How to Run Ads on Hotstar: A Complete 2025 Guide
With over 400 million active users and exclusive rights to blockbuster content like the IPL, Cricket World Cups, and original series, Disney+ Hotstar isn’t just an entertainment platform; it’s an advertiser’s goldmine. If you’ve wondered how to tap into this massive, engaged audience, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to run ads on Hotstar and connect your brand with millions of potential customers.
Why Should Your Brand Advertise on Disney+ Hotstar?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” Traditional advertising is becoming less effective, while OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms like Hotstar are capturing consumer attention.
- Unmatched Reach: Hotstar is one of India’s largest streaming platforms, giving you access to a diverse audience across different age groups, cities, and interests.
- Premium Content Environment: Your ads are displayed alongside high-quality, professionally produced content, from live sports and blockbuster movies to popular TV shows. This association enhances your brand’s credibility.
- Precision Targeting: Unlike television, digital platforms offer granular targeting. You can target users based on their location, age, gender, device, interests, and even the type of content they watch.
- High User Engagement: Viewers on Hotstar are leaned-in and actively engaged, especially during live events. This means your ad is more likely to be seen and remembered.
Understanding the Types of Ads on Hotstar
Hotstar offers several ad formats to suit different campaign goals and budgets:
- Video Ads (Pre-roll & Mid-roll): These are the most common formats.
- Pre-roll: A short video ad (typically 6-15 seconds) that plays before the main content begins.
- Mid-roll: Video ads that play during natural breaks in the content, similar to a traditional TV commercial break.
- Display Ads: Static banner ads that appear on the platform’s user interface, often on the home screen or while browsing content.
- Branded Content & Sponsorships: For larger budgets, brands can integrate directly with content. This includes sponsoring a specific show, a segment during a cricket match, or creating custom content in collaboration with Hotstar.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Run Ads on Hotstar
Launching a campaign on Hotstar is a structured process. While they offer a self-serve platform for some businesses, most advertisers start by getting in touch with the Disney+ Hotstar ad sales team directly. Here’s the general process.
Step 1: Define Your Campaign Objectives
What do you want to achieve? Your entire strategy will depend on this. Common goals include:
- Brand Awareness: Getting your brand name in front of as many relevant people as possible.
- Lead Generation: Driving users to fill out a form on your website.
- Website Traffic: Encouraging clicks to your landing page or product page.
- App Installs: Prompting users to download your mobile application.
Step 2: Contact the Disney+ Hotstar Ads Team
The most direct way to get started is by reaching out to the official Disney+ Hotstar advertising team. You can typically find an “Advertise with Us” section on their corporate website. This is the crucial first step in understanding how to run ads on Hotstar for your specific needs. They will guide you on campaign setup, pricing models, and available inventory.
Step 3: Define Your Target Audience and Budget
Once you are in contact with the team, you’ll need to provide details about:
- Targeting: Who do you want to reach? Be specific. For example: “Males aged 25-40 in metro cities who are interested in sports and finance.”
- Budget: What is your total campaign budget? Hotstar advertising costs are typically based on a CPM (Cost Per Mille, or cost per 1,000 impressions) model. Costs can vary significantly based on targeting precision and demand (e.g., ad slots during an India vs. Pakistan match are costly).
Step 4: Prepare and Submit Your Ad Creatives
You need to create a high-quality ad that meets Hotstar’s specifications.
- For video ads, ensure your video is high-resolution, has clear audio, and a compelling call-to-action (CTA). Keep it short and engaging, as attention spans are limited.
- For Display Ads: Use visually appealing graphics and concise text.
Your ad creatives will be reviewed by the Hotstar team to ensure they comply with their advertising policies.
Step 5: Launch, Monitor, and Optimize
Once your campaign is live, the work isn’t over. You will receive access to a dashboard with performance reports. Keep a close eye on key metrics like:
- Impressions: The number of times your ad was shown.
- View-Through Rate (VTR): The percentage of users who watched your entire video ad.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who clicked on your ad.
Analyzing this data helps you understand what’s working. You can then work with the Hotstar team to optimize your campaign by tweaking your targeting or ad creative for better results.
Conclusion: Is Advertising on Hotstar Worth It?
Absolutely. For brands looking to make a significant impact in the Indian market, learning how to run ads on Hotstar is a non-negotiable skill. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with a vast and captivated audience in a premium, brand-safe environment. By following the steps outlined above, defining clear goals, using precise targeting, and creating compelling ads, you can leverage the power of OTT advertising to drive incredible growth for your business.
