JioCinema Gets 11.3 Cr Viewers On Day 1 Of IPL 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 kicked off with a bang, not just on the field but also online. Reliance-backed JioCinema, the official streaming platform for the tournament, witnessed a record-breaking first day, marking a significant shift in India's sports consumption habits.

JioCinema Leads the Charge with Record Viewership

JioCinema reported a staggering 11.3 crore viewers tuning into the opening day of IPL 2024. This translates to a phenomenal 51% surge compared to the first day of IPL 2023, highlighting the growing popularity of online streaming for sports. Furthermore, the platform clocked a whopping 59 crore video views and a collective watch time of 660 crore minutes during Day 1, signifying high user engagement.

India Embraces Digital-First Sports Consumption

This record-breaking viewership on JioCinema serves as a testament to India's rapid transition toward a digital-first approach to sports consumption. As a Viacom18 spokesperson aptly stated, "India has completed its transition to being a digital-first sports consuming nation." This trend is likely to continue throughout the season, potentially pushing viewership numbers even higher.

Brands Flock to IPL 2024: A Bonanza for Advertisers

The opening match of IPL 2024 wasn't just a spectacle for viewers; it was a goldmine for advertisers. As many as 12 brands, including Dream11, launched their campaigns within the first six overs itself. Notably, the tournament boasts a total of 18 sponsors and over 250 advertisers, solidifying IPL's status as a premier platform for brand exposure.

Startups Ride the Cricket Wave: Record Number Joins the IPL Frenzy

Beyond established players, the IPL 2024 frenzy has attracted a record number of startups eager to capitalize on the event's massive viewership. This year, a staggering 32 startups are participating, representing a significant 68% increase compared to the 19 that joined in 2023. This trend highlights the growing confidence and marketing budgets of Indian startups.

JioCinema, Dream11, and Others: Strategic Sponsorships

While Dream11 serves as the co-presenter for IPL 2024 on Star Sports, JioCinema has secured lucrative sponsorships with promising startups like CRED, Upstox, and Rapido as associate sponsors. Additionally, several new-age tech companies have strategically sponsored cricket teams, further amplifying their brand presence through player jerseys.

Dream11's User Boom

Dream11 also reported impressive user engagement on its platform during the first match. They claim to have onboarded a significant 1.1 million new users and witnessed a peak of 15.01 million concurrent users. This data reinforces the immense potential of the IPL to drive user acquisition and engagement for digital platforms.

JioCinema: A Streaming Powerhouse on the Rise

JioCinema stands to be a major winner in the IPL 2024 game. Riding high on its recently announced $8.5 billion merger with rival Disney+ Hotstar, the platform seems determined to dominate the Indian streaming landscape. Additionally, JioCinema has been aggressively acquiring rights for major sporting events and securing content deals with giants like HBO and NBC. This strategic approach positions JioCinema as a formidable competitor within the booming Indian OTT market, which is projected to reach a market size of $5.8 billion by 2029.

Looking Ahead: A Season Filled with Digital Firsts

With record-breaking viewership on JioCinema, a surge in startup participation, and established brands leveraging the IPL platform, the 2024 season promises to be a landmark year for digital sports consumption in India. As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to witness how JioCinema and other platforms continue to innovate and attract viewers, shaping the future of sports entertainment in the digital age.