Category: iWorld

India’s first masculine positivity show ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ makes history

Mumbai: GenZ-driven youth media and impact organisation, Yuvaa is proud to announce that its trailblazing talk show, ‘Be A Man, Yaar,’ gained international recognition with a prestigious feature on the iconic Times Square. With a mission to provide men a comfortable space to express themselves, host of the show Nikhil Taneja is now all set to cater to the international audiences.

Redefining the traditional masculinity and promoting positive gender roles, ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ has achieved continued success in two consecutive years with some heartfelt conversations with the trailblazers from the Indian Entertainment Industry like Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Zakir Khan, Javed Akhtar, Naseeruddin Shah, and more. The feature on esteemed Times Square marks as a significant milestone in the show’s mission to showcase what it means to be a boy, a man, and a human.

With the feature in International landscape in association with their audio partner Amazon Music, Yuvaa is ready to take the show to global South Asian audiences and spark meaningful conversations that resonate with audiences globally. Starting with the aim to make every Indian man feel less alone by making them feel more heard, more seen, and more represented, the show now aims to represent the vulnerable stories of men across the globe.

Introducing ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ to an international audience, Nikhil Taneja also hosted a screening in New York for the South Asian media and entertainment community, in collaboration with renowned ‘desi’ publication, Brown Girl Magazine. Nikhil showcase the newly launched Season 2 of the series, set the context for the show and giving insights on how its season 1 was #1 podcast on Amazon Music last year and its Times Square feature. In a QnA with Trisha Sakhuja-Walia, founder of Brown Girl Magazine, Nikhil also spoke about his own journey with mental health and masculinity that led him to creating the show.

Hosting notable names like Shivani Bafna, Kaneez Surka, Sudeep Kanwal, Hira Mustafa, Pulkit Datta, Hiba Beg, amongst others, the event focused on playing a few segments from the episodes featuring Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Bhuvan Bam and Javed Akhtar giving a cross-section and diverse flavour of the many facets of the show, and its idea to start a conversation around masculine positivity.

On the Times Square milestone, Nikhil Taneja said, “It was a proud moment, as an Indian, to see our show on a billboard in Times Square, New York, alongside that of talk show icon Jon Stewart. I have the deepest gratitude to the team at Amazon Music, all our guests, partner and of course the incredible audience, that’s turned ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ from just another chat show into a movement, a call for change, and an invitation to explore the depths of positive, vulnerable and authentic masculinity. The show’s international recognition is a testament to the power of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ in challenging traditional gender norms and promoting a more inclusive understanding of masculinity.”

The second season of show features guests like Javed Akhtar, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Manish Malhotra, Rohan Bopanna, Dr Vikas Divyakirti, Gajraj Rao, Boman Irani, Imran Khan, Ankush Bahuguna, Viraj Ghelani, Aryan Pasha and Prateek Kuhad, in an engaging, honest and candid conversation with Nikhil.

New episodes of the thought-provoking talk show #BeAManYaar, presented by The Man Company are now live on Yuvaa’s YouTube channel, and the extended unfiltered versions of the episodes are exclusively available on Amazon Music.

July 25, 2024
India’s creative economy set to soar with premium online video fuelling 50 per cent of new revenue growth

Mumbai – An insightful report released today unveiled the transformative power of India’s streaming video on demand (VOD) industry and its contribution to the nation’s video entertainment economy. The study, “Beyond Screens – Streaming VOD’s Impact on The Creative Economy,” commissioned by Prime Video India and conducted by Media Partners Asia (MPA), offers a compelling vision of the sector’s future and its far-reaching economic implications.

The comprehensive analysis, based on extensive research and interviews with industry leaders, reveals that premium online video-on-demand is set to fuel 50 per cent of new revenue growth of India’s total video market. The report reveals that while historically, TV has led content investments in the video industry, but online video (ex-sports) already claims 24 per cent share in 2024, a 3x increase since 2017, and is expected to touch 30 per cent by 2028. Further, with streaming revenues equating to 1.5x of movie producers’ net share from theatrical box office, the growth in the video industry holistically is being driven by streaming. Not just this, but even allied industries, like telecom are seeing the impact of video streaming. For instance, video has been the primary driver of data consumption for telcos, representing over 70 per cent of their data traffic.

The streaming revolution has already catalysed an unprecedented content boom, with over 1,500 original titles released across VOD platforms between 2016 and 2023. This surge has created a ripple effect of employment opportunities, generating approximately 174,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2023 alone. The industry’s projected growth promises to open up 280,000 positions by 2028, with the potential to exceed 330,000 jobs as demand for specialized skills in VFX, animation, subtitling, and dubbing intensifies.

Premium video platforms are the true pioneers of the pan-India content movement, playing a significant role in expanding its reach nationwide. Crucially, the report highlights how these platforms are also emerging as powerful conduits for the nation’s soft power on the global stage. By showcasing India’s diverse cultures and progressive outlook to audiences in over 190 countries, these platforms are elevating the country’s international influence to new heights. Leading streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Netflix, Sony Liv, and Zee5 are at the forefront of this cultural exportation, poised to cement Indian content’s place alongside global phenomena like Anime, K-pop, and K-dramas.

The report also highlights how the social and economic multiplier effect of streaming VOD can unlock future value for stakeholders in the creative and several allied industries, contingent on addressing key challenges:

1. Expanding modern production facilities beyond major urban centers

2. Fostering collaboration for infrastructure development

3. Cultivating technical talent through innovative training programs and academic partnerships

4. Intensifying efforts to combat piracy and protect intellectual property

As India’s creative economy stands on the brink of unprecedented growth and global impact, this report serves as a crucial roadmap for industry stakeholders and policymakers alike. The streaming VOD sector is not just reshaping entertainment; it’s redefining India’s place on the world stage.

July 25, 2024
Global Kartel partners with Ampverse DMI for College Rivals season two

Mumbai: Global Kartel, a marketing and advertising agency, has joined forces with Ampverse DMI for the second season of their innovative IP College Rivals, an Indian esports and entertainment college talent hunt.

Positioned as India’s largest esports talent hunt, College Rivals seamlessly blends music, pop culture, and comedy to create a unique experience. With Global Kartel and its youth marketing arm, BoomPanda on board, the IP will benefit from comprehensive marketing expertise and innovative strategies tailored to engage the youth demographic.

Moreover, Global Kartel has a rich background of collaborating with over 100 plus clients on more than 1000 projects, including prominent brands like Paytm Insider, Zomato, Nodwin Gaming, Groww, EatClub, ZEE Entertainment, Rapido, Amazon Pay, and Colors Infinity. Their contributions to the success of major events such Dreamhack, NH7 Bacardi Weekender, Zomaland and Sunburn featuring Martin Martin Garrix India tour showcase their ability to drive large-scale initiatives and pioneering the student ticket category in the Indian entertainment industry.

By leveraging the expertise of Global Kartel, Ampverse DMI looks to ensure maximum participation, enhance audience engagement, and boost brand visibility for College Rivals season two.

Commenting on their partnership, Global Kartel CBO & co-founder Adesh Kolhe stated, “We are excited to join hands with Ampverse DMI for the second season of College Rivals. At Global Kartel, we have always believed in the power of innovative and immersive experiences, and College Rivals is a shining example of this. With our extensive experience in brand, commerce, content, and creativity, we aim to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and engagement to the IP. The synergy of gaming, pop culture, and entertainment in College Rivals offers a unique format that we are excited to amplify through our strategic marketing efforts. We look forward to enhancing this landmark event and contributing to the discovery of the next generation of esports talent in India.”

Since its inception, College Rivals has connected college students’ passion for gaming with their aspiration to become professional players. Its first season garnered over 100 million views and attracted 92,000 plus participants across five cities and 25 colleges.

Season two promises to be even more spectacular, with Global Kartel designing and executing on-ground activations and youth marketing campaigns across 50 plus colleges in 20 cities to ensure high levels of participation and excitement. Players will compete in popular games such as BGMI, Valorant, and EAFC 24, vying for a total prize pool of Rs 50 lakhs.

“College Rivals Season 2 is poised to ignite and empower collegiate rivalries, and our partnership with Global Kartel’s youth marketing arm BoomPanda is pivotal in aiming to unite and enhance impact through shared passion and purpose. Together, we are pioneering new avenues of collaboration across campuses in India, catalyzing innovation and cultivating camaraderie that transcends traditional competition, while innovating in-ground activations,” said Ampverse DMI country head Ashwin Haryani.

With College Rivals season two already underway, the partnership between Global Kartel and Ampverse DMI promises to set new standards in collegiate esports and entertainment.

July 25, 2024
ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

Mumbai: “Time is a flat circle,” Nietzsche once said. But what if that circle could be bent, twisted, and manipulated? ZEE5 is all set to shatter the boundaries of time and space with the mind-bending trailer of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah.’ Set to premiere on 9 August, this Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor co-production questions the viewers on the possibility of altering present and future by changing the past.

Launched today, the trailer plunges viewers into a world where the impossible becomes possible, leaving them to wonder about the existence and power of time. Helmed by the visionary director Umesh Bist, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ boasts a powerhouse cast including Kritika Kamra, Dhairya Karwa, and Raghav Juyal in the lead and Gautami Kapoor, Harsh Chhaya, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Mukti Mohan, Gaurav Sharma, among others.

Co-produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta of Dharmatic Entertainment, and Oscar-winning filmmaker duo Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah tells the riveting tale of two police officers from different eras connected by a mysterious walkie-talkie and the butterfly effect it causes on the past and present.

The past year has seen ZEE5 accomplish multiple highlights and milestones. The platform has witnessed a whopping 85Bn minutes of watch-time in the past year, with strong viewership coming in from metros and non-metros alike. Tier II and III cities account for 40 per cent of ZEE5’s viewership, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi lead in metro consumption. Popular genres on the platform include thrillers, romance, dramas, action-adventure, and comedies, with pan-Indian audiences strongly gravitating to the multilingual storyteller’s diverse content library.

Talking about the overall success of ZEE5 and the launch of Gyaarah Gyaarah, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, we remain dedicated to bringing exceptional content to our viewers. The trailer launch of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a testament to this commitment. Our collaboration with Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, both renowned for their storytelling excellence, is an exciting step towards enriching ZEE5’s diverse content library. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ offers a unique blend of mystery, and drama in a way that we believe will captivate audiences in India and beyond. We’re confident that this series will set a new benchmark for original content in the digital streaming space.”

A senior detective Shaurya Anthwal, played by Dhairya Karwa, from the 1990s and a young police officer Yug Arya, portrayed by Raghav Juyal, find themselves linked by a perplexing communication tool that springs to life at 11:11 pm for a fleeting 60 seconds. At the center of this temporal whirlwind is a determined woman Vamika Rawat, played by Kritika Kamra, once mentored by the senior detective Shaurya Anthwal before he mysteriously disappeared and now guiding the present-day young police officer Yug Arya.

As Shaurya and Yug join forces to crack the many cold cases, they unknowingly set off a chain reaction, altering the course of history with each breakthrough. Vamika, who is oblivious to the extraordinary connection between Shaurya and Yug is increasingly puzzled by her subordinate’s uncanny insights. With every solved mystery, this unlikely trio edges closer to uncovering a staggering truth about the officer’s vanishing act and the nature of their impossible alliance. Racing against the clock and battling the repercussions of their time-altering actions, will they unearth the secrets behind their mystifying bond, or will the weight of changing destiny prove too perilous to bear? Tune-in to ZEE5 to know more as Gyaarah Gyaarah is set to premiere on 9 August.

Kritika Kamra said, “Stepping into the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an exhilarating journey for me. This role is unlike anything I’ve ever done before – it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. Playing a cop in this mind-bending mystery thriller has been both thrilling and demanding. Moreover, working alongside visionaries like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor is a dream come true – their guidance and creative energy on set was truly inspiring. I can’t wait for ZEE5’s audience to experience this unique story that blends time, suspense, and human emotions in such an unlikely way, that makes the storytelling graph of the show truly unique and exciting”.

Raghav Juyal said, “Being part of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been a transformative experience for me. I started my journey on a TV reality show, seamlessly transitioned into hosting and comedic roles. Now, as I make a mark in the Bollywood industry, I am deeply grateful to Guneet for recognizing my potential and encouraging me to embrace serious and challenging roles. Portraying a police officer for the first time feels like a significant responsibility, it’s a big leap from my usual performances, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. It allows me to showcase a different side of my acting abilities and I can’t wait for the ZEE5 audiences to see what we’ve created with ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ – it’s going to be a whole new experience for me and hopefully for the audience too!”.

Dhairya Karwa said, “Immersing myself in the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an incredible journey. The idea of manipulating time and its impact on our decisions is fascinating, and it’s been thrilling to portray that on screen. Collaborating with such a talented cast and being guided by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Umesh Sir has been a special experience. This project is unlike anything I’ve worked on before – it’s intense, makes you think, and keeps you engaged. I can’t wait for ZEE5 audiences to delve into this distinctive mix of thriller and suspense that challenges our perception of reality. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a series that will make you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about time and fate”.

July 24, 2024

TIPS industries reports 40 per cent revenue growth, 61 per cent PAT increase Y-o-Y

Mumbai: TIPS Industries Ltd (Tips Music), a music label which creates and monetises music, announced its financial results for the quarter ending 30 June 2024.

Revenue from Operations	73.9	52.6	40%	63.3	17%	241.6	186.8	29%
Op. EBITDA	54.4	35.0	55%	30.2	80%	158.5	101.9	55%
Op. EBITDA %	73.6%	66.6%		47.7%		65.6%	54.6%
Op. EBIT	58.4	36.5	60%	35.0	67%	170.9	105.9	61%
PAT	43.6	27.1	61%	25.8	70%	127.2	76.5	66%
PAT Margin	58.9%	51.5%		40.7%		52.7%	41.0%

Commenting on the Results,

Kumar Taurani – chairman & managing director said, “I am delighted to share with you that the Q1 FY2025 has been remarkable for us. Our revenue for the Quarter stood at Rs 73.9 Crores up by 40 per cent YoY with a PAT of Rs 43.6 Crores increasing by 61 per cnet YoY. This demonstrates our commitment to growing and improving our business. In Q1 FY25, we released around 97 new songs out of which, 18 were new Film songs and 79 Non-Film songs. Our primary focus is always on quality music. We have successfully completed the buyback of shares amounting to Rs 46.62 crores inclusive of all taxes for non-promoter shareholders. We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders.”

Girish Taurani – executive director said, “Last quarter, our notable releases ‘Choli ke Peeche’ and ‘Naina’ from the movie Crew each surpassed 100 million views on YouTube. Our track ‘Soni Soni’ from Ishq Vishk Rebound reached the top 10 on Spotify charts. Other songs from the film, including ‘Ishq Vishk Pyaar Vyaar’ and the revamped “Gore Gore Mukhde Pe” by Badshah, have also been well received, reflecting our dedication to delivering engaging music content.

Hari Nair – chief executive officer said, “Our music is experiencing solid growth across all digital platforms, with YouTube, Spotify, and Jio Saavn being key drivers for both new releases and our catalogue.”

July 24, 2024

Zoreko launches their latest brand anthem

Mumbai: When newest gaming centre Zoreko stumbled upon up-and-coming rap star Shubham Tripathi, little did they know that their vibes would be a perfect match and the ensuing authenticity would lead to Shubham being signed on to create and launch their latest brand anthem. Interestingly, Shubham is a real-life ‘Gully Boy’ and was a delivery executive at a national food delivery app. Tripathi and Zoreko’s match is worthy of all the internet praise it is getting.

“This collaboration with real-life Gully Boy Shubham Tripathi is a stroke of luck for Zoreko – collaborating with someone who understands the energy and brings the right mood and aesthetic is rare, and our brand anthem strikes the right chord for us and our audiences. Zoreko is a premier gaming arena that aims to provide an unparalleled experience for all. This anthem is a testament to that fact.” said Zoreko consulting CMO Avanish Agarwal.

From making videos online to collaborating with Zoreko on this brand anthem, Tripathi is living his dream – rapping, recognition, and rizz. His arc and astronomical rise are testaments to how he has made a margarita from the lemons life has thrown at him.

Shubham Tripathi expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “My journey from delivering food to becoming a part of the Zoreko family has been nothing short of a dream come true. This opportunity allows me to showcase my passion for music and inspire others who may be chasing their dreams.”

Recently, Zoreko unveiled its flagship centre in Elan Town centre in Gurugram. With this new space and brand new anthem, Zoreko looks forward to revolutionising the gaming scene with its unparalleled array of games for all. It is the ultimate gaming destination for enthusiasts of all ages, accommodating diverse interests and preferences.

July 24, 2024
ShareChat partners with JioCinema to showcase exclusive Olympic Games Paris 2024 content

Mumbai: Every four years the most iconic games take place at a global stage. This year the Olympic Games are to be held in Paris, France with over 200 countries competing against each other. As the Indian contingent gears up for Paris 2024, ShareChat, India’s homegrown social media company, and JioCinema, the official digital partner for the Olympic Games, have entered a partnership to showcase exclusive content for sports fans to be closer to the action from 26 July to 11 August 2024.

The collaboration aims to provide an unparalleled experience for users on ShareChat and Moj platforms. With a plethora of engaging content, including interviews, footage-based clips, studio content, and build-up videos, catering to a diverse and multi-lingual audience, ensuring the users stay updated with the riveting action.

Moj a homegrown short video platform, revolutionizing short-form video for tier two audiences by bringing authentic regional content, the latest technology including Dolby Vision, and offering innovative monetizing avenues like virtual gifting for its creator community. This strategic utilization of short-form content aims to celebrate the Olympic spirit amongst millions of fans, delivering the best moments of the games in various regional languages and enhancing the viewing experience. Fans will also have access to insightful analysis from sports legends and commentators through studio clips available on both platforms.

Announcing the partnership, ShareChat & Moj chief business officer Gaurav Jain said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Jio Cinema to bring official Olympics content to our vast user base, celebrate the spirit of the games, and cheer for the Indian contingent. By offering content in multiple regional languages, ShareChat and Moj have become the go-to destination for sports content and fandom allowing Indians to engage with Team India’s journey like never before.

The widespread consumption of short videos has revolutionized the way we engage with content, and ShareChat is proud to offer a platform that caters to this demand. Blending content, culture and community ShareChat and Moj are slowly pivoting how marketers can use their creative imagination to build meaningful connections with their audiences.”

“The partnership with ShareChat and Moj is a significant milestone in our journey to make digital content accessible to every Indian, driving a new kind of lean-in engagement,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Innovation has been at the helm of our Paris 2024 presentation, be it through language offerings, curated feeds, or former Olympians who will join us as studio experts. This partnership takes it a step further in that direction through its unique content offerings that will excite fans and draw them into celebrating the Olympic movement.”

As the blue riband event inches closer, ShareChat and JioCinema aim to redefine the way fans engage with Olympic content, creating a truly enriching experience and setting a new benchmark for sports content consumption in India.

July 24, 2024
Amazon miniTV unveils Amber Girls School season two trailer

Mumbai: Get ready to revisit the halls of Amber Girls School as Amazon miniTV announces the second season of this coming-of-age teen drama. Following the roaring success of its debut season, the streaming service today unveiled a gripping trailer for the upcoming season, offering a glimpse into the life of Ojas and her evolving journey in Amber Girls School. Produced by Reliance Entertainment Studios and directed by Rajlaxmi Ratan Seth, Amber Girls School season two marks the return of the beloved cast, including Celesti Bairagey, Kajol Chugh, Adrija Sinha, Ishika Gagneja, Harsh Khurana, and Shruti Panwar.

The trailer gives us a peek into Ojas’s world where she is trying to juggle several things – she wants to be the Head Girl, have a boyfriend, repair her rocky friendships, and rebel against the school authorities. She realizes that she wants to become more confident and stand on her own feet instead of being a ‘yes-girl’. What truly matters to her is maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family, staying optimistic, and above all being true to herself.

Sharing his thoughts on the new season, Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad stated, “We are excited to bring back Amber Girls School for another season on Amazon miniTV. The second season will showcase the changing dynamics of the school and insights into Ojas’ journey. With universal themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery at its core, this season promises to strongly resonate with viewers.”

Celesti Bairagey, who essays the role of Ojaswi, expressed her enthusiasm for the new season, sharing, “I’m thrilled to take Ojas’ journey forward in Amber Girls School Season 2. This season around, my character faces new challenges in a quest to discover her true self. It also dives deeper into themes of empowerment and identity, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence with courage and determination. It’s a privilege to portray a character who inspires others to embrace their individuality and stands up for what she believes in.”

Prepare for an unforgettable journey as Ojas and her friends navigate the complexities of adolescence in the new season of Amber Girls School. The upcoming season will stream exclusively on Amazon miniTV from 26 July, for free.

July 24, 2024
The House of McDowell’s Soda unveils ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ anthem

Mumbai: It was in 1973 when the country crooned to the ultimate friendship anthem – Yaari Hai Imaan. In 2024, The House of McDowell’s Soda is bringing it back with an all-new rendition created by the rapper – Raftaar and Jasleen Royal. The song released just in time for friendship day on Saregama Music YouTube channel. The track is a classic tribute to friendship and celebrates the essence of Yaaron Waali Baat.

This fresh, unique twist on the classic Bollywood song ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ reiterates the importance of having trust in friendships and portrays the depth and loyalty that true friendships embody. Known for his raw lyricism and unapologetic style, Raftaar goes all out as his musical prowess shines with Jasleen lending her soulful vocals to this levitating rendition.

The song beautifully captures the essence of ‘Yaaron Waali Baat’ through its captivating tunes, lyrics, and beats, set to become a chart-topper as listeners are bound to play it on repeat. The lyrics emphasise that strong friendships open doors to endless possibilities. When friends trust and support each other, they can fight all odds and achieve success together. This encourages individuals to explore their full potential. The song has released on Saregama Music YouTube channel and is live across audio streaming apps.

Diageo India vice president and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “The House of McDowell’s Soda believes in the profound impact of fostering strong and meaningful connections. Yaari Hai Imaan is a testament to the power of true camaraderie and the joy it brings into our lives. By celebrating the unwavering strength of meaningful connections, the song beautifully captures how limitless possibilities can unfold when friends stand united against all odds. This highly energetic and infectious rendition by Raftaar and Jasleen Royal will undoubtedly resonate deeply with listeners of all generations.”

Speaking of the association, Raftaar said, “Friendship, like music, knows no bounds. When we started composing ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’, the lyrics and rhythm instantly resonated with me. My journey in this industry has been shaped by the love and support of my dear Yaars, inspiring my music and guiding my path. Collaborating with The House of McDowell’s Soda has been an enriching experience, celebrating connections that inspire and uplift. This song is destined to find its way into everyone’s playlist, especially resonating with those who have experienced the joy of true camaraderie.”

Yaari Hai Imaan will be available on all major streaming platforms starting 20 July.

July 24, 2024
Prime Video rolls out an improved streaming experience-Here’s What’s new

Mumbai: Prime Video is bringing clarity and simplicity back to streaming with improvements to its user experience that will begin to roll out globally today, and will become available to all customers in the coming weeks.

There’s so much to discover on Prime Video, and with these updates, you’ll be able to navigate across our vast entertainment destination with ease. With more personalized recommendations powered by generative AI, you can discover content that is tailored to your individual preferences, allowing you to spend more time watching and less time browsing. Plus, we’re making it easier to quickly identify movies and series that are available at no additional cost to your Prime membership, find new blockbusters to rent and add or manage add-on subscriptions.

“We’re always listening to customers and reviewing feedback, and it’s clear that many are in search of a more intuitive streaming experience,” said Kam Keshmiri, Vice President of Design at Prime Video. “With the improvements we have made to the user experience, customers will be presented with an easy-to-navigate entertainment destination where they can discover new titles and enjoy favourites, as well as sign up to or switch add-on subscriptions with just a few clicks. Best of all, they can do this while using a single login.”

Prime Video offers a large collection of premium programming in a single application across thousands of device types. You can explore a vast array of titles on Prime Video including your favourite Indian and international original series, movies, TV shows, and more, across multiple languages – including Indian-produced Original series like Mirzapur, Farzi, Panchayat, The Family Man, Dhootha, Jubilee, Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Suzhal – The Vortex, Inspector Rishi, Poacher, Indian Police Force, Paatal Lok, Rainbow Rishta, Wedding.con; Original movies like Maja Ma, Ammu, Mast Mein Rehne Ka; popular global Originals like Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, The Wheel of Time, Road House, The Idea of You; some of the biggest post-theatrical films; direct-to-service films such as Shershaah, Soorarai Pottru, Sardar Udham, Bawaal, Gehraiyaan, Jai Bhim, Jalsa, Sherni, Narappa, Sarpatta Parambarai, Kuruthi, Joji, Malik, Pippa, #HOME, Sharmajee Ki Beti, and many more of such titles. Additionally, Prime Video’s video entertainment marketplace offers customers programming from partners such as Lionsgate Play, Discovery+ Crunchyroll, BBC Player, Sony Pictures – Stream, MGM+, FanCode, Chaupal, Manorama Max, Eros Now, Hoichoi, Anime Times to name a few, via Prime Video Channels add-on-subscriptions, as well as the option to rent movies, regardless of whether customers have a Prime membership or not.

Here are the updates coming to the Prime Video user experience.

1. Content-forward navigation bar & single-click access to titles with the hero rotator

When launching Prime Video, you’ll notice a new navigation bar. Here, you will see purpose-built destinations including “Home,” “Movies,” “TV Shows,” and “Live TV,” as well as active Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions, allowing you to navigate by content type.

A new “Prime” destination will also be available in the navigation bar, which allows you to browse movies and TV shows available at no additional cost with a Prime membership.

Just below the navigation bar, the hero rotator will showcase content you can watch with a subscription, or rent, as well as a range of promotions including Prime member deals. Plus, you can directly play, rent or subscribe to watch, making it easier to start watching the titles you love.

2. Explore, sign up and manage add-on subscriptions

You can now browse, sign up and manage your active add-on subscriptions directly from the navigation bar. In India., you can explore more than 20 add-on subscriptions by selecting “Subscriptions.” Here, in addition to what you’re already signed up for, you can find new options that are uniquely recommended based on your preferences, previous rentals, and viewing history. Plus, the subscription destination will display deals of subscriptions from third-party services, all in one place.

3. Improved recommendations and clarity around the content that’s included with a Prime membership

Personalised recommendations have always been essential to the Prime Video experience. However, improvements to personalization features, which were created with the assistance of Generative AI, will make it easier to find the content that is the most relevant to you.

To power this experience, Prime Video uses Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed AWS service for building and scaling generative AI applications with foundational models, to generate personalized recommendations for customers.

In addition to recommendations, you can browse content by taste and other categories such as “Top 10 in India”. And now, it will be easier than ever to see what is included with a Prime membership and what you may need to pay extra for. Prime and add-on subscription logos, like Lionsgate Play or Crunchyroll, will appear on the hero and title cards of a movie or TV show to help inform you about which subscription the content is coming from. If a title requires additional payment, a yellow shopping bag will be visible.

Plus, Prime Video is utilising Large Language Models (LLMs) to simplify the synopses for TV Shows and Movies, so you can quickly glance at a title description, rather than having to scroll to decide if it is something you’d want to watch.

4. Simple, intuitive and frictionless streaming

New animations, smooth page transitions and zoom effects are a few of the enhancements for a frictionless and enjoyable streaming experience you can look forward to.

When using a living room device, video content will play on the hero rotator as you determine what to watch, creating an immersive browsing experience. And on the “Live TV” destination, recommended 24/7 stations will automatically start playing. They will continue to do so as you transition into full-screen playback, or exit to browse other stations.

Prime Video has optimized the experience across all devices, including older models, so everyone can enjoy it.

And these updates are just the start. At Prime Video, we always innovate on behalf of our customers and will continue to improve the user experience so customers can seamlessly navigate and discover content they’ll love across our vast entertainment destination.

Read more here:

July 23, 2024