Category: iWorld

Seven Korean picks to check out this Korean Thanksgiving

Mumbai: Be it Korean food, K-pop, or K-dramas, Korean trends have taken the world by storm. With the quintessential elements of creativity, simplicity, relatability, and fun – Korean series, movies, and audiobooks will either lighten up your mood or keep you hooked till the very end. With Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) around the corner, it would only be fitting to engage in a binge session of these Korean titles along with a bowl of ramyeon of course. This is why we’ve put together the most sought-after Korean titles from Audible, Netflix, Disney + Hotstar, and Prime Video to inspire, engage, and entertain you to the core.

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

Platform: Audible

Tteokbokki, or simmered rice cake, is a Korean dish often seen in K-dramas and widely enjoyed by cinephiles across the world. Discover how this unique dish takes center stage in this part memoir and part self-help book. This audiobook is based on the life of a successful young woman working as a social media director at a publishing house who is struggling to navigate through depression, social awkwardness, and work exhaustion. As a result, she decides to visit a psychiatrist and spends over a 12-week period disentangling bad behavior loops, knee-jerk reactions, and harmful cycles of self-abuse. Wondering what Tteokbokki has to do with all of this? Tune into Audible to understand why! A must-listen for those entangled in similar labyrinths of life, this audiobook will surely encompass valuable life lessons and a boost of inspiration all of us need.

In Order to Live

Platform: Audible

Wonder what it feels like to be trapped in a country ruled by a fierce dictator, with no hope and nowhere to go? Well, this was the life of the North Korean human rights activist and TED speaker Yeonmi Park who fled the oppressive communist state when she was 13 years old. The concept of freedom was too far-fetched for her, the most comforting thing she could think of was to survive her reality. She knew that if she and her family stayed behind they would die – from starvation, a disease, or even execution. Witness the harrowing tale of the woman’s escape with the assistance of China’s underworld and her rise as she became an exemplary human rights activist by the time she turned 21.

Korean Folk Tales

Platform: Audible

This collection showcases stories of heroes, tricksters, and supernatural creatures, and unfolds the deep cultural roots and traditions of the Korean people. Get yourself an immersive experience of powerful storytelling to illuminate the human experience with multi-cultural depth and important life lessons. Korean folklore is known for its philosophical elements incorporating beliefs from Confucianism (ancient Chinese Philosophy) and Korean mythological figures, making it a great listen for children and adults.

A Time Called You

Platform: Netflix

A Time Called You is the story of a young woman Jun-hee who mourns the death of her boyfriend. Unable to cope with the loss, she goes back in time to 1998 but is perplexed as she wakes up in a different body of an 18-year-old Min-ju. As she navigates this new reality, she meets Si-heon, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased boyfriend. To make this more intriguing, the series also has a love triangle, a complex time travel curveball, and lots of suspense. Difficult to sum up the plot in words, one has to watch this drama on Netflix to find out how her life unfolds as she time-travels her way to 1998 and back.

The Roundup: No Way Out

Platform: Prime Video

Seven years after the roundup in Vietnam, Detective Ma Seok-do joins a new squad to investigate a murder case which leads them to an illegal drug Hiper. He starts to dig deeper and discovers an unknown gang of thugs involved in supplying the drug. This troublesome case leading to a drug war is important to him as it is his first case after seven years following a roundup in Vietnam. Perfectly balancing the dichotomy of good and evil, the storytelling in this Prime Video movie is brilliant and adventurous. An ideal pick for a movie night, grab your popcorn, and enjoy this critically acclaimed crime drama with friends and family.

Call It Love

Platform: Disney + Hotstar

A revenge drama that takes an unexpected turn, Call it Love is the perfect watch for a weekend. The female lead Woojoo decides to take revenge for all the injustices she has suffered when her family unexpectedly becomes homeless. But her plans change when her enemy Dongjin turns out to be a thoroughly lovable, lonely, and gentle soul. After her father’s death, Woo-Joo is kicked out of her home by the woman her father dated. She decides to take revenge on that woman only to stumble upon her son Han Dong-Jin and falls in love with him. An unexpected and humorous turn of events makes the series a promising watch for rom-com lovers.

Heartbeat

Platform: Prime Video

Heartbeat is a humorous light-hearted romance centered around the love story of a 100-year-old vampire on the cusp of fulfilling his wish to become a human and a mesmerising woman who does not fear him. The series showcases relatable characters in blossoming romance, hoping that their love will transform the reality of the male lead’s vampire-bound life. If you’re one of those who enjoys situational satire with a romantic element, then this is the OTT series for you.

September 25, 2023
Experience ambition, greed, love, and passion in Disney+ Hotstar’s ‘Sultan of Delhi’

Mumbai: Agar Delhi ka Sultan banna hai toh, jung bina goli chalaye jeetni hogi! Disney+ Hotstar has launched the trailer of their upcoming drama, Hotstar Specials ‘Sultan of Delhi’. Based on the book, Sultan of Delhi: Ascension by Arnab Ray, the series is produced by Reliance Entertainment and directed by ace director, Milan Luthria. Set to release on 13 October 2023 on Disney+ Hotstar, Sultan Of Delhi is set to take you on a journey where life is at stake and power is all you need to change the game in your favour!

The series stars Tahir Raj Bhasin, Anjum Sharma, veteran actor Vinay Pathak and Nishant Dahiya in pivotal roles, alongside the supremely talented ladies Anupriya Goenka, Mouni Roy, Harleen Sethi, and Mehreen Pirzada in key characters.

Recreating the magic of the vintage era of the 60’s, Sultan Of Delhi follows the story of Arjun Bhatia (Tahir Raj Bhasin), who works with Delhi’s biggest illegal arms dealer, Jagan Seth (Vinay Pathak). In a high-stakes battle for power, Arjun is tested time and again by those around him. Fuelled by ambition, and his calling to become the Sultan Of Delhi, Arjun must navigate a treacherous landscape to emerge victorious, where there is no stopping him and vengeance is unleashed.

Talking about the series, director Milan Luthria said, “I never expected such a thunderous response to our teaser. Many people called me asking if it was my next film. My team and I have worked very hard on Sultan Of Delhi, as I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned for my first outing on the web. The attempt has been to achieve a clutter breaker, a page turner of sorts. I hope the audience picks that up and enjoys it to the fullest.”

Talking about his character and the show, Tahir Raj Bhasin said, “The journey of portraying Arjun Bhatia proved to be a very exciting multifaceted challenge. Arjun Bhatia serves as the central character of the series who evolves drastically as the narrative unfolds. Playing the graph of this transformation was both compelling and exhilarating. Arjun’s character helped me push my boundaries as an actor in a very different way. It was a constant balance between a physically challenging part that needed stunt and weapons training and a nuanced emotional journey that was unique to his individual relationships with other characters in the script. A very special dynamic was the friendship I developed with Anjumm Shharma. Our chemistry in the series echoes the timeless camaraderie of iconic duos like Jai and Veeru, and I am eagerly anticipating the audience’s response to it.”

Talking about his character and the series, Anjum Sharma said, “Collaborating with Disney+ Hotstar and Director Milan Luthria was an incredible experience at various levels. I used to often speak to Milan over the phone and rehearse the scenes with him before actually shooting it. Playing the role of Bangali was heart-warming and complex at the same time. Bangali is a friend that one definitely needs in today’s day and age. While shooting, it was crucial to find a correct graph of friendship between Arjun and Bangali and this helped Tahir and me develop a friendly equation and mutual respect off-screen as well.”

Talking about her role, Mouni Roy said, “Playing the character of Nayantara was a one of a kind experience. While she is bold and fearless on the outside, she is vulnerable and emotional on the inside. She has a side to her that was always looking out for love, care and acceptance. Making my web series debut with a show like Sultan Of Delhi and a Director like Milan Luthria was indeed an incredible experience and this streaming on Disney+ Hotstar is like an icing on the cake. I enjoyed being a part of the 60s era and I hope my fans and audiences enjoy this cool and subtle side of me.”

Get set to be transported to Delhi in 1960’s with Sultan of Delhi, 13 October 2023 onwards, streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.

September 25, 2023
Shemaroo Entertainment revives 90s Bollywood music with new-age singers

Mumbai: The 90s era of Bollywood music holds a special place in the hearts of millions, evoking cherished memories and a warm sense of nostalgia. These unforgettable songs became anthems for a whole generation, resonating with listeners of all ages. Now, Shemaroo Entertainment has taken these timeless melodies and given them a new lease of life with a modern twist.

Unlike simply repackaging classics, Shemaroo Entertainment has breathed fresh energy into these evergreen tracks by collaborating with talented new-age singers. The aim is to create a seamless blend of nostalgia and modernity, preserving the essence of the original melodies while appealing to today’s discerning youth. While some songs have already been released, new ones will be unveiled every week, allowing music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the golden era of Bollywood.

To kickstart this extraordinary project, Shemaroo Entertainment has meticulously chosen these iconic songs from Bollywood’s rich repertoire, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the era’s musical brilliance. These tracks have been beautifully recreated by aspiring singer Arunati Roy from Durgapur (Paschim Bardhaman), West Bengal, supported by Hiranmoy Mandal, R3ZR and Sunny Karmakar who has helped in the execution of the project.

The recreated masterpieces will be showcased to a global audience through Shemaroo’s extensive distribution across platforms like YouTube channels – Filmi Gaane, Indipop, Romantic Hindi Songs, 90s Hindi Songs, and across more than 150 global online music streaming platforms like Resso, Spotify, Apple Music, Wynk Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, etc along with Telco-CRBT and radio.

Expressing her excitement of recreating songs for Shemaroo Entertainment, Arunati Roy said, “I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of this extraordinary musical journey with Shemaroo Entertainment in Association with Hindi Unplugged World. Recreating these iconic Bollywood songs is a dream come true for me as a budding artist. It’s an incredible opportunity to infuse these timeless melodies with a fresh new-age touch and bring joy to the hearts of the younger audience. This project is a true celebration of music. It is a great opportunity created by Shemaroo to promote young artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their exceptional talent.”

This initiative marks the beginning of Shemaroo’s efforts to discover and nurture fresh voices, offering a chance for aspiring artists to join hands with Shemaroo and reach a wider audience. Through this Shemaroo is creating opportunities for emerging talents to make their mark in the music industry and contribute to the vibrant musical landscape. In line with their commitment to enhance the listening experience for GenZ and Gen Alpha audiences who have a fondness for 90s songs, the company is actively seeking similar budding artists to recreate and sing these timeless melodies.

This unique initiative promises to be a grand celebration of Bollywood’s rich musical heritage, infused with the fresh energy of contemporary talent. Get ready to relive the magic of 90s Bollywood music like never before!

September 25, 2023
Pocket FM surpasses 100 million downloads on Google Play Store

Mumbai: Audio Series platform Pocket FM has announced today that it has surpassed the remarkable milestone of 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store, strengthening its presence as a top player in the digital entertainment landscape. This achievement comes as a testament to Pocket FM’s commitment to providing high-quality audio content to millions of listeners worldwide in the form of audio series, a category innovated and nurtured by them.

Since its launch in 2018, Pocket FM has quickly become a favourite among netizens seeking a diverse range of entertainment that can be accessible anytime and anywhere. The platform offers a variety of genres and languages, making it appealing to its listener community.

As the demand for audio content continues to surge, Pocket FM has been at the forefront of innovation, offering a diverse range of content catering to various interests and age groups. The platform’s user-friendly interface, seamless streaming experience, and high-quality content have resonated with users across the world. Moreover, Pocket FM has continuously invested in developing and curating a robust library of engaging and entertaining audio content.

Speaking about this significant milestone, Pocket FM co-founder and CTO Prateek Dixit, expressed his gratitude to its listener community, content creators, and the entire Pocket FM team. “We are thrilled to have surpassed 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store. This achievement is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, as well as the immense support from our listeners. We are grateful to every person who has joined the Pocket FM community and made it a part of their daily audio entertainment experience.”

Dixit further emphasised the company’s commitment to providing rich and diverse content to its listeners. “Pocket FM is dedicated to continuously enhancing its content library and offering a wide range of audio entertainment options. We believe in giving our listeners a platform where they can explore and indulge in a new entertaining experience with every click.”

As a leading audio entertainment platform, Pocket FM has played a significant role in reshaping the global audio entertainment landscape with its audio series, serialised fiction audio storytelling form similar to TV series. With its massive listener base and continuous growth, Pocket FM is set to redefine how people consume entertainment in the digital age.

September 25, 2023
JioCinema launches Digital Film Festival starting 29 September!

Mumbai: JioCinema, a streaming destination is all set to launch a digital film festival, JioCinema Film Fest, starting 29 September. The festival is an incredible cinematic celebration that will bring together Kala, Kalakaar aur anokhi Kahaniyaan, through 20 remarkable films across 20 days. These captivating and award-winning stories will bring together a distinguished repertoire of artists such as Nawazuddin Siddique, Naseeruddin Shah, Ira Dubey, Supriya Pathak, Sheeba Chaddha, Amit Sadh, Satish Kaushik, Rajat Kapoor, and Adah Sharma amongst others.

A celebration of India’s rich storytelling, JioCinema Film Fest includes a robust line-up of films such as The Comedian that will throw light on an ageing comedic actor in the Indian film industry who has no laughter left in his life and Birha (The Journey Back Home), a winner at multiple international film festivals that describes the heart-wrenching story of a family that tears apart due to the unjustified ambitions of a young child. Other films in the line-up include Ghuspaith: Between Borders, which inspired by the life and tragic death of renowned Indian photojournalist Danish Siddiqui; Rat in the Kitchen, a Neo-Noir Thriller is a story of a man going through loneliness and witnessing surreal experiences while being home alone; Bebaak is a gripping film about a woman’s identity crisis as a Muslim woman in India, trying to make her place in a prejudice-ridden world. Set in an Indian town under curfew, The Daughter is a film about a young woman who sets out in search of a man who can help her carry out an act that will test her limits.

In addition to this, the film festival boasts of some exceptional stories that include Ring Mili Kya, Munna Ka Bachpan, Laar, Mein Mehmood, Gangster Ganga, Armaand, Maachis Ki Dibiya, Phone Call, Murakh (The Idiot), Before We Die, Dammy, The Last Envelope, Coming Out with the help of a Time Machine and Kofuku.

Witness the magic of films, starting 29 September streaming exclusively on JioCinema Film Fest.

September 23, 2023
YouTube announces new generative AI products

Mumbai: At Made On YouTube, the platform unveiled a suite of AI-powered capabilities that will help both new and established creators and artists create, edit, and share content in bold new ways. These AI-powered tools will help unlock powerful new forms of creative expression, take the friction out of the creative process, and allow YouTube creators to reach more viewers.

Showcasing the limitless potential AI can bring to creators, artists and the creative industry, the key announcements include:

· The introduction of Dream Screen, a new generative AI feature to unlock creative expression on Shorts: Later this year, YouTube will introduce Dream Screen, a new experimental feature that allows creators to add AI-generated video or image backgrounds to their Shorts simply by typing an idea into a prompt. With Dream Screen, creators will be able to generate new, fantastic settings for their Shorts that are only limited by bounds of their imagination.

o Since launching Shorts in 2020, Shorts has now climbed to over 70B daily views from over 2B logged-in users every month.

· The launch of YouTube Create to help take the work out of video production: To help anyone to create and share videos right to YouTube, the platform has launched a new mobile app called YouTube Create, which was designed to empower creators to get started with a suite of production tools to edit their Shorts, longer videos, or both.

o The app offers video editing tools including precision editing and trimming, automatic captioning, voiceover capabilities and access to a library of filters, effects, transitions and royalty-free music with beat matching technology so that creators can produce their next YouTube video without relying on complex editing software.

o YouTube has consulted with more than 3k creators in the process of building YouTube Create.

o Currently in beta on Android in select markets including the United States, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Indonesia, India, Korea, and Singapore, YouTube Create is free of charge.

Here are more ways that YouTube is helping take the heavy lifting off creators and giving them more efficient tools to help them come up with new ideas and reach new audiences.

· YouTube is bringing Aloud, an AI-powered dubbing tool, into YouTube so creators easily reach audiences well beyond their primary language.

o Available to select creators, the feature is currently being tested in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

· Next year, assistive search in Creator Music will make it easier for creators to find a soundtrack for their video. Creators can simply type in a search query and AI will suggest the right music at the right place.

o Creator Music is currently available in the US, and we look forward to expanding as quickly as possible.

· Next year, YouTube Studio will tap generative AI to spark video ideas and draft outlines to help creators brainstorm. These insights are personalized for each channel and based on what audiences are already watching and interested in.

o YouTube has been testing early versions of AI-powered tools in YouTube Studio with creators, and more than 70 percent of those surveyed said it’s helped them develop and test ideas for videos.

YouTube chief executive officer Neal Mohan said, “We shared new updates that will help creators and artists push the boundaries of creative expression — by making the difficult things simple and impossible dreams possible. Making it easier for creators anywhere to create content they love is core to YouTube’s commitment to putting creative power into the hands of billions of people. This is the start of a new era of creativity. We can’t wait to see what our incredible community of creators and artists make on YouTube.”

YouTube global head of music Lyor Cohen said, “Bold and responsible, that is our mission. The potential of AI is incredibly exciting. But as with any new technology, we have to approach it responsibly. What Artists, Songwriters, and Producers do is something that is uniquely human, that cannot be replaced by technology. We see AI as a tool that can be used by artists to amplify and accelerate their creativity. And we are committed to working alongside the creative community within our AI Music Incubator, which has now expanded globally. We are also leaning into our superpower – our deep partnerships with the music industry – working back-to-back with them to achieve our collective goals of fueling creativity and driving business forward.”

These creators and artists are using YouTube to drive forward the future of creative expression and explain how the announcements shared will impact the broader ecosystem:

· YouTube creator, Alan Chikin Chow said, “It’s really great to see a dedicated Create app because it gives creators the confidence that whatever we make on YouTube Create will be optimized for the platform. An app like this will open the door for more people and make becoming a YouTuber that much more accessible.”

· YouTube creator, Jade Beason said, “I am all about efficiency. I’m really excited about the AI-powered insights because it’s taking what I already do – scouring the internet, looking at Google Trends, taking my viewers’ suggestions – and quickly giving me ideas for videos to get inspired to make and put my own spin on.”

· YouTube creator, Cleo Abram said, “AI tools can help us shrink the gap between what we imagine and what we can make, instead of shrinking our ideas. And because they help us shrink that gap, these tools can increase access to the conversation.”

· Artist, songwriter and producer, Charlie Puth said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of YouTube’s AI Music Incubator. GenAI technology is a powerful tool, and I’m grateful YouTube is collaborating with artists while developing their technology to ensure it ultimately accelerates creativity instead of replacing it.”

September 22, 2023
Watch ‘Campus Beats’ on Amazon miniTV: Dance and teen romance

Mumbai: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service has recently announced its upcoming teen drama Campus Beats. The show centres around the lives of teenagers and their journey to pursue dreams and their passion for dance! What stands out about the series is the mystery that has arrived with Netra on campus that leaves you wanting for more. We have all experienced our first love in colleges and schools. From the death stare your rival friend groups to the butterflies you get when your crush walks by, college life takes us through an array of emotions and experiences. Campus Beats will take you through that exact range of emotions across romance, friendship, rivalry, and intense competition, and more. Here’s a list of five reasons why should not miss the series:

● Shantanu-Shruti: The passionate duo: This duo will impress you with their endearing and sizzling chemistry while keeping their rivalry and passion at the forefront. Campus Beats invites all the viewers to embark on a competitive journey of dance, love, and constant fierce clashes, inspiring them to follow their passion, and find love in the most unexpected places and people.

● Romance takes the front seat: This teen drama narrates a love story of two people from different backgrounds who come across each other, and end up falling in love. With a mystery to solve at the end, this captivating story will keep you all hooked up with dance beats, college battles, and in between bring the new-age perspective of teen romance.

● Stellar performance of the cast: Along with Shantanu Maheshwari and Shruti Sinha, the series features a power-packed and talented star cast. The viewers will be in awe seeing how they portray their characters, followed by sending out a strong message on various social issues. Campus Beats will feature an ensemble cast of Sahaj Singh Chahal, Tanvi Gadkari, Harsh Dingwanii, Tanya Bhushan, Dhanshree Yadav, Teriya Magar, Adnan Khan, and Rohan Pal, who have given some really powerful characters.

● Shantanu in his most loved avatar: We all have adored Shantanu and his extraordinary dance moves. Now getting to see him back in our favorite chocolate boy dancing and dating again on screen will be a real treat. After his well-known debut in his first dance show, Shantanu is reuniting with his passion, making a comeback for his fans in his most loved avatar. Fans will be thrilled to see him grooving again in his charming character, reminiscing his old debutant days.

● Free to watch: You get to enjoy a lovely teen-romance drama tale with mysterious layers to unfold, experience friendship, love, rivalry and a wholesome college life of students for free. Well, no need to pay anything to view this captivating and beautiful show on a subscription basis. It is available for free streaming on Amazon MiniTV and Fire TV in the Amazon Shopping App.

The series features Shantanu Maheshwari, Shruti Sinhaa, Sahaj Singh Chahal, Tanvi Gadkari, Harsh Dingwanii, Tanya Bhushan, Dhanshree Yadav, Teriya Magar, Adnan Khan, and Rohan Pal in pivotal roles. Get ready to embark on a competitive journey filled with passion, love and fierce dance-offs.

Campus Beats is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV and on Play Store.

September 22, 2023
Navot Papushado on collaborating with Michelle Yeoh for Gunpowder Milkshake

Mumbai: Oscar winners are just built differently! Lionsgate Play is all set to stream Gunpowder Milkshake on 22 September. With a stellar star cast in tow, including two Oscar winners, the film sees Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett and Carla Gugino as highly trained assassins. When Sam is faced with the consequences of a high-risk job going wrong, she reunites with her mother to save an innocent eight-year-old’s life. Packed with action, thrill, and guns, Gunpowder Milkshake puts some of the best showrunners on the front lines. So get ready to cheer on this fierce group of slightly unethical ladies!

Talking about working with Michelle Yeoh, director Navot Papushoda said, “We really worked the actors hard, but they just wanted more. I remember the day Michelle came on set. Everyone was in awe of Michelle. A lot of the action scenes were inspired by her before we even knew she was going to do the film, so it was like we were getting a visit from the queen. You don’t cast Michelle Yeoh just to hold guns, although she does that too. We gave her chains and had her use her fists in fight scenes. She’s incredible, she jumps from a balcony after strangling someone with the chains, lands perfectly and flicks one of his teeth out of her hair. She trained with the stunt people who are her biggest fans. She brought so much experience and really enriched the movie in ways we did not anticipate.”

Gunpowder Milkshake to stream exclusively on Lionsgate Play from September 22nd.

September 22, 2023
WhatsApp Channels: A brand’s new frontier for enhanced engagement!

Mumbai: Earlier this month, Meta chief Mark Zukerberg has announced the launch of WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries including India. With channels, WhatsApp’s goal is to build the most private broadcast service available, according to the company statement. Channels are separate from chats, and who you choose to follow is not visible to other followers.

A WhatsApp Channel allows companies to send messages to a large number of customers at once. This broadcast feature makes the communication easier and saves resources, as you only need to send one message to reach a lot of people at once.

Companies can send, for example, important information, updates, product launches, special deals, and company news on the channels. This direct style of communication can improve customer loyalty and brand awareness.

Several movie stars including Katrina Kaif, Diljit Dosanjh, Akshay Kumar, and Vijay Deverakonda, have already unveiled their WhatsApp Channels. Also, the Indian Cricket Team has also launched its WhatsApp Channel, aligning with the excitement building up around the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

With all this, we will see what the industry experts have to say regarding Channels, on whether this platform will be a boon for brands and content creators or is it just another gimmick? Let’s find out!

Edited excerpts

Chtrbox VP Karan Pherwani

The introduction of WhatsApp Channels represents an exciting development for both brands and creators within the digital landscape. This feature promises to be a game-changer in terms of community building, offering a unique platform for engagement. While platforms like Discord and Instagram have made strides in this area, WhatsApp’s extensive reach holds the potential to resonate even more profoundly with India’s tier 2 and Tier 3 audiences.

WhatsApp Channels will serve as open channels for brands and creators to foster meaningful interactions with their followers and consumers. It provides a seamless avenue for keeping the audience informed and engaged. The ability to communicate directly through WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app in India, will undoubtedly enhance the accessibility and intimacy of these connections. This innovation is poised to redefine how brands and creators connect with their target demographics, offering a fresh, dynamic channel for engagement and communication.

FoxyMoron (Zoo Media) business director Shubit Rakshit

The platform is a game-changer for content creators and marketers alike, providing an intimate space to connect with audiences. With its enhanced features and commitment to privacy, WhatsApp Channels opens new doors for personalized engagement and authentic communication. It would also be interesting to see how businesses leverage this platform, especially in a diverse market like India, by delivering content in regional languages and vernacular.

With WhatsApp Channels, the industry at large gains a versatile tool to amplify brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately, ROI.

TheSmallBigIdea CEO & co-founder Harikrishnan Pillai

I have reservations against any feature that mimics another platform, especially when the genesis of the existence of the app is far away from that.

WhatsApp is primarily used for direct and personal conversations with people you know, and you don’t see the need for it to become a platform for one-to-many communication. The core of the platform is interactivity and conversations, which the feature gives a complete miss in the current avatar.

An extension to the absence of interactivity is the absence of a comments section on WhatsApp, which is a feature that drives engagement on other social platforms. While WhatsApp can argue it as a feature or a limitation, in a one-to-many scenario, there has to be a door for a 2-way conversation.

WhatsApp is an already overwhelming space. Work conversation, personal conversation groups, status and now this.

SoCheers group head – outreach Kunal Khandelwal

WhatsApp’s transition into this territory feels more natural and promising, considering its wide user base. The vision is to offer brands a distinct avenue for connecting with their audience in a more personalized and exclusive manner. However, it would require brands and creators to establish their subscriber base from scratch unlike Instagram’s ‘Broadcast Channels’, where brands and creators can get their existing follower base.

Thus, to make the most of WhatsApp Channels, brands can captivate their audience by offering special promotions, exclusive insights into upcoming products, and showcasing variations within their product line. This strategy cultivates a sense of exclusivity, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and eagerly anticipates what the brand has to offer. Particularly in industries like entertainment, where frequent updates and releases are the norm, WhatsApp channels prove highly effective. Moreover, brands in this sector can share relatable content, engage directly with fans, and maintain a consistent stream of updates.

September 22, 2023
Threads unleashed: Boosting brands and influencers to stardom!

Mumbai: In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is key to success. One strategy that has been gaining momentum in recent years is the use of “Threads” on social media platforms. Threads are a series of connected tweets or posts that allow brands and influencers to tell a more extended and engaging story. When used effectively, Threads can be a powerful tool for boosting visibility, engagement, and ultimately, propelling brands and influencers to stardom.

At the heart of every compelling issue, Threads is a well-crafted narrative. Brands and influencers can use threads to share their stories, values, and expertise in a more cohesive and immersive way. They can take their audience on a journey, keeping them engaged from start to finish.

Lets see what the industry experts have to say regarding Threads…

Edited excerpts

Animeta CEO Devdatt Potnis

It is still too early to say whether Threads will be more impactful than Instagram, each one has their own unique advantages & in the long run, I think both of them will complement well from a brand/influencer perspective. Threads has the potential to be a valuable tool for brands and influencers who want to connect with their audiences on a more personal level, while Instagram’s visual appeal provides a wider & popular reach.

NetSetGo Media co-founder Sundeep Rana

Threads enable you to interact with those who follow you in a more personal as well as transparent manner. Brands and influencers may utilise this kind of platform to interact with the majority of their devoted followers one-on-one. This can assist to strengthen ties and increase brand loyalty. Individuals may use Threads to offer unique material, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes shots & promotions with a small number of followers. This could potentially make one’s followers feel unique and inspire them to interact with your company in the future. It might be a useful tool for gathering input from a highly engaged audience. It may be used by brands for carrying out surveys, gathering feedback and obtaining insights about the goods or services they offer.

Digital Eminent founder Mukul Raj Sharma

When contrasted with Instagram, Threads has a lower base of users. To get the most out of it, one needs to first recognize and interact with your most devoted fans, who will probably utilise the app. Threads may be used by influencers to partner with businesses or communicate with their fans in an interpersonal manner. It may be an efficient venue for holding Q&A sessions, AMA sessions or possibly exclusive giveaways. It may be used to communicate critical news and updates to your most devoted followers, ensuring that they get the info directly and swiftly. Brands and influencers may also use Threads’ Stories feature to tell interesting stories while sharing their journey among their core following

In the end when executed thoughtfully and strategically, Threads can propel them to stardom in the competitive digital landscape. So, whether you’re a brand looking to tell your story or an influencer wanting to engage your audience, consider embracing the power of threads and watch your online presence soar to new heights.

September 22, 2023