq]] to offer its content on its premium service, including rights to films and series from its co-owners [[Sony Pictures]] and [[Warner Bros.]], as well as its other content partners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=8 October 2018 |title=HOOQ Massively Expands India Reach With Hotstar Partnership (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/asia/hooq-expands-india-reach-hotstar-partnership-1202971812/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409084712/https://variety.com/2018/biz/asia/hooq-expands-india-reach-hotstar-partnership-1202971812/ |archive-date=9 April 2019 |access-date=10 July 2020 |website=Variety}}</ref> The partnership ended following Hooq's liquidation in April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2020 |title=Indian Arrowverse Fans Left in the Dark as Hooq Shuts Down |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/the-flash-supergirl-legends-of-tomorrow-hooq-shut-down-hotstar-gone-india-watch-online-2220871 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430074816/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/the-flash-supergirl-legends-of-tomorrow-hooq-shut-down-hotstar-gone-india-watch-online-2220871 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |access-date=30 April 2020 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> The partnership with HBO ended in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shackleton |first=Liz |date=8 March 2023 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Confirms HBO Content Moving Off The Platform In India From March 31 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/disney-plus-hotstar-hbo-content-india-warner-bros-discovery-1235282376/ |access-date=8 March 2023 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Some early original content on the service included the [[news comedy]] program ''[[On Air With AIB]]'', and ''CinePlay''. In March 2019, the service launched a new premium original content brand, ''Hotstar Specials'', with the first production being ''[[Roar of the Lion (web series)|Roar of the Lion]]''—a docudrama miniseries chronicling the [[Chennai Super Kings]] in the [[2018 Indian Premier League]]. Hotstar stated that these series would be at least six episodes in length, be available in seven regional languages ([[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Hindi]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], and [[Telugu language|Telugu]])<ref>{{Cite news |last=Laghate |first=Gaurav |date=15 January 2019 |title=Hotstar to invest Rs 120 crore in generating original content |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/hotstar-to-invest-rs-120-crore-in-generating-original-content/articleshow/67534513.cms |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115154935/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/hotstar-to-invest-rs-120-crore-in-generating-original-content/articleshow/67534513.cms |archive-date=15 January 2019}}</ref> and focus on providing "big-scale, high-quality drama". Hotstar partnered with a large number of Indian filmmakers to produce series for the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 March 2019 |title=MS Dhoni bared his soul in Roar of the Lion: Kabir Khan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kabir-khan-ms-dhoni-roar-of-the-lion-hotstar-56222724/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090124/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/kabir-khan-ms-dhoni-roar-of-the-lion-hotstar-56222724/ |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=12 March 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2019 |title=MS Dhoni to feature in Hotstar's docu-drama Roar of the Lion |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ms-dhoni-to-feature-in-hotstar-docu-drama-roar-of-the-lion-5612155/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327101130/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/ms-dhoni-to-feature-in-hotstar-docu-drama-roar-of-the-lion-5612155/ |archive-date=27 March 2019 |access-date=12 March 2019 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=14 January 2019 |title=Hotstar, Fox's Indian Streaming Service, Moves Into Original Content With Big-Name Talent |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hotstar-fox-india-streaming-original-content-hotstar-specials-1203107004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203073634/https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/hotstar-fox-india-streaming-original-content-hotstar-specials-1203107004/ |archive-date=3 February 2019 |access-date=13 May 2019 |website=Variety}}</ref>

In June 2020, Hotstar announced that it would begin to offer [[Direct-to-video|direct-to-streaming]] premieres of Indian films under the "Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex" banner due to COVID-19-related cinema closures, beginning with [[Star Studios|Fox Star Studios]]' ''[[Dil Bechara]]'' on 24 July 2020, followed by ''[[The Big Bull]]'', ''[[Lootcase]]'', ''[[Khuda Haafiz]]'', ''[[Laxmii]]'', ''[[Bhuj: The Pride of India]]'', ''[[Sadak 2]]'', and ''[[Mookuthi Amman]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney+ Hotstar launches Multiplex, to directly release Bollywood films – ET BrandEquity |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/disney-hotstar-launches-multiplex-to-directly-release-bollywood-films/76692553 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703042009/https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/disney-hotstar-launches-multiplex-to-directly-release-bollywood-films/76692553 |archive-date=3 July 2020 |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=ETBrandEquity.com}}</ref>

Hotstar allows users to stream on up to four devices concurrently depending on their plan, and downloads for offline viewing depending on individual content licenses. Most content is able to be streamed in resolutions up to [[1080p]]. In April 2020, Hotstar started rolling out [[Dolby Digital 5.1]] sound on [[Android TV]], [[Apple TV]], [[Amazon Fire TV|Fire TV]], [[Fire HD]], and [[Roku]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arora |first=Akhil |date=3 April 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Rolls Out 5.1 Surround Sound, Starting With The Mandalorian |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/disney-plus-hotstar-surround-sound-dolby-5-1-digital-audio-tv-android-apple-fire-mandalorian-2205746 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728184725/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/disney-plus-hotstar-surround-sound-dolby-5-1-digital-audio-tv-android-apple-fire-mandalorian-2205746 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> and later [[4K resolution|4K]] with [[HDR video|HDR]] in August 2020, initially for Apple TV and Android TV devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2020 |title=Disney+ Hotstar Rolls Out 4K HDR Support on Android TV, Apple TV |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-4k-hdr-disney-plus-uhd-android-apple-tv-dolby-vision-2274650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728184742/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-4k-hdr-disney-plus-uhd-android-apple-tv-dolby-vision-2274650 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=Gadgets 360 |publisher=[[NDTV]]}}</ref>

In August 2019, Disney CEO [[Bob Iger]] stated that plans were in place for expansion of Hotstar into [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Disney Plans Southeast Asia Expansion for Hotstar |work=Gadgets 360 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-southeast-asia-expansion-disney-bob-iger-star-india-2081496 |url-status=live |access-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807112424/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-southeast-asia-expansion-disney-bob-iger-star-india-2081496 |archive-date=7 August 2019}}</ref> In August 2020, it was announced that Disney+ Hotstar would launch in Indonesia on 5 September 2020, marking the unified service's first expansion outside of India.<ref name="Indonesia launch">{{Cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=5 August 2020 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar to Launch in Indonesia in September |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-1234725872 |url-status=live |access-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805074351/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-1234725872/ |archive-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> On 19 October 2020, Star India announced the launch of Hotstar in Singapore, which took place on 1 November 2020.<ref name="Singapore launch">{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=19 October 2020 |title=Disney Streaming Platform Hotstar Set For Singapore Launch on StarHub |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/disney-hotstar-singapore-launch-1234809227 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628055150/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/news/disney-hotstar-singapore-launch-1234809227/ |archive-date=28 June 2021 |access-date=19 June 2021 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> On 25 February 2021, it was reported that Disney+ Hotstar would launch in Malaysia and Thailand in 2021.<ref name="SEA report">{{Cite web |date=25 February 2021 |title=Disney+Hotstar expected to end 2021 with 50 million subscribers |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225185824/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |access-date=25 February 2021 |website=indiantelevision.com}}</ref> The service launched in Malaysia on 1 June 2021,<ref name="Malaysia launch">{{Cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=3 May 2021 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar to Launch in Malaysia With Local Content Component |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2021/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-malaysia-launch-1234965831 |url-status=live |access-date=4 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504044452/https://variety.com/2021/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-malaysia-launch-1234965831/ |archive-date=4 May 2021}}</ref> and Thailand on 30 June.<ref name="Thailand launch">{{Cite news |last=Datta |first=Lisa Richwine, Tiyashi |date=13 May 2021 |title=Disney's streaming growth slows as pandemic lift fades, shares fall |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walt-disney-results-idUSKBN2CU27N |url-status=live |access-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514040445/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-walt-disney-results-idUSKBN2CU27N |archive-date=14 May 2021}}</ref> There was a report stating the service was expected to launch in Vietnam in early 2023.<ref name="Vietnam launch">{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=Stuart |date=28 October 2021 |title=Omdia: Disney+ Hotstar boosts OTT to surpass pay TV in SE Asia |url=https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2021/10/28/omdia-disney-hotstar-boosts-ott-to-surpass-pay-tv-in-se-asia |website=digitaltveurope.com |access-date=23 October 2022 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030171904/https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2021/10/28/omdia-disney-hotstar-boosts-ott-to-surpass-pay-tv-in-se-asia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>This service was launched in May 2023 at the latest before this service has cooperated with Cat Tien Sa Company to reproduce [[Vietnam Idol]].{{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

In addition to content from Disney's library, the Southeast Asian versions of Disney+ Hotstar also had a large focus on domestic acquisitions. In Indonesia, Hotstar reached content supply agreements with studios such as [[:id:Falcon Pictures|Falcon Pictures]], [[:id:MD Pictures|MD Pictures]], [[Rapi Films]], [[:id:Soraya Intercine Films|Soraya Intercine Films]], [[:id:Screenplay Films|Screenplay Films]], and [[:id:Kharisma Starvision Plus|Starvision Plus]] among others, and also acquired first-run direct-to-streaming releases (which are being marketed as ''Hotstar Originals''). To appeal to the local [[Indian Indonesians|Indian ethnicity population]], the service also carries [[Bollywood]] films subtitled and/or [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbed]] into the [[Indonesian language]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=7 May 2021 |title=Disney to Tailor Streaming Content for Competitive Asian Markets After Shuttering Linear Channels |url=https://variety.com/2021/biz/asia/disney-plus-asia-korea-viu-telkomsel-1234968712/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215955/https://variety.com/2021/biz/asia/disney-plus-asia-korea-viu-telkomsel-1234968712/ |archive-date=2 June 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=10 August 2020 |title=Local Content Gets Priority as Disney Plus Hotstar Confirms Indonesia Launch |url=https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-2-1234730335/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603074706/https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-indonesia-2-1234730335/ |archive-date=3 June 2021 |access-date=1 June 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>

The Malaysian version of the service has similarly reached deals with studios such as Skop Productions, Revolution Media Films, [[Primeworks Studios]], [[WAU Animation]], Act 2 Pictures, Les’ Copaque Production and Red Films to carry films on the platform, with some being released direct-to-streaming.<ref name="Malaysia launch" /> The Thai version reached agreements with studios and broadcasters such as [[GDH 559|GDH]], [[GMM 25]], [[Kantana Group]], [[One 31]], and [[Sahamongkol Film International|Sahamongkolfilm]], and has licensed content from other East Asian regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.<ref name="AIS">{{Cite news |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=8 June 2021 |title=Disney Plus Hotstar Thailand Launch Plans Confirmed |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=https://variety.com/2021/global/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-thailand-launch-plans-1234991060 |url-status=live |access-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608091448/https://variety.com/2021/global/asia/disney-plus-hotstar-thailand-launch-plans-1234991060/ |archive-date=8 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Laorattanakul |first=Supakarn |date=28 June 2021 |title=5 สิ่งที่ควรรู้ก่อนออกโลดแล่นสู่ดินแดน Disney+ Hotstar 30 มิ.ย. นี้ |language=th |trans-title=5 Things You Should Know Before You Imagine More with Disney+ Hotstar This 30 June |work=Beartai |url=https://www.beartai.com/lifestyle/movies/684420 |url-status=live |access-date=29 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629082535/https://www.beartai.com/lifestyle/movies/684420 |archive-date=29 June 2021}}</ref>

| {{ubl|[[Astro (television)|Astro]]|[[Unifi (internet service provider)|unifi]] {{small|([[unifi TV]])}}<ref>{{cite press release|title=DISNEY+ HOTSTAR AND OTHER TOP-NOTCH INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CONTENT WILL ROCK MALAYSIAN SCREENS VIA UNIFI TV'S COMPREHENSIVE CONTENT OFFERING!|date=April 22, 2022|url=https://www.tm.com.my/Newsroom/Pages/DISNEY+-HOTSTAR-AND-OTHER-TOP-NOTCH-INTERNATIONAL-AND-LOCAL-CONTENT-WILL-ROCK-MALAYSIAN-SCREENS-VIA-UNIFI-TV%E2%80%99S-COMPREHENSIV.aspx|access-date=April 23, 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531084254/https://www.tm.com.my/Newsroom/Pages/DISNEY+-HOTSTAR-AND-OTHER-TOP-NOTCH-INTERNATIONAL-AND-LOCAL-CONTENT-WILL-ROCK-MALAYSIAN-SCREENS-VIA-UNIFI-TV%E2%80%99S-COMPREHENSIV.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="DisneyUnifiMY">{{cite news|last=Chapree|first=Chief|date=2022-04-22|title=Disney+ Hotstar Is Coming To unifi TV This May|url=https://www.lowyat.net/2022/271960/disney-hotstar-unifi-tv-may/|website=[[Lowyat.net]]|access-date=2022-04-23|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422090932/https://www.lowyat.net/2022/271960/disney-hotstar-unifi-tv-may/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

! scope="row" | May 2023<ref name="Vietnam launch" />{{additional citations needed|date=March 2023}}

| TBA

The HBO series ''[[Last Week Tonight with John Oliver|Last Week Tonight]]'' faced several instances of censorship on Hotstar since the purchase of the service by Disney; two episodes were edited to remove jokes referencing Disney characters, including a November 2019 episode on the [[United States Census|US census]] relating to a PSA featuring [[Mickey Mouse]] (where Oliver claimed the character was a "[[Crack cocaine|crack]] addict"; a scene was also cropped to obscure a graphic relating to the joke),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotstar Censors Disney Jokes in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver |url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-disney-fact-censorship-india-2135884 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219234521/https://gadgets.ndtv.com/entertainment/news/hotstar-last-week-tonight-with-john-oliver-disney-fact-censorship-india-2135884 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=27 February 2020 |website=NDTV Gadgets 360}}</ref> and a remark about [[Donald Duck]]'s penis being "[[Penis#Birds|shaped like a corkscrew]]" during an episode discussing China's [[one-child policy]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name="thr-lwthotstar">{{Cite web |date=8 March 2020 |title=John Oliver Slams Disney-Owned Streamer for Censoring 'Last Week Tonight' Jokes About Disney |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/john-oliver-slams-disney-owned-hotstar-removing-jokes-disney-1283146 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310025824/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/john-oliver-slams-disney-owned-hotstar-removing-jokes-disney-1283146 |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=9 March 2020 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> In February 2020, Hotstar refused to carry an episode that contained segments critical of Indian prime minister [[Narendra Modi]], which had alleged that his policy of [[Hindutva|Hindu nationalism]] was a growing threat to democracy in India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney India Blocks John Oliver Show Critical of Narendra Modi |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/walt-disney-in-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-modi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226125322/https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/walt-disney-in-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-modi |archive-date=26 February 2020 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=BloombergQuint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 February 2020 |title=Hotstar blocks John Oliver's 'Last Week Tonight' episode criticising Narendra Modi |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/hotstar-blocks-john-olivers-last-week-tonight-episode-criticising-narendra-modi/article30920096.ece |url-status=live |access-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226104844/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/hotstar-blocks-john-olivers-last-week-tonight-episode-criticising-narendra-modi/article30920096.ece |archive-date=26 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2020 |title=Disney India blocks John Oliver's show critical of Narendra Modi |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/disney-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-narendra-modi-6287300/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226125322/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/disney-india-blocks-john-oliver-show-critical-of-narendra-modi-6287300/ |archive-date=26 February 2020 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref>