JioHotstar bets on AI search, microdramas and SME self-serve ads to hold 500M MAUs post-IPL

Without cricket's tentpole, JioHotstar is leaning on ChatGPT-powered discovery, 100+ Tadka microdrama titles, shoppable ads with Swiggy and Newme, and a ₹50,000-minimum SME ad portal to defend reach and monetisation ahead of Bigg Boss.

— Filed Fri, 5 Jun, 2026, 06:54 IST · Source Mint · Updated

JioHotstar is leveraging ChatGPT-powered search, microdrama platform Tadka, self-serve SME ad portal (min ₹50,000), and shoppable commerce ads (Swiggy, Newme) to retain 500M MAUs and advertisers post-IPL ahead of Bigg Boss.