Jio Hotstar Debuts ‘Tadka’ Micro-Drama Feature, Launches 100 Short-Form Series Amid IPL Surge
JioHotstar has launched "Tadka," a micro-drama platform featuring 100 short-form series, on April 3, 2026. Designed for vertical mobile viewing, the shows offer bite-sized episodes under two minutes. The feature aims to leverage the high IPL viewership surge, providing a new ad-supported format for the platform's expanding digital audience.
JioHotstar has officially entered the rapidly growing short-form entertainment sector with the launch of "Tadka," a dedicated micro-drama platform. Debuting with over 100 original series, the feature is integrated directly into the existing streaming interface. The launch coincides with a significant increase in digital viewership and advertising revenue during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The move marks a strategic shift for the joint venture, which was recently formed through the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star. By introducing high-production, vertically aligned content, the platform aims to capture the attention of younger demographics accustomed to bite-sized media consumption. The design of the new feature allows users to access serialized storytelling through a swipeable interface, similar to popular social media video formats. JioStar: Reliance Jio and Disney+ Hotstar Merger To Be Officially Finalised by November 13 With Domain Name ’JioStar.com”, Say Reports.
JioHotstar Tadka Micro-Drama Specifications and Features
The Tadka platform features "micro-shows" with episodes typically ranging from 60 to 90 seconds in duration. Each series consists of multiple short segments designed for quick consumption during transit or short breaks. At launch, the library includes a diverse range of genres including romantic dramas, supernatural thrillers, and family-centric comedies, all optimized for vertical viewing on mobile devices.
Technically, the feature includes a "continuous play" mechanism and a dedicated discovery tab to help users navigate the extensive day-one catalog. The content is primarily produced in Hindi, with regional language dubbing and subtitling planned for subsequent rollouts. Furthermore, the platform has integrated interactive elements, allowing viewers to like, share, and bookmark specific episodes to return to later within the main app environment.
JioHotstar Price in India and Subscription Tiers
While specific standalone pricing for Tadka has not been announced, the feature is currently bundled with existing JioHotstar subscription plans. The "Premium" tier remains at INR 1,499 annually, while the "Super" plan is available for INR 899. A mobile-only plan is also offered at approximately INR 499 per year, granting full access to the micro-drama library on handheld devices. JioHotstar Streaming Platform Launched: JioStar Unveils JioHotstar, Merges JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar; Here Are the Details.
Industry experts suggest that the timing of the launch is intended to maximize ad-supported revenue (AVOD) during the IPL. Advertisers are reportedly showing high interest in the micro-drama format, as it offers unique "mid-roll" opportunities within short content bursts. JioHotstar expects that the addition of 100 shows on the first day will significantly increase daily active user (DAU) engagement across its digital ecosystem.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2026 08:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).