India vs New Zealand
Image Source: Twitter @DisneyPlusHS

ODI World Cup 2023 Semi-Final: Disney+ Hotstar Hits 50 Million Viewers, Shattered Many Records With India vs. New Zealand Clash. Disney+ Hotstar achieved a new viewership milestone in the India-New Zealand match for the second time in the World Cup 2023 campaign. Surpassing the previous record of 4.3 crore peak live concurrent viewers, the Semi-Finals witnessed a remarkable surge, with live concurrent users exceeding 50 million (5.3 crore to be exact).

The intense clash between India and New Zealand, magnified by the match’s high stakes, set an unparalleled wave in viewership on fire. Enthusiastic fans eagerly tuned in to witness the thrilling encounter, highlighting India’s profound passion for cricket. Moreover, India won against New Zealand in the semifinal match, securing a 70-run win. This triumph marked India as the first team to qualify for the finals of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

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Sajith Sivanandan, Head of Disney+ Hotstar India, shared his joy regarding this remarkable accomplishment, saying, “This record-breaking viewership is a testament to the immense popularity of cricket in India and the deep connection fans have with Hotstar. We are incredibly proud to be the platform of choice for millions of cricket enthusiasts across the country.”

The record-breaking viewership not only marks a significant milestone for Hotstar but also mirrors the increasing popularity of streaming services in India. Anticipating an even more prominent influence in shaping the country’s entertainment landscape, streaming platforms are expected to wield increased influence due to rising internet penetration and improved device affordability.

https://twitter.com/DisneyPlusHS/status/1724780102989521124

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Previous Record-Breaking Occasion Of Viewership On Disney+ Hotstar 

The peak concurrent viewers record has been surpassed for the second time during the World Cup. The initial instance occurred on October 14 during the India vs Pakistan match, with the app registering 3.5 crore concurrent viewers, breaking the record set during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) title clash between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, which had 3.2 crore concurrent viewers.

Disney+ Hotstar swiftly surpassed the record for 3.5 crore concurrent viewers on October 22 during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and New Zealand, registering 4.3 crore viewers. It’s noteworthy that during the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Hotstar established a record with 25.3 million concurrent viewers in the India vs New Zealand match.

Disney Hotstar’s strategic decision to offer free streaming of the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup in an ad-supported format earned them the accolade for achieving this peak concurrent viewership record. Following the success of JioCinema during the earlier IPL season this year, where the platform freely streamed all matches, this initiative notably ensued.