Monetization A Significant Hurdle to Reliance Jio’s Content Strategy

Reliance Jio will face a challenge to monetize users of its entertainment apps as it migrates from free subsidized content to a freemium model in future, according to a new report from Strategy Analytics “Reliance Jio Targets Digital Content Leadership.” Reliance Jio is one of the most advanced mobile providers with respect to content, using its free entertainment apps to differentiate from competitors, build subscriber loyalty and create opportunities for future growth. However, willingness to pay for digital content remains low in India. Identifying content that users are willing to pay for combined with business models and a user experience that resonates with target customer segments will be critical for successful monetization.

Jio’s suite of free entertainment apps has been an essential component of its strategy to go beyond low-cost voice and data pricing. Brice Longnos, Analyst, Strategy Analytics Wireless Media Strategies, noted, “Jio is using content successfully to differentiate its proposition to mobile subscribers, and to acquire and retain subscribers from competing operators. Jio’s competitors Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are being forced to react by beefing up their own content strategies.”

Jio has recently merged its music service, Jio-Music, with competing digital music provider Saavn, integrated with Eros International’s video platform, and signed a multi-year deal with Roy Kapur Films to develop content for Jio branded apps. Jio is also able to lean on the media business of its parent company, Reliance, which has its own over-the-top (OTT) video service called BIGFLIX and stakes in TV networks in addition to TV and film production houses.

Nitesh Patel, Director Wireless Media, stated: “Reliance Jio is investing in content and will expect its entertainment businesses to deliver revenue in the future. Whether it is a freemium or ad-supported business model, successful content distributors, including Jio, need to assess demand and willingness-to-pay for different types of content in order to successfully transition from free to freemium business models. Furthermore, Telcos need to do a better job in leveraging their subscriber data in order to monetize through digital advertising.” – Business Wire