Hotstar CTV advertising routes:
- Direct via Disney Star sales: Primary route for premium inventory — Star Sports live cricket, prime-time Hindi entertainment, Disney originals. Agency holding group frameworks (GroupM, Publicis, etc.) provide better rates and access.
- Programmatic: Hotstar has more developed programmatic pipes than JioCinema. Non-premium inventory accessible through select DSPs. Still a walled garden — not fully open programmatic.
- Sponsorship integrations: L-band overlays, brought-to-you-by wraps, and co-presentation during Star Sports cricket are available as integrated buys.
CPM ranges (directional):
- Star Sports live cricket: Rs 150–350 CPM (CTV)
- Prime-time Hindi / Disney originals: Rs 100–250 CPM
- Regional language content: Rs 80–150 CPM
- Free tier / highlights: Rs 50–100 CPM
When Hotstar CTV is the right choice: Brands targeting urban, higher-income audiences (SEC A/B), cricket presence outside IPL season, South Indian language reach via Star Vijay/Maa/Jalsha, or family/premium entertainment environments via Disney content. For IPL live, JioCinema is the only option — Hotstar lost those rights in 2023.
Full guide
For a complete explanation, read: Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar) CTV advertising: audience, buying routes, and CPMs