ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Collective Artists Network launches StoryPacks with Terribly Tiny Tales

    Collective Artists Network launches StoryPacks with Terribly Tiny Tales

    Mumbai: Collective Artists Network has announced the launch of StoryPacks, a unique offering designed around Terribly Tiny Tales to supercharge brands’ social media presence through authentic, engaging storytelling.

    StoryPacks capitalise on TTT’s exceptional storytelling expertise and Collective Artists Network’s expansive talent pool, creating a unique opportunity for brands to collaborate with leading creators and celebrities. The true advantage of StoryPacks is their ability to drive impactful results by reaching TTT’s five million followers, ensuring brands connect with a vast and highly engaged audience.

    Collective Artists Network co-founder and chief revenue officer Sudeep Subash commented, “Our vision has always been to build scale by creating an ecosystem that supports the best forms of storytelling for creators. StoryPacks represent the perfect fusion of creativity, strategy and media distribution, enabling brands to connect authentically with their audiences while driving significant social growth. We are excited to see how this service will empower brands to tell their stories in a more impactful way.”

    The StoryPack advantage lies in its ability to deliver predictable exposure to TTT’s five million followers, ensuring brands reach a vast and engaged audience. Expert content creators who specialise in engaging target demographics will craft the messaging, while StoryPacks naturally encourage genuine user-generated content, fostering deeper engagement with the brand.

    Terribly Tiny Tales founder Anuj Gosalia added, “StoryPacks is a game-changer for brands looking to engage with young Indians. By combining TTT’s storytelling prowess with Collective’s vast resources, we’re offering a unique opportunity for brands to create content that resonates deeply with their audience. We’re thrilled to be leading this new wave of brand storytelling.”

    In a digital landscape where cutting through the noise is a challenge, StoryPacks provides a solution that combines creativity with data-driven results. These packages feature collaborative posts on both TTT’s and the brand’s Instagram accounts.

    Unlike traditional agency content, StoryPacks integrates brand messaging while keeping the authenticity that TTT’s audience values. This audience extends beyond metro cities to growing regions like Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and Pune, making StoryPacks a suitable tool for brands aiming to broaden their reach.

    The StoryPack process includes initial consultation, goal-setting, content creation, distribution, and performance reporting. By refining the offering based on feedback and insights, Collective Artists Network and TTT aim to deliver value to their partners.

  • MPA report: Content investment in seven APAC markets grew four per cent in 2023

    MPA report: Content investment in seven APAC markets grew four per cent in 2023

    Mumbai: Media Partners Asia’s (MPA) 2024 Asia Video Content Dynamics report offers a comprehensive analysis of content investment, engagement, and viewership across TV, VOD, and theatrical sectors in seven key APAC markets: India, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    The report reveals that content investment in these markets reached $15.5 billion in 2023, marking a four per cent year-on-year increase. This growth, while positive, represents a significant slowdown from the 2021-22 period, reflecting a post-COVID normalization of budgets and a rationalisation of local content investment in streaming VOD. India led the charge with a robust 12 per cent growth, driven primarily by sports content, while Indonesia followed with a solid five per cent increase. Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand managed modest gains, whereas Malaysia and Vietnam experienced contractions due to challenging advertising markets.

    Korea and India continue to dominate the landscape, collectively accounting for 80 per cent of total content investment in 2023. Korea, a mature market, is expected to see flat overall growth, with expansion in streaming and film offset by TV’s secular decline. In contrast, India, with its relatively low 52 per cent TV household penetration, presents significant growth potential across all verticals through 2028. MPA projects that India will surpass Korea in total content investment by 2026.

    Looking ahead, MPA forecasts a 2.7 per cent CAGR in total content investment across the seven markets, reaching $17.2 billion by 2028. This growth will be predominantly driven by India, with Indonesia and the Philippines also expected to show decent growth rates. Korea and Thailand are anticipated to experience limited growth, while Vietnam faces the most challenges due to weak TV advertising and rampant piracy.

    The investment landscape is evolving, with TV (free-to-air and pay) still commanding the lion’s share at 64 per cent in 2023, followed by streaming at 26 per cent and film at 10 per cent. By 2028, TV is projected to retain over 50 per cent of industry investment, while streaming is expected to increase its share to 33 per cent, with film marginally growing to 11 per cent.

    MPA vice president Stephen Laslocky offered insights on the shifting content dynamics:

    “Korean content continues to lead the pack with world-class production values and compelling storytelling, though we’re seeing online original content costs inflate to as much as US$7 million per episode. Its extraordinary appeal is evident, accounting for over 30 per cent of content demand in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. The rise of streaming has significantly elevated storytelling and production quality, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia, where competition is intensifying. We’re seeing content from these countries, especially Thai titles, gaining traction across Asia.

    It’s become clear that many traditional TV drama producers are struggling to compete with higher-end streamed video content. In contrast, quality film producers have embraced the flexibility of streaming and adapted with greater ease. Over the past year, as some ad revenues have permanently shifted to digital and streaming behaviour has become entrenched, we’ve observed TV production margins contracting across most markets. For online originals, streamers have become much more disciplined in their approach to budgeting and content strategy.”

    The report also highlights significant trends in online video consumption. YouTube leads with over a billion monthly active users across the surveyed markets, with 732 million in India alone. TikTok has emerged as a formidable competitor in Southeast Asia, boasting 211 million total monthly active users across Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.

    In the premium VOD space, Netflix maintains a strong lead in most markets, capturing between 40-70 per cent of viewership in Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, it faces stiff competition in Thailand from TrueID and in India from Disney+ Hotstar and Jio Cinema. Local players like Indonesia’s Vidio are also making their mark, while regional platforms such as Viu are leveraging Korean content and strategic partnerships to strengthen their positions.

    The theatrical sector is still in recovery mode, with superhero franchise fatigue and Hollywood strikes delaying a return to pre-pandemic levels in most markets. India has already bounced back, with 2023 box office revenues exceeding 2019 figures. Other markets, excluding Korea, are expected to recover over the 2025-28 period. An emerging trend in film distribution sees a shift towards revenue-share models for internationally appealing titles, presenting new opportunities for Korean and Thai producers in particular.

    As the APAC content landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between traditional and emerging platforms, coupled with changing consumer behaviours, will shape the industry’s future. The MPA report underscores the dynamic nature of the market and the critical importance of adaptability and strategic investment in driving growth across the region.

  • Jatt and Juliet 3 to stream on ZEE5 Global add-ons from 19 September

    Jatt and Juliet 3 to stream on ZEE5 Global add-ons from 19 September

    Mumbai: ZEE5 Global will bring fans the highly anticipated sequel in the Jatt and Juliet series. Jatt and Juliet 3 will stream exclusively on the ZEE5 Global add-ons platform Chaupal starting September 19. The characters Pooja and Fateh return, played again by Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa. This installment promises to engage audiences with its storyline and performances.

    Building on its predecessors’ success, ‘Jatt and Juliet 3’ has already made waves at the box office, solidifying its status as a blockbuster hit. The film’s strong performance underscores the enduring love and excitement for the Jatt and Juliet franchise among fans worldwide.

    This time around, the duo’s adventures take them to London, where they are tasked with catching a con artist named Daisy, played by the talented Jasmin Bajwa. As they navigate through the chaotic and humorous twists of their mission, viewers can expect a whirlwind of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. The film also features comedic powerhouses like Jaswinder Bhalla, Rana Ranbir, and B.N. Sharma, ensuring that every scene delivers the humor that fans have come to expect from the series. Under the direction of Jagdeep Sidhu, known for his masterful storytelling and attention to detail, Jatt and Juliet 3 stays true to the spirit of the franchise while introducing fresh elements that keep the narrative lively and engaging. Sidhu’s vision not only meets fans’ high expectations but exceeds them, making this sequel another memorable chapter in the beloved series.

    Notably, this is the first 100-crore film for Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa as a duo, further proving the unmatched popularity of their on-screen chemistry. Packed with humor, heartwarming moments, and the perfect blend of romance and comedy, Jatt and Juliet 3 promises to be one of the funniest films in the franchise.

    ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand expressed, “We are excited to announce the addition of ‘Jatt and Juliet 3’ on ZEE5 Global Add-Ons platform Chaupal. With this film, we’re not only adding a major blockbuster to our lineup but also celebrating the international impact of Punjabi cinema. The powerful collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has led to the film becoming India’s highest-grossing Punjabi movie ever. The standard of Punjabi content and the best of regional cinema is now available for all our users in the US and we are confident that viewers will enjoy this film.”

  • Harnessing social media analytics to optimise food franchise marketing strategies

    Harnessing social media analytics to optimise food franchise marketing strategies

    Mumbai: In the competitive world of food franchises, optimising marketing strategies is essential for attracting and retaining customers. Social media, with its extensive reach and dynamic nature, offers a valuable resource for this purpose. By harnessing social media analytics, food franchises can gain deep insights into customer behavior, preferences, and trends, enabling them to tailor their marketing strategies effectively. This article explores how leveraging social media analytics can drive marketing success for food franchises.

    Understanding Social Media Analytics

    Social media analytics involves collecting and analyzing data from social media platforms to understand audience behavior, engagement, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Key metrics include engagement rates, reach, impressions, sentiment analysis, and demographic information. These insights help franchises gauge content performance, audience interaction, and areas for improvement.

    Analyzing Customer Sentiment and Feedback

    Sentiment analysis is a powerful application of social media analytics. It involves examining the tone and emotions behind social media mentions to gauge public perception of a brand. For food franchises, this can provide valuable feedback on menu items, customer service, and overall reputation.

    Monitoring sentiment allows franchises to address issues promptly, refine offerings, and enhance satisfaction. For example, if a menu item receives consistent negative feedback, it may need reformulation or removal. Conversely, positive feedback can be leveraged to promote popular items more effectively.

    Identifying Target Audience Trends

    Social media platforms provide demographic and psychographic data to better understand target audiences. Analytics tools reveal information about age, gender, location, interests, and buying behavior, enabling franchises to create more targeted marketing campaigns.

    For instance, if analytics show a significant portion of the audience is young adults interested in health and wellness, the franchise might highlight healthier menu options or sustainability practices. This targeted approach improves engagement and relevance.

    Tracking Competitor Performance

    Competitive analysis through social media analytics helps franchises gain insights into industry trends and successful strategies. By analyzing competitors’ content and engagement levels, franchises can identify areas for differentiation.

    Understanding what works for competitors can inspire new content ideas and marketing approaches. However, it’s crucial to build a unique strategy rather than simply copying competitors. Differentiation is key in a crowded market.

    Measuring Campaign Effectiveness

    Social media analytics are crucial for measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Tracking metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement levels helps franchises assess campaign success.

    For example, if a franchise launches a social media contest for a new menu item, analytics can track entries, shares, and interactions. If the campaign underperforms, data can help understand what went wrong and guide adjustments for future campaigns.

    Enhancing Customer Engagement

    Social media analytics provide insights into customer interaction with a franchise’s brand. Understanding peak engagement times, popular content types, and preferred communication channels helps optimize the social media presence.

    If analytics reveal customers are most active in the evenings, a franchise can schedule posts and promotions during these peak times. Similarly, if visual content garners more interaction than text-based posts, the franchise can focus on creating more visual content.

    Improving ROI through Data-Driven Decisions

    Harnessing social media analytics allows food franchises to make data-driven decisions, improving return on investment (ROI). By analyzing performance metrics and adjusting strategies based on insights, franchises can allocate resources more effectively.

    Conclusion

    In the fast-paced food franchise industry, leveraging social media analytics is crucial for optimizing marketing strategies. By analyzing customer sentiment, understanding target audience trends, tracking competitor performance, measuring campaign effectiveness, and enhancing engagement, franchises can craft more effective marketing initiatives.

    Social media analytics provide the insights needed to make informed decisions, refine marketing tactics, and drive business growth. Embracing these analytics not only improves marketing efforts but also fosters stronger connections with customers and enhances overall brand success.

  • Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very instrumental: Pranav Bagai

    Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very instrumental: Pranav Bagai

    Mumbai: The Poker Sports League (PSL) Season 6 has wrapped up its Qualifiers, marking a new milestone with an extraordinary turnout. This season saw 20,927 unique participants, further cementing PSL’s reputation as the World’s largest poker league.

    The Qualifiers, which kicked off on 16 June, drew over 5000 participants in the first qualifier alone, a testament to the growing popularity of poker as a game of skill in India. Over 50 days, players competed in daily open qualifiers on Pocket52, with the top 42 players earning coveted spots on the 7 teams advancing to the league matches. Additionally, the top 1,000 participants were rewarded with prizes totaling over Rs. 40 lakhs, significantly enhancing engagement and excitement around the contest.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Poker Sports League founder & CEO Pranav Bagai, where he discussed the specific elements that will take PSL to new heights and much more.

    Edited excerpts

    Describe the specific elements or changes that have been introduced in Season 6 that you believe will take PSL to new heights.

    We have made some exciting changes in PSL Season 6.

    The biggest change is that there are 7 teams in Season 6. The introduction of a new team has happened after three seasons and we plan to introduce two more teams in the next two seasons. This will bring us to our cap of 9 teams in Season 8.

    The prize pool has been increased from 1.5 crores in the last season to 2 crores for Season 6.

    We have added a professional poker player in each team to increase the competitiveness between teams.

    Fans can look forward to more highlights, key moments from our streams, and, for the first time, short-form content like winning moments, best hands, crazy bluffs, glory moments, and more. 

    With Season 5 achieving global recognition, what strategies are in place to further PSL’s international reach in Season 6?

    Pre-covid we used to have two international players per team. In the coming seasons, we will make it a norm to include international players once again. This will not only add newer skill sets to the team but also create a pathway to reach out to a wider audience.

    How have the partnerships with JioCinema and Pocket52 evolved, and what role do they play in the success of PSL?

    Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very, very instrumental. JioCinema has the largest OTT network in the country. We worked very closely with them last year and we managed 12.5 million views, making PSL Season 5 one of the most viewed poker events – globally. They helped us boost our viewership by 600% from Season 4 to Season 5. We hope to double our viewership in Season 6 by including Hindi commentary.

    Meanwhile, talking about Pocket52, they have played a huge role in the success of Poker Sports League. Season 6 is the third time that Pocket52 has been the title sponsor for PSL. Unless you are a professional poker player who makes it through the draft, the only way to make it to PSL season 6 is through the Poker Sports League season 6 qualifiers – which are held exclusively on the Pocket52 platform. The Pocket 52 app’s recent UI/UX enhancements have significantly boosted its growth by prominently featuring PSL on the app.

    How do you see the landscape of poker evolving in India and globally over the next five years, and what role will PSL play in this evolution?

    Over the next five years, the landscape of poker in India and globally is poised for exponential growth. Over the last few months, we have seen an increase in the number of smaller apps or websites that are coming up with Poker on their platforms. Since October last year, we have seen a lot of newer companies get into poker. A lot of the rummy portals that were not in poker before have recently launched their platform. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the number of Poker-related ads seen on TV, especially during IPL.

    So, globally, poker has been growing. It has been estimated that globally we can expect nearly 11% to 12% CAGR. The growth rate in India, however, is higher than that globally. India is expected to witness a growth rate of 16.9% CAGR. This makes India a great market for Poker. Speaking about the contribution of PSL, I believe that the platform we are providing will act as a bridge to reduce the gap and taboo around the industry. I believe we’re on the tip of the iceberg today and poker is just about starting in India. Its going to explode in the next 5 years. 

  • Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Thums Up partners with Ranveer Brar for Toofani Biryani Hunt S2 on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: Thums Up, a homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, has announced Toofani Biryani Hunt season two. A sequel to the successful first, this new chapter seeks to rekindle the taste for the perfect biryani pairing. With celebrity chef Ranveer Brar back at the helm, the upcoming edition is all set to deliver an exceptional culinary adventure.

    Conceptualised and created by Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks, join the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two as the esteemed chef Ranveer Brar explores seven diverse regions — Hyderabad, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata — to understand the toofani origin of each biryani. Through its one-of-kind storytelling, the hunt brings alive the untold stories of 21 of the hottest biryani makers in the country with the chef uncovering the inspiration behind each hotspot. The indomitable combination of Thums Up, Biryani and Chef Brar aims to settle the age-old question of “Kaunsi Biryani hai Sabse Toofani?”

    Commenting on season two of Toofani Biryani Hunt, The Coca-Cola Company category head, sparkling flavours, India & Southwest Asia Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We’re excited to present ‘Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt Season 2,’ in partnership with Disney+ Hotstar, serving up a sizzling flavour expedition on screen. This season, we celebrate the crisp chill of Thums Up paired with a steaming plate of rich, smoky biryani. With Chef Ranveer Brar bringing his exceptional talent back on board, the journey is set to be more delicious than ever as we uncover the best of biryani from seven diverse regions across India.”

    On his exciting collaboration with the brand, celebrity chef Ranveer Brar said, “Biryani is not just a dish; it’s a journey through time and taste, rich with history and fragrant with tradition. I am elated to return for another season of the Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt, as we uncover the history, legacy and bold flavours of biryani from various regions in India. Each episode is an adventure—seeking out the best biryani spots, learning their stories, and savoring the bold flavors that make this dish so beloved.”

    Speaking about the show, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan added, “At Disney+ Hotstar’s CreativeWorks, we continue to leverage the power of storytelling and solve the complex marketing needs of advertisers who want to forge meaningful connections with their audiences. Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season 1 resonated well with our audiences and we are excited to bring in another season which exemplifies how we combine creativity and cultural relevance to craft memorable experiences. With season 2, we’re taking this journey with Thums Up to new heights, exploring the rich flavors and traditions that make biryani a dish close to every Indian’s heart.”

    Thums Up Toofani Biryani Hunt season two is set to kick off with the pilot episode on 28 August 2024. This season promises a feast for the senses, the local pride for their culinary best and biryani fans across regions vouching that their biryani is most toofani.

  • Disney+ Hotstar survey shows surge in budget over last year

    Disney+ Hotstar survey shows surge in budget over last year

    Mumbai: As the festive season approaches, Indian consumers are gearing up for a significant shopping spree, as revealed by the positive spending sentiment observed in the third edition of Disney+ Hotstar’s Festive Shopping Sentiment Survey. The survey reflects strong consumer confidence, with shoppers expected to boost their spending by a remarkable 47 per cent compared to last year. Millennials are predicted to lead the charge, with women shoppers notably increasing their budgets by 70 per cent over the previous year, focusing on multiple categories including clothing, mobile phones, food, and beauty products.

    Key Findings:

    . Increased spending capacity: Improved spending capacity will drive higher expenditures this festive season

    . Millennial vs. Gen Z spending: Millennials are expected to spend more compared to Gen Z

    . Women shoppers: Women shoppers will increase their budget by 70 per cent compared to last year and shop across more than two categories

    . Top categories: Festive shopping baskets will comprise clothing, mobile, food, and beauty products

    . Upgrading technology: Consumers are looking to upgrade to 5G-enabled mobile phones and smart TVs this festive season

    . Preference for online shopping: 59 per cent of consumers prefer to shop online

    . Influence of online video ads: Online video ads will be the top information source, with 58 per cent of consumers discovering brands and services through these platforms

    . Digital payment preferences: 67 per cent preference for digital payment options, with UPI leading the way

    Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan commented, “We are excited about the upcoming festive season, given the positive consumer sentiment reflected in the survey. Disney+ Hotstar’s wide array of shows and movies across languages offers the perfect platform for brands to connect with consumers as they plan their festive shopping. Our

    platform is uniquely positioned to spotlight brands and their offerings through our innovative ad formats and comprehensive targeting options.”

    For the upcoming festive season, Disney+ Hotstar has an exciting line-up of shows across English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, as well as marquee live sports tournaments including the Premier League, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, and Pro Kabaddi league, making it the platform of choice for advertisers to engage with their consumers. Additionally, the platform offers festive packages for top-watched shows in multiple languages, simplifying campaign planning for advertisers. With innovative ad formats and over 1,000 targeting options, advertisers looking to capitalise on the festive fever will be spoilt for choice on Disney+ Hotstar.

    https://discover.hotstar.com/festive-report-2024/

  • WhatsApp released its impact report ‘Fast Lane to Social Impact’

    WhatsApp released its impact report ‘Fast Lane to Social Impact’

    Mumbai:  WhatsApp has released its impact report titled ‘Fast Lane to Social Impact’ that explores the pivotal role the platform plays in the lives of Indian users, empowering small businesses to thrive in today’s digital economy and powering social welfare organizations to drive positive societal change, often being the digital enabler for the last mile.

    The report curated by Redseer Strategy Consultants, delves into the multifaceted impact of the platform’s offerings – WhatsApp consumer app, WhatsApp Business App, and the WhatsApp Business Platform [API], highlighting how the platform has transformed the way people and communities interact and conduct business by facilitating seamless communication.

    Commenting on the launch of the report, Meta India VP, Public Policy, Shivnath Thukral said, “WhatsApp has emerged as a pivotal tool, revolutionizing the way individuals, businesses, and social welfare organizations communicate and operate. From supporting women entrepreneurs to providing skill development for the unemployed or even ensuring parents stay engaged with their children’s education — organizations are successfully harnessing the capabilities of the platform for driving positive social change. The success stories in the report are a testament to WhatsApp’s transformative potential and how its supporting different segments of society thrive in India’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

    Empowering India’s MSMEs and boosting entrepreneurship

    WhatsApp Business App has provided micro, small businesses and solopreneurs across India a democratized gateway to discover new markets and serve their customers, along with building a professional digital identity for their business.

    WhatsApp Business has enabled small businesses to streamline operations and easily receive and fulfill orders online, helping them increase efficiency and expand their reach, including access to international markets. In turn, boosting entrepreneurship by providing local businesses and startups access to digital tools that put them on an equal footing with large enterprises.

    . Moreover, The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and Meta’s ‘WhatsApp Se Wyapaar’ program aims to digitally train and upskill 10 million local traders on the WhatsApp Business App. The partnership will be implemented in 11 Indian languages across all 29 Indian states.

    . The partnership also provides 25,000 traders access to the Meta Small Business Academy, offering certification that enhances digital marketing skills.

    Powering social welfare organizations to scale impact

    WhatsApp has enabled numerous social welfare organizations in India to deliver impactful solutions in areas such as education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and women empowerment, driving positive social change and transformation at the grassroots.  

    . Mann Deshi Foundation supports over 100,000 rural women entrepreneurs by providing financial literacy and access to business opportunities across markets through their WhatsApp chatbot. So far, they have digitally trained over 15,000 women, 85 per cent of them being rural beneficiaries.

    . Other use cases include NGOs leveraging the platform to scale initiatives like reducing period poverty, empowering pregnant women with comprehensive healthcare and baby care knowledge, and upskilling young professionals for better employment opportunities.

    Building citizen services for efficient e-governance  

    WhatsApp has supported government agencies across the country to deliver efficient and inclusive citizen services. There are several innovative and impactful use-cases ranging from complaint resolution, promoting digital health technology, driving cybersecurity awareness, delivering local utility services, offering efficient and sustainable public transportation services, among many others.

    .  The National Consumer Helpline (NCH) is effectively using WhatsApp to streamline grievance and query resolution systems for a hassle-free experience. The chatbot enables consumers across India to raise complaints, access grievance records to track status updates and allows the government to spread awareness about consumer rights.

    Additional Use cases and Impact numbers:

    Social Welfare Organisations:

    . Rocket Learning has leveraged WhatsApp in its mission to reduce early-stage learning poverty. By effectively employing WhatsApp for local dialect messages, it is able to empower parents to double engagement time, yielding a 30 per cent test score improvement and enabling 80 per cent of children to recognize numbers and describe pictures by age six.

    .  WhatsApp significantly contributes to Pinkishe’s mission of reducing period poverty by helping them reach the extremely remote parts to drive impact. The foundation has successfully conducted 5,000+ menstrual education sessions through WhatsApp.  

    . Robin Hood Army amplifies their food bank impact via volunteer groups, automated volunteer onboarding and donation processing, logistics coordination and simplified donor communication on WhatsApp. So far they have successfully garnered 240,000 active volunteers, covering 300+ cities covered with 30 per cent of new volunteers joining them through WhatsApp.

    MSMEs:

    .  A small grocery store in Bhubaneswar uses WhatsApp to take orders and handle payments online. Customers get quick updates and bills, efficient door-step deliveries, while the store serves more areas—helping the local business grow alongside bigger grocery chains. The store showed 1-2 per cent direct revenue growth, with 10-12 per cent orders from WhatsApp and saves hours everyday by reducing customer queues.

    .  A housewife from Srirangam turned entrepreneur with an artificial jewelry business on WhatsApp. She shares product information via catalogs, accepts orders, and shares personalized offers to stay connected with her customers. The platform has helped her gather design feedback, grow her business, and balance entrepreneurship with family life. 20 per cent of her orders are from WhatsApp and she saves hours everyday by operating digitally.

    .  A fashion retailer based out of Lajpat Nagar market in Delhi, has been using the WhatsApp Business app for the past year and saw better visibility for its products amongst customers by using the catalog feature, leading to better sales and 10-12% revenue growth.

    Government Organisations:

    .  Madhya Pradesh CM Helpline is using WhatsApp to help citizens voice their complaints and disseminate crucial public information, along with helping ensure safety and security of women through a 24X7 helpline.

    .  Bengaluru Metro is revolutionizing commuters’ experience, making life seamless and efficient through ticket booking on WhatsApp. It helps tailor experience and information by adding favourite stations, managing payment cards, and accessing fare details, routes and timetables.

     . Cyber Dost, an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India effectively uses WhatsApp to educate people about cybercrimes and online safety by sharing safety best practices and crucial information to drive user awareness and engagement. 

  • Watcho partners with Fastway and Netplus

    Watcho partners with Fastway and Netplus

    Mumbai – Watcho has partnered with Fastway and Netplus to introduce a comprehensive entertainment bundle with seamless connectivity. This strategic collaboration marks a significant expansion of Watcho’s regional footprint and addresses the growing demand for integrated entertainment solutions.

    The newly launched bundle seamlessly combines Fastway’s IPTV services, Netplus’s high-speed internet, and Watcho’s extensive OTT content into a single, unified package. This holistic entertainment solution eliminates the need for multiple service providers and complex billing processes, offering customers a streamlined entertainment experience. Subscribers can access 500+ live TV channels, Including 100+ channels with popular regional content via IPTV Set-top-box, robust internet connectivity, and a diverse range of OTT content from top providers such as Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Chaupal, and many more, all under one Watcho subscription.

    The package features IPTV + Broadband Plans + Watcho OTT Bundles starting at Rs 598, providing an internet speed of 50 Mbps along with 500+ TV channels, a Catch-Up TV feature allowing users to access content up to 7 days, and content from 17 OTT apps. With this partnership, customers will benefit from simplified access to a wide array of entertainment through Watcho’s extensive content library and aggregated services from over 17 popular OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Sony Liv, Hungama Play, Chaupal, FanCode, Watcho Exclusives and many more, spanning genres like drama, romance, fantasy, and more.

    Dish TV India Ltd. CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “At Dish TV and Watcho, we always aim to deliver exceptional value and convenience to our customers. Our partnership with Fastway and Netplus embodies this commitment by offering a seamless bundle that integrates IPTV, high-speed internet, and extensive OTT content. This all-in-one solution simplifies access to diverse entertainment and enhances convenience for our customers across Punjab. We hope this package meets the increasing demand for integrated entertainment solutions, aligning with our mission to provide high-quality experiences while expanding our footprint and addressing a variety of entertainment needs with unmatched ease and efficiency.”

    Jujhar Group founder & chairman Gurdeep Singh commented, “We are excited about our partnership with Watcho. This launch represents a power-packed value proposition that both the brands proudly offer to its consumers. It delivers the most cost-effective and affordable form of entertainment. The brand is deeply committed to understanding and addressing the needs of its customers, consistently providing the best solutions tailored to enhance their viewing experience.”

    “The IPTV STB will also facilitate access to OTT content, powered by Watcho, thereby presenting a variety of premium regional and national content from top providers. We hope this collaboration will simplify access to quality content and set a new standard for convenience and innovation in the entertainment industry,” added Singh.

  • AIGDF releases white paper on age-rating framework for gaming content in India

    AIGDF releases white paper on age-rating framework for gaming content in India

    Mumbai: The All-India Game Developers’ Forum (AIGDF), in partnership with the Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP), has released a pioneering report titled “India’s Gaming Industry: Time For Age & Content Ratings?”. This report underscores the critical need for a structured age and content rating system tailored to the unique cultural and regulatory landscape of India’s rapidly expanding gaming industry.

    Key findings of report:

    ●    Regulatory Vacuum: Despite an estimated 425 million gamers, the increasing consumption of gaming content, India currently lacks a standardized age-rating framework, unlike other digital content sectors such as OTT platforms, and frameworks in other nations/regions.

    ●    International Best Practices: The report examines leading global age-rating systems, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system, providing valuable insights for the development of a domestic rating model.

    ●    Proposed Indian Framework: The report also outlines features for a proposed age-rating framework for gaming in India, emphasizing the need for categories and descriptors that reflect the cultural sensitivities and legal requirements unique to the Indian context.

    Commenting on the release, AIGDF spokesperson Roland Landers said, “As India’s gaming industry continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative to establish a robust framework to protect our younger gamers.  This report provides a blueprint for industry leaders and policymakers to ensure that gaming in India is not only entertaining but also safe and responsible.”

    Landers further added, “The gaming industry will continue to have the fastest growth in the Media & Entertainment sector over the next few years, and a substantial chunk of this growth will come from the Free to Play segment. We’ve recently seen proposals for time and spending limits, and previously there have even been bans. While the intent to protect is clear, these measures often feel like ad-hoc, knee-jerk reactions that could stifle the industry’s potential rather than nurture it. Instead, we believe in a collaborative approach. Let’s engage in a conversation about the best ways to regulate and support this dynamic industry. By looking at global best practices, such as parental controls and age verification systems, we can find solutions that protect players without hampering growth. This is just the beginning. We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders—players, parents, developers, and regulators—to ensure that the gaming industry in India continues to flourish in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

    The report aims to foster a dialogue between stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, and consumer groups, to implement a framework that ensures a secure and enjoyable gaming environment for all, especially our younger players.