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  • India’s Digital Appetite: A Nation’s Search Habits Decoded

    India’s Digital Appetite: A Nation’s Search Habits Decoded

    MUMBAI: Kantar’s inaugural India in Search report has  revealed a comprehensive transformation in Indian consumer behaviour, painting a portrait of a nation rapidly evolving in its digital sophistication. The report meticulously analysed  data curation of Google search trends, further analysed by mapping emerging themes and topics against the Kantar trend framework matrix. The following are some of the trends that have emerged.

    Sport: Cricket maintained its digital supremacy with 223.4 million monthly searches, but the landscape is diversifying. Women’s cricket has emerged as a powerful force, with searches surging 103 per cent. Traditional sports are gaining ground, with kabaddi up 75 per cent and hockey rising 40 per cent. Community sports have seen particular growth, with pickleball emerging as an unexpected contender alongside badminton.

    Technology: The Mobile Revolution Chinese brands command 52 per cent of smartphone searches, with Samsung, Vivo, and iPhone leading overall volume. Premium devices show remarkable strength, with “Pro” versions seeing a 418 per cent surge. The Redmi 13C 5G dominated growth charts with 1 million searches (up 44,000 per cent), followed by Nothing Phone 2A (823,000 searches, up 37 per cent) and Motorola Edge 50 Fusion (673,000 searches, up 30 per cent).

    Health and Wellness: A Holistic Shift Health queries have evolved beyond traditional concerns. Mental wellbeing and skin health have become prominent, with sensitive skin solutions attracting 5 million searches and pregnancy care reaching 2 million. Digital fitness solutions are preferred, with fitness apps (289,000 searches, up 12 per cent) outpacing personal trainers (307,000 searches, up 2 per cent).

    Travel: The New Explorers Alternative destinations have seen searches rise 49 per cent. Lakshadweep emerged as a surprise beneficiary of diplomatic tensions, with searches soaring 268 per cent. Similar growth appeared for Azerbaijan (268 per cent) and Kazakhstan (226 per cent), reflecting Indians’ growing appetite for unexplored destinations.

    Entertainment and Lifestyle The beauty sector showed dramatic growth in searches for hair colours (715 per cent), serums (419 per cent), and gels (40 per cent). Live entertainment has resurged, with concert searches rising 43 per cent for acts ranging from Coldplay to Diljit Dosanjh.

    Dining and Experiences Fine dining searches have doubled, with Bengaluru leading the trend (416,000 searches, up 104 per cent). The rise in experiential dining suggests a maturing consumer palate and increased disposable income.

    Digital Influence:  Domestic influencers and vloggers have captured public interest (3 million searches, up 47 per cent), outperforming global celebrities (2 million, up 24 per cent). Regional celebrities saw declining interest (754,000 searches, down 11 per cent), suggesting a shift in cultural influence.

    News Consumption:  Major headlines drive 41 per cent of all searches, with financial news around Sensex and NIFTY showing strong interest. The report notes a growing sophistication in news consumption, with readers increasingly balancing mainstream sources with independent digital platforms.

    The analysis, covering November 2023 to October 2024, examined over 400 search topics across 15 categories, offering unprecedented insight into India’s digital behaviour. The findings suggest a nation increasingly comfortable with digital technology, yet maintaining distinct cultural preferences in its online engagement

  • Hoopr-Budding Influencers ink partnership to ensure copyright-safe content

    Hoopr-Budding Influencers ink partnership to ensure copyright-safe content

    MUMBAI: India’s leading copyright-safe music platform, Hoopr, has partnered with Budding Influencers to address one of the most pressing challenges in content creation—copyright compliance. This strategic collaboration aims to provide creators with legal music solutions and educational resources, ensuring a seamless and ethical content production process.

    Many content creators unknowingly use copyrighted music, exposing themselves and their associated brands to legal risks. According to Hoopr’s research, 87 per cent of Indian influencers have used unlicensed music and faced copyright claims, leading to penalties, content takedowns, or strained brand relationships. A recent study by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) revealed that 69 per cent of the country’s top 100 digital influencers failed to meet disclosure guidelines, including those related to music usage. These figures highlight the urgent need for accessible and compliant music solutions.

    With social media marketing budgets surging and the Indian creator economy growing at a CAGR of 18 per cent year-on-year, the demand for copyright-safe music has never been greater. Through this collaboration, over 400,000 influencers from Budding Influencer’s network will gain access to Hoopr’s extensive library of copyright-safe music, allowing them to enhance their content without legal concerns. The partnership will also roll out educational initiatives to simplify copyright laws and promote the ethical use of music in digital content.

    Hoopr co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar commented, “We are excited to join forces with Budding Influencers to tackle these critical issues in content creation. By offering premium copyright-safe music alongside valuable educational resources, we are fostering a safer and more innovative ecosystem for creators.”

    Budding Influencers co-founder & CMO Sanober Surani echoed this sentiment, “Copyright violations have long been a challenge for influencers and brands. I recall an instance where a creator unknowingly used copyrighted music in a campaign, leading to a legal notice for the brand. This highlighted the urgent need for accessible, compliant music solutions. We are thrilled to collaborate with Hoopr to equip our creators with high-quality, legally safe music.”

    This partnership underscores a shared commitment to democratising access to essential resources and fostering a sustainable creator economy. By tackling copyright-related challenges at their core, Hoopr and Budding Influencers are empowering creators to innovate freely, without the risk of legal repercussions.
     

  • Music industry to hit $184.69 billion by 2029, riding the digital wave

    Music industry to hit $184.69 billion by 2029, riding the digital wave

    MUMBAI: The music industry is tuning up for a record-breaking encore, with projections forecasting a $184.69 billion leap in market value between 2025 and 2029. According to Technavio, the industry’s setlist for success includes digital music adoption, AI-driven innovation, and the ever-growing streaming revolution. With a CAGR of 18.1 per cent, the industry is not just keeping up with the beat—it’s rewriting the entire score for how we consume music in the digital age.

    Streaming services and AI

    Gone are the days of cassette tapes and MP3 downloads. The streaming era is in full swing, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tencent Music, and YouTube Music leading the charge. In 2024, streaming contributed to a significant chunk of the industry’s revenue, with consumers increasingly opting for on-demand access to their favourite artists rather than owning physical copies or digital files.

    AI is also playing maestro, transforming music discovery, personalisation, and even composition. From playlist curation to predictive analytics for record labels, AI-driven models are rewriting the rules of engagement between artists and audiences. As businesses fine-tune algorithms to keep listeners hooked, the industry continues its transition towards a more data-driven, user-centric model. AI is even entering the creative process, with some companies experimenting with AI-generated music compositions, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of human artistry in the industry.

    Where is the music industry humming the loudest? North America leads the symphony, contributing 40 per cent of the global market share, thanks to a massive subscriber base and an appetite for premium content. Europe, APAC, south America, and the middle east & Africa follow suit, each playing a crucial role in the global expansion of streaming services.

    Key markets driving growth include the United States, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and the Netherlands. These regions are witnessing a spike in digital music consumption, boosted by faster broadband speeds, affordable smartphones, and a younger, tech-savvy audience. The rise of smart speakers and voice-assisted technologies like Amazon Alexa and Google Home has also contributed to the seamless integration of music into daily life.

    Music Market Scope
    Report Coverage Details
    Base year 2024
    Historic period 2019 – 2023
    Forecast period 2025-2029
    Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 18.1 per cent
    Market growth 2025-2029 $ 184692.4 million
    Market structure Fragmented
    YoY growth 2022-2023 ( per cent) 15.6
    Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
    Performing market contribution North America at 40 per cent
    Key countries US, Germany, Canada, UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and The Netherlands
    Key companies profiled Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Curb Records Inc., Deezer SA, Kobalt Music Group Ltd., NORTHERN MUSIC Co. Ltd., Pioneer Music Co., Sirius XM Holdings Inc., Sony Group Corp., Spotify Technology SA, Tencent Music Entertainment Group, THEME MUSIC Co. Pvt. Ltd., TIDAL, Universal Music Group N.V., Vivendi SE, Warner Music Group Corp., Yamaha Corp., YouTube, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

    Industry heavyweights? The music industry is no longer just about record labels. Today, it’s a battlefield where tech giants and traditional players are battling for dominance. Key industry movers include Amazon, Apple, Warner Music, Universal Music Group, Spotify, Tencent Music Entertainment, and YouTube, among others.

    Strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions have become the name of the game, with companies aggressively expanding their footprint. Whether it’s Amazon Music integrating voice-activated streaming with Alexa or Spotify’s push into podcasting, innovation is at the heart of market competition. Additionally, artists are increasingly taking control of their own music distribution, bypassing traditional labels in favor of independent digital distribution platforms, enabling them to retain a larger share of their revenue.

    Now despite the roaring success of digital music, challenges persist. Piracy remains a major headache, especially in regions where copyright enforcement is weak. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands are grappling with rampant illegal downloads, impacting revenue streams for artists and labels alike. Efforts to combat this include advanced watermarking technologies and blockchain-based rights management systems, which help trace music usage and ensure fair compensation.

    Another hurdle is the intensifying battle between traditional record companies and digital platforms. While streaming services provide unparalleled reach for artists, they also disrupt conventional revenue models, raising concerns over fair compensation and artist royalties. Some artists have voiced frustrations over the paltry earnings from streaming platforms, prompting new discussions around fairer pay structures and potential regulatory intervention.

    Future trajectory? 

    Looking ahead, the music industry is expected to lean further into AI, metaverse concerts, and blockchain-powered rights management. Live performances and immersive digital experiences are set to be the next frontier, allowing fans to engage with their favourite artists in new and exciting ways. Some companies are already developing virtual concert venues in the metaverse, enabling artists to perform for global audiences without the need for physical tours.

    Additionally, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are emerging as a revolutionary way for artists to monetise their music, offering exclusive digital collectibles, album releases, and even fractional ownership of song royalties. These blockchain-based assets provide a new revenue stream, reducing reliance on traditional streaming platforms and giving fans unique ways to engage with their favorite musicians.

    As the industry dances to the rhythm of digital transformation, one thing is certain: music consumption will never be the same again. Whether through AI-generated beats, VR-powered gigs, or hyper-personalised playlists, the future of music is as thrilling as its past. With constant innovation, the industry is ensuring that music remains an integral part of people’s lives, adapting to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements at an unprecedented pace.

  • Spotify Q4 strikes a chord with record-breaking 16 per cent revenue uptick

    Spotify Q4 strikes a chord with record-breaking 16 per cent revenue uptick

    MUMBAI: Spotify has cranked up the volume on success, wrapping up 2024 with a Q4 that hit all the right notes. The music streaming powerhouse saw nearly every key metric outperform expectations, proving that when it comes to growth, Spotify is playing a chart-topping hit.

    The platform’s monthly active users (MAUs) surged to 675 million, marking a 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase, while premium subscribers climbed 11 per cent to 263 million. Clearly, more people than ever are hitting play on Spotify’s offerings, and the company isn’t skipping a beat.

    Revenue swelled to €4.24 billion, reflecting a 16 per cent YoY increase, with both premium and ad-supported segments driving the momentum. The premium segment alone raked in €3.7 billion, up 17 per cent, fueled by strong subscriber growth and an uptick in average revenue per user (ARPU). Meanwhile, ad-supported revenue reached €537 million, a seven per cent annual rise, even as the global ad market faced turbulence.

    Spotify’s advertising business continued its ascent, with both music and podcast ad revenue showing solid gains. However, pricing softness in some regions tempered overall ad growth. Automated sales channels played a pivotal role in pushing ad revenue higher, especially in fast-growing markets. The ad-supported gross margin rose to 15.1 per cent, an increase of 351 basis points (bps) YoY, reflecting smarter monetisation strategies and enhanced content efficiencies.

    Not to be outdone, Spotify’s gross margin soared to 32.2 per cent, a resounding 555 bps increase YoY. And for the real showstopper: the company recorded an operating income of €477 million—its highest ever—securing its first full year of operating profitability.

    In the realm of free cash flow (FCF), Spotify turned the dial all the way up. The company generated €877 million in Q4, pushing its total FCF for 2024 to a record-breaking €2.3 billion. That’s a lot of cash dancing to the beat of Spotify’s success.

    With the company in full growth mode and its financials singing a happy tune, 2025 looks like another year where Spotify will keep the hits—and the numbers—rolling.

  • Sundar Pichai talks Google and Alphabet financial performance with analysts for Q4 meet

    Sundar Pichai talks Google and Alphabet financial performance with analysts for Q4 meet

    MUMBAI: Alphabet & Google CEO  Sundar Pichai addressed investors and analysts, highlighting a strong performance in Q4, largely attributed to the company’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and a unique full-stack approach.

    “Q4 showcased our rapid progress in computing capabilities and efficiencies,” Pichai said. He noted significant improvements in product utilisation, consumer engagement, and revenue growth as a result of innovations in AI, including the launch of AI Overviews in over 100 countries and Circle to Search on more than 200 million android devices.

    Notably, Pichai announced that Google cloud and YouTube reached a combined annual revenue run rate of $110 billion at the close of 2024, exceeding their target of $100 billion.

    Focusing on AI, Pichai outlined three key areas of innovation: leading AI infrastructure, world-class research, and product integration. The company has invested in eleven new cloud regions and seven subsea cable projects aimed at enhancing global connectivity. Pichai revealed the launch of the Gemini 2.0 AI model, designed to improve user interactions and drive a more multifaceted search experience.

    In addition, YouTube continues to thrive, maintaining its position as the leading platform for streaming watchtime in the US with over 45 million viewers engaging with election-related content on a single day. The recent integration of podcasts has proved successful, further solidifying its dominant market position.

    Moving to financials, Alphabet’s revenue surged to $350 billion in 2024, a 14 per cent increase year-on-year. Expenditures increased, primarily due to content acquisition costs associated with YouTube and depreciation related to technical investments. Despite rising costs, operating income rose 31 per cent to $31 billion.

    With an optimistic outlook, Pichai stated, “We are well-positioned for continued growth in 2025,” as plans to enhance AI capabilities and expand cloud services take shape. 

    Following Pichai, Philipp Schindler, SVP  and CBO, highlighted the strong performance across Google services, with revenues reaching $84 billion, driven by a significant increase in advertising revenue. 

    Anat Ashkenazi, SVP and CFO, reaffirmed the positive momentum, indicating that the company is prepared for ongoing growth amid anticipated challenges. 

    The market did not believe their posturing totally as Alphabet shares crashed by seven per cent on Wednesday. Investors reacted badly to Pichai’s  plans to spend $75 billion on capital expenditures over  2025 and $16-18 billion in the first quarter  as it builds out its AI offerings and races against megacap rivals to build out data centers and new infrastructure. 

  • Snap Inc names Ajit Mohan chief business officer; reports strong Q4 growth

    Snap Inc names Ajit Mohan chief business officer; reports strong Q4 growth

    MUMBAI:  Snap Inc has promoted Ajit Mohan to chief business officer, according to its Q4 2024 investor letter released on 4 February 2025. Mohan, who joined the company over two years ago as president of APAC, successfully expanded Snap’s business and presence across the region.

    In his new role, Mohan will oversee the company’s global advertising operations, lead its revenue product teams, and drive alignment with partners to accelerate growth. He will be based in New York.

    The investor letter highlighted Snap Inc’s continued focus on expanding its community, diversifying revenue, and advancing augmented reality (AR) technology.

    Key financial highlights include:
    * Daily active users (DAUs): 453 million, up 39 million year-on-year.
    * Q4 revenue: $1.56 billion, a 14 per cent  year-on-year increase, driven by direct-response (DR) advertising and Snapchat+ subscriptions.
    * Profitability: $276 million adjusted EBITDA and $182 million in free cash flow.
    * Net income: $9 million.

    For 2024, Snap Inc reported $5.36 billion in revenue, marking a 16 per cent  annual increase. Direct response advertising revenue also rose by 16 per cent . Snapchat+ subscriber numbers doubled from 7 million to 14 million, contributing to a 131 per cent rise in subscription revenue, which now exceeds an annualised run rate of $500 million.

    Snap achieved $509 million in adjusted EBITDA for the year, its fifth consecutive year of positive results, along with $219 million in free cash flow.

    Mohan’s appointment signals Snap’s intent to strengthen its global advertising strategy and build on its ongoing financial momentum.

  • Cricket Australia app gets genAI lift courtesy HCLTech and Microsoft

    Cricket Australia app gets genAI lift courtesy HCLTech and Microsoft

    MUMBAI: Global technology leaders HCLTech and Microsoft have partnered with Cricket Australia to leverage generative AI (GenAI) to transform the live match experience for cricket fans through the Cricket Australia Live app.

    The app’s new AI Insights matchday companion delivers a continuous stream of text-based updates during matches. Using advanced AI with a deep understanding of cricket, the feature highlights key narratives, player performances, and significant milestones, providing insights that extend beyond live scores and commentary.
    The AI Insights feature launched on 31 January during the day-night test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as part of the CommBank Women’s Ashes series between Australia and England. This innovation is now available to all users of the Cricket Australia Live app worldwide.

    “By harnessing the power of generative AI, we can reimagine how fans engage with sport,” said HCLTech  executive vice president and country manager for Australia and New ZealandSonia Eland. “We’ve partnered with Cricket Australia for several years as their official digital technology partner, and this  collaboration with Microsoft will further enhance the digital experience, bringing fans closer to the action.”

    Cricket Australia utilised Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service alongside HCLTech’s front-end and API development expertise to create the AI companion.

    “We’re delighted to bring cutting-edge AI technology to cricket fans through our partnership with Cricket Australia and HCLTech,” said Microsoft Australia and New Zealand CTO Sarah Carney “This innovation shows how generative AI can transform interactions, providing personalised insights and deeper meaning for audiences.”

    HCLTech first partnered with Cricket Australia in 2019 to modernise its core API platforms. In 2023, the partnership was extended for another five years. Key initiatives have included TechJam, a crowdsourcing effort to develop innovative solutions for the sport, and ongoing improvements that have made Cricket Australia Live the leading sports app in Australia.

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with HCLTech and Microsoft to deliver brilliant experiences for our fans,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. “Our goal is to lead the world in using digital technologies to bring fans closer to the game, and this latest innovation is a step forward in that journey.”

  • Gail boosts start-up investment fund to Rs 500 crore

    Gail boosts start-up investment fund to Rs 500 crore

    MUMBAI: Gail  (India) Limited has announced a substantial increase in its start-up investment fund, raising the corpus from Rs 100 crore to Rs 500 crore. The move aims to foster innovation, support emerging businesses, and accelerate growth within India’s start-up ecosystem.

    The expanded fund will focus on nurturing start-ups across sectors such as clean energy, renewables, energy storage, electric mobility, and digital transformation. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of a self-reliant India.

    Gail chairman & managing director  Sandeep Kumar Gupta said: “We are proud to support the Start-up India mission as envisioned by prime minister Narendra Modi. By increasing our start-up fund to Rs 500 crore, we aim to provide stronger financial and strategic backing to entrepreneurs with breakthrough ideas. This initiative reflects our  commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in India’s energy and technology sectors.”

    Since launching its start-up initiative Pankh in July 2017, Gail has invested in 36 start-ups across sectors including compressed biogas (CBG), electric mobility, IoT, logistics, and environmental solutions. 

  • Badshah unleashes a catchy gaming-music mashup with Imma Be Your Pokémon!

    Badshah unleashes a catchy gaming-music mashup with Imma Be Your Pokémon!

    MUMBAI: Big man Badshah is back with a bang! The Indian rapper and singer has just dropped his brand-new single –  Imma Be Your Pokémon – and it’s already generating buzz. The official music video, featuring Sharvi Yadav and Sahher Bambba, is out now.

    The song, is an upbeat and energetic track that combines Badshah’s signature style with the iconic world of Pokémon. The catchy lyrics and infectious beat make it impossible to sit still.

    “I’m a huge fan of Pokémon, and I wanted to create a song that would bring together the worlds of music and gaming,” said Badshah in a statement. “I’m thrilled with how ‘Imma Be Your Pokémon’ has turned out, and I hope my fans enjoy it as much as I do!”

    This unique collaboration brings together the worlds of music and gaming, with Badshah’s signature style and Pokémon’s iconic characters. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics are sure to get you grooving. It’s on course to become one of his biggest hits every thanks to its Pokémon references and the fact it’s one of Badshah’s most catchy beat songs in a long time now. 

    Known for his hits like Sanak, Jugnu and She Move It Like, he has once again proven his versatility as an artist. His ability to blend different styles and create something fresh and exciting has earned him a massive following.

    Imma Be Your Pokémon is now available on music streaming platforms, and the official music video can be watched on YouTube. Don’t miss out on this electrifying new track! Here’s where you can watch it for now: 
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjorcDCkQkc

     

  • Kishan Prajapati appointed as content lead at Radio Mirchi

    Kishan Prajapati appointed as content lead at Radio Mirchi

    MUMBAI:  Radio and digital media professional Kishan Prajapati has joined Radio Mirchi as content lead. With over a decade of expertise in content management, radio programming, digital marketing, and organisational communication, Prajapati has been contributing more than a bit to the organisations with which he has been working .

    Prajapati expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “Excited to join Mirchi! The onboarding experience has been fantastic, and I’m looking forward to creating innovative content with the team.”

    His career journey includes leadership positions at prominent organisations such as Red FM, 94.3 My FM, and FM Tadka. Prajapati has also excelled as a creative head at SelfTech Solutions, where he specialised in digital marketing and generative AI for SaaS products.

    After a career break dedicated to upskilling, including a 50-week advanced digital marketing course from Mica, Prajapati is poised to integrate traditional and digital strategies to amplify Radio Mirchi’s content offerings.
    With this appointment, Radio Mirchi reinforces its commitment to delivering engaging and cutting-edge programming.