Category: Digital

Mumbai: WhatsApp has recently launched an exciting new feature that allows users to send short video messages within chats, adding depth and richness to conversations and enhancing the quality of interactions. This feature was tested on Android and iOS beta apps, and is now available to all users, offering them a fun and expressive way to communicate.

Using facial expressions and gestures, video messages provide a more accurate means of conveying emotions and thoughts, reducing misunderstandings often associated with text-based communication. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential privacy concerns that may arise from sharing personal information through videos.

While the video messaging feature is a welcome addition, users should be aware of the possibility of manipulated content and malicious actors using this feature to send harmful messages. It’s essential to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to WhatsApp.

By being cautious and taking necessary measures, users can enjoy the benefits of video messages while ensuring their online safety and security. As with any technological advancement, remembering the importance of privacy and security will contribute to a positive and enjoyable experience on WhatsApp.

Here’s what industry experts have to say about the latest announcement.

Pulp Strategy founder & MD Ambika Sharma

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is introducing a revolutionary video messaging feature that holds immense significance for both brands and consumers. This cutting-edge capability brings forth a host of advantages:

Real-time Synchronization: Embracing video messaging empowers businesses to engage in instantaneous communication, greatly aiding customer support and fostering seamless collaboration among team members handling projects.

A Personalized Approach: By incorporating video messaging, enterprises can infuse a warm and intimate touch into their interactions, ideal for nurturing relationships with valued customers and dedicated employees.

Enhanced Engagement: Video messaging paves the way for creating captivating content, be it captivating product demonstrations, exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, or compelling customer testimonials.

The WhatsApp video messaging feature boasts multiple applications for both brands and consumers:

Customer Care: Swift and efficient customer support is now achievable through WhatsApp’s video messaging, facilitating prompt responses to queries and swift issue resolution.

Collaborative Endeavors: Team-based projects find a new dimension of collaboration with video messaging, facilitating idea sharing, brainstorming sessions, and impactful presentations.

Strategic Marketing: Businesses can harness the potential of WhatsApp video messaging to promote products or services through innovative demos, exclusive backstage insights, and authentic customer endorsements.

Personal Connections: Consumers cherish the ability to employ WhatsApp video messaging for staying connected with distant friends and family, bridging geographical divides.

In essence, WhatsApp’s video messaging is an influential tool that empowers brands and consumers alike, revolutionizing real-time support, team collaboration, marketing endeavours, and heartfelt connections.

FoxyMoron – Zoo Media business head – South, Keerthi Kumar

Video messaging on WhatsApp isn’t just another feature, it’s a game-changer. It’s all about making advertising more personal, more engaging and also humanising the interactions that brands can have. We’re moving from the age of simple texts to dynamic conversations, paving the way for a revolution in brand storytelling.

TheSmallBigIdea associate director – Key Accounts, Revathi Batola

‘See it to believe it’ truly has a new meaning now. This move seems reminiscent of a platform that first normalized video messaging as time-limited snaps. WhatsApp is now catching up to platforms that have similar video messaging features for a long time now. It most definitely is the future of unlimited interactivity – centered on video and messaging, creating a platform for ideas, services and opportunities. The new feature promises future potentials we’re just beginning to imagine.

Grapes co-founder and CEO Shradha Agarwal

In the recent past, WhatsApp has taken several steps to provide its users with multiple communication and interaction avenues under a single roof, like payment options, group video calling, and voice messaging was an apparent game-changer. Their new video messaging feature is another step towards this direction, but WhatsApp is not the first app to have launched this feature. Telegram has been offering it for quite some time, and Snapchat is a primarily visual messaging app. While both their active user base in India comes nowhere close to WhatsApp’s 487 million, the competition would be further dampened with this new feature in WhatsApp’s arsenal. It negates the need for users to go to another app to send video messages.

Moreover, WhatsApp has had brands and marketers engaging in personalised marketing tactics, wherein a video messaging feature opens up a new stage to explore, especially since the short video format is still on the rise. It’ll be interesting to reach the intersection of personalised marketing and 60-second videos and leverage this combination for unique advertising campaigns.

Mumbai: As fortunate witnesses to the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and advertising, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of a truly marvellous era. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought forth a transformation that surpasses even our wildest dreams. In this poetic journey, let us traverse the timeline of the marketing and advertising industry, marvel at the rise of hyper-personalized marketing solutions, and embrace the changing dynamics that AI has bestowed upon brand marketers and advertisers.

The Ever-Changing Tapestry:

From the ink-stained pages of newspapers to the digital realms of websites and social media, the marketing and advertising industry has experienced a symphony of transformative waves. Each decade has brought forth new channels, technologies, and opportunities to captivate audiences. Apps, influencers, and immersive experiences have reshaped the way brands communicate, leaving a trail of innovation in their wake.

1️. Hyper-Personalized Marketing Solutions:

As AI takes center stage, hyper-personalized marketing solutions emerge as the new norm. Gone are the days of generic messaging; AI empowers marketers to create tailored experiences for each individual. With an intricate understanding of customer behaviour, geography, preferences, and interests, AI enables campaigns that resonate on a deeply personal level.

2️. The Rise of AI & the Changing Scenario:

As the landscape of marketing technologies expands, AI reigns supreme. Brands and advertisers must adapt to this new reality, embracing AI as a powerful ally. The ability to harness AI’s capabilities and integrate it seamlessly into marketing strategies will define the success of future endeavors.

3️. Personalised Communication Campaigns:

With AI’s prowess, communication campaigns are no longer shots in the dark. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI unveils insights that shape targeted messaging, ensuring it reaches the right audience at the right time. Personalization becomes a nuanced dance, choreographed by AI, guiding brands toward effective engagement.

4️. The Landscape of Cutting-Edge Advancements:

The marketing technology landscape witnesses a breathtaking evolution. Web3, artificial intelligence, big data, analytics, extended reality, and omnichannel marketing are the pillars upon which innovation stands. It is within this vibrant tapestry that AI takes center stage, offering limitless possibilities to drive growth and elevate brand experiences.

5️. ChatGPT: Opening Doors to Possibilities:

Among the remarkable advancements in AI technology, ChatGPT stands tall as a beacon of innovation in the marketing and communication realm. With its human-like interaction and ability to answer complex questions, ChatGPT has crossed significant milestones, opening doors for businesses and marketers to explore new realms of possibilities.

Conclusion:

In this enthralling dance between humanity and AI, marketers assume a crucial role in enabling AI to access the data required to make informed decisions. AI will communicate with other AIs, choreographing a symphony of personalized messaging and delivering precisely what is needed. The future lies in the harmonious collaboration between human ingenuity and AI’s analytical prowess, propelling the marketing and advertising industries to unimaginable heights.

Let us embrace this revolution, where AI and human creativity intertwine, birthing a new era of marketing and advertising. As we dance forward, let us celebrate the boundless possibilities that AI has bestowed upon us, for it is in this waltz of innovation that we shape the future of brand communication.

The author of this article is Megaldon founder Rashi Agarwal.

Mumbai: In the dynamic world of trading, every penny counts! Discover the key charges to avoid and trade smart on any platform. This article will equip viewers with the essential knowledge to navigate the trading landscape with confidence, save money, and make informed decisions. Uncover top trading platforms like Shoonya, Zerodha, and Angel One that offer cost-saving features for both beginners and seasoned investors. Let’s dive into the seven charges you should watch out for to ensure a cost-effective and efficient trading experience.

1.Account Opening Charges:

Your trading journey begins with the opening of a new trading account, and some brokers impose account opening charges that can vary significantly. To start on the right foot, look for platforms, which have embraced a customer-centric approach by eliminating account opening charges like Shoonya by Finvasia, Zerodha, and Angel One. This move ensures accessibility and affordability for all traders, regardless of their experience level.

2.Brokerage Charges:

Brokerage fees play a crucial role in your trading journey. Whether it’s a percentage or a flat fee, understanding these charges is essential to trade smart and keep costs minimal. Shoonya by Finvasia, a pioneer in the industry with over a decade of offering “zero-brokerage” trading, is one such broking platform that helps you trade smart and save on costs. Some platforms like Zerodha offer “low-cost brokerage” trading. To minimise costs and maximise earnings, it’s critical that you choose the optimum blend.

3.Intraday Trading Charges:

For intraday traders, frequent buying and selling of stocks within the same trading day can lead to additional charges. Be aware of brokers who impose fixed percentages or flat fees for every intraday trade. Consider platforms like Angel One and Zerodha, which offer low intraday trading charges. Shoonya goes a step further by providing zero intraday charges, allowing you to enhance your profitability.

4.Annual Maintenance Charges:

AMC refers to the fee levied by brokerage firms for maintaining and servicing a trading account throughout the year. While some platforms may offer low or even zero brokerage charges for trades, they may compensate through higher AMC. As a trader, it is essential to carefully assess the AMC structure to ensure cost-effectiveness and align it with your trading frequency and investment goals. By being informed about AMC and other charges, you are one step closer towards achieving seamless trading and maximizing overall profitability.

5.Hidden Charges:

Hidden charges can often catch traders by surprise, impacting their profitability. It is important to carefully review the fee structure and terms and conditions of any trading platform or broker you choose. Look for platforms that offer transparent fee structures and provide clear information about any potential additional charges. While government charges apply across platforms, you might want to know of other hidden charges that can be avoided. A smart way is to try a recognized brokerage calculator, which displays the exact charges that will be levied by the platform.

6.Margin Funding Charges:

Margin funding allows traders to leverage their trading capital and potentially increase their returns. However, some brokers charge interest or fees for providing margin funding services. Traders should be cautious and choose platforms that offer competitive or zero margin funding charges, allowing them to make the most of their trading capital without incurring excessive costs.

7.Account Closure Charges:

At times, traders may decide to close their trading accounts. Some brokers impose charges for closing an account, which can be an unwelcome surprise. To avoid unnecessary expenses, opt for platforms that do not charge account closure fees. Digital brokers like Angel One, Zerodha and Shoonya have no account closure charges, making them more attractive options for traders seeking to minimize costs.

As a trader or investor, you need to master the art of cost-effective trading by avoiding unnecessary charges. Digital platforms like Shoonya by Finvasia, Zerodha, and Angel One offer innovative solutions that empower traders to make informed decisions and trade with confidence. By prioritizing cost-saving features and avoiding hidden fees, you can pave the way for seamless financial success on your trading journey. So, trade smart, pay zero, and unlock your full potential as a successful trader.

Mumbai: The world of finance is witnessing a transformative revolution with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in trading. Investors and traders are gaining an edge in exploring the volatile and unpredictable stock market, thanks to the unprecedented insights, speed, and accuracy provided by AI-powered tools. Traders can now make sensible and swift decisions, safeguarding themselves from mere guesswork, as AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of historical data within seconds, generating valuable market trends and patterns that human analysis may miss. Shoonya’s significant leap forward to become India’s first trading platform to offer AI-powered predictive analysis and signals for individual stocks, is a trend setter. Let’s look at some of the AI tools to experience:

Algorithmic Trading Systems

Algorithmic trading, also known as automated trading or black-box trading, involves the use of pre-programmed trading instructions to execute trades at high speed and with precision. AI-powered algorithmic trading systems leverage complex mathematical models, historical data analysis, and real-time market information to identify profitable trading opportunities and execute trades automatically.

Sentiment Analysis Tools

Understanding market sentiment is a crucial aspect of successful trading. Sentiment analysis tools powered by AI can analyze large volumes of news articles, social media posts, and other textual data to gauge the overall sentiment towards specific assets or market conditions. By monitoring and analyzing this sentiment in real-time, traders can gain valuable insights into market trends, investor sentiments, and potential shifts in market dynamics. Sentiment analysis tools can help traders make informed decisions by identifying positive or negative sentiments that may impact asset prices, allowing them to adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

Predictive Analytics Platforms

Predictive analytics platforms leverage AI and machine learning algorithms to forecast future price movements and identify potential trading opportunities. These platforms analyze historical data, market indicators, and various other factors to generate accurate predictions and insights. By employing globally recognized neural networks and studying complex statistical models with Machine Learning, predictive analytics can identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies in market data that human traders may overlook. New-age trading platforms like Shoonya, have pioneered this feature and offered it to Indian users for the first time. This empowers traders to make more informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities with higher probability of success. These platforms can also assist in risk management by identifying potential market downturns or volatility spikes, allowing traders to adjust their positions accordingly.

Embracing AI tools in trading can provide traders with a significant competitive edge by enabling them to make data-driven decisions and react swiftly to market changes. Algorithmic trading systems automate trading strategies, while sentiment analysis tools help gauge market sentiment, and predictive analytics platforms provide accurate forecasts and insights. By incorporating these game-changing AI tools into their trading arsenal, traders can unlock new opportunities, enhance their strategies, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial markets. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative tools to revolutionise the way we trade and invest.

Mumbai: Tata-owned Air India has very recently also onboarded KlugKlug, an India-based global influencer marketing led tech SaaS platform, for their influencer marketing outreach, this strategic partnership aims to leverage KlugKlug’s expertise in identifying, engaging and importantly scaling the right influencers to enhance Air India’s brand visibility and connect with its target audience globally.

As part of this collaboration, KlugKlug will support Air India’s influencer outreach with its accurate and in-depth insights into influencers across India and the globe across 200 countries should Air India need to do so. KlugKlug’s innovative platform solves the challenge of finding influencers with relevant audiences, enabling Air India to make informed decisions and achieve an additional 30-50% efficiency in their influencer marketing campaigns, by bringing millions of Influencers available for search across Instagram, YouTube and Tiktok.

Expressing his excitement about the partnership, KlugKlug CEO and co-founder Kalyan Kumar said, “KlugKlug is thrilled to partner with Air India in their influencer marketing endeavours. By employing a data-driven approach, we aim to provide Air India with a dynamic roster of influencers capable of authentically sharing the airline’s captivating story with the world. Through KlugKlug’s unrivaled insights and support, we are confident in our ability to propel Air India’s brand visibility to new heights, connecting them with their target audience in a way that resonates deeply.”

 KlugKlug’s roadmap includes the development of AI-based tools to enhance the influencer marketing experience and provide data-driven insights to brands and marketers. The platform aims to create a comprehensive solution for managing campaigns, monitoring performance, and analyzing data, bridging the gap between influencers and brands. With plans to expand its services to new markets and social media platforms, KlugKlug is poised to meet the growing demand for influencer marketing solutions.

Mumbai: The July wave of the Ipsos IndiaBus Happiness Monitor shows overall happiness levels have seen a 3 per cent dip in July 2023, over the previous month – so after a slight dip in June 2023, urban Indians have become more unhappy in July 2023.

Further, happiness levels have dipped across all parameters that contribute to happiness. Whether health, economic conditions, family, friends’ circle, neighbours, situation in the country and situation in the world etc., barring work and colleagues/ business associates, both these areas have seen a surge, as executives have started going back to work and interacting with colleagues in person.  

Interestingly, factors inducing maximum happiness in the pecking order were family (71 per cent), health (65 per cent), friends’ circle (62 per cent), work or employment (61 per cent), colleagues/ business associates (59 per cent), neighbours (54 per cent), economic conditions (51 per cent), situation of the country (46 per cent) and situation of the world (42 per cent).

Summarizing the findings of the July Happiness wave, Ipsos India group service line leader, public affairs and corporate reputation Parijat Chakraborty said, “Urban Indians may seem less happy over the previous month and also around personal relationships, personal health, social fabric, but they are seemingly happier at the workplace and around colleagues. Dependence around relationships to provide happiness has somewhat lowered and work is compensating and a healthy work environment is satiating and happiness inducing. They also spend their large part of the day at the workplace. At the same time, citizens are absolutely clear about what matters most to them. Family, health, friends’ circle, neighbours are most happiness inducing and take precedence over the rest. Happiness Monitor keeps tabs on what makes citizens happy. Because happy citizens equal happy nation which is good for the overall wellbeing of how the nation is doing.” 

Mumbai: LTN, the industry leader in transformative media technology and video transport solutions, has appointed Martin Wacker as the company’s new sales director for the DACH region.

Wacker is a seasoned media industry veteran with over three decades of experience in business development, digital transformation, operations, advertising, as well as content production and distribution. He has held leadership roles across various reputed German broadcasters, production companies, and digital media technology providers, including Adstream, Wildmoka, and Backlight.

Wacker is working on increasing LTN’s market presence and serving the growing client base in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In his new role, Wacker will be steering LTN’s commercial expansion across the DACH region, fostering customer success, initiating new relationships, and propelling business growth for a range of media clients, including public service broadcasters, content owners, and sports rightsholders.

Wacker commented, “LTN is an industry pioneer and I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic team. My immediate focus will be on increasing brand awareness, growing our client base, and establishing LTN as a de facto standard in the market. As media companies grapple with tightened budgets and the increasing need for multi-platform content distribution, LTN’s industry-leading, intelligent IP video transport network can help them effectively streamline their workflows while maximizing reach and monetization.”

EVP chief revenue officer Chris Myers commented, “Martin is a respected figure in the media technology space. His vast experience and unique skillset will be invaluable in expanding our footprint in the DACH region.”

With the addition of Wacker to its team, LTN reaffirms its commitment to driving growth, supporting customer success, and delivering future-proof IP-first media solutions to the EMEA region.

Mumbai: Astus Group, a global media trading company, is delighted to announce the official launch of its independent office in India. It will be spearheaded by Sparsh Ganguli, who joins as India Head. Ganguly has over 25 years’ experience working for agencies and media houses including Star, Sony, BAG Films, and has been instrumental in creating the partnerships required for launch. His expertise in the Indian advertising ecosystem and launching media trading companies in India will help Astus in creating the value for clients and media owners.

Originally founded in London in 2003, alongside the Indian office Astus has presence in 20 countries with over 300 clients and trades over US$400m annually. Astus works with advertisers to enhance their media budget using their products or services. Astus work across FMCG, Airlines, Automotive, Telecoms, Tourism, Food & Beverage, Hotels, Events/ Hospitality, Electronic Goods, Entertainment, Education and Charities. This is done in full collaboration with Clients’ agencies to ensure they get the media they want and the value Astus creates is implemented alongside the client’s communication strategy to enhance the overall value delivered back against the brief.

The Media Agency remains in control of the media planning and buying process at all times ensuring the quality is never compromised. 

Astus also works with hundreds of Media Owners across all media channels, working in association with them to offset their hard cash costs and bring them business which complements their existing channels. Astus does this by enabling Media Owners to trade their soft currency or media space for goods and services they need. This means we can generate media with additional value which we pass on to our clients in the form of incremental product sales

Astus believes that by following this above process, it brings more value, and transparency, to not just their clients but also to media owners and all other stakeholders involved.

Speaking on the development, Astus’ Joint Chairmen and founding members Frances Dickens (who was recently awarded the OBE on the King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Media Trading) and Paul Jackson, said, “We are fully committed to India as a market where we can help deliver incremental value for advertiser, agencies and media owners alike, ensuring that all parties get what they want as part of the process. We look forward to deepening our existing relationships and growing many more new ones over the coming years.”

Ganguli added, “Astus solves a real problem for clients who had to previously compromise on media to offset redundant or slow-moving products. In my experience working with clients and media houses in India, Astus business model can create synergies to enhance the efficiency of each media plan and add value to both parties.”

Sparsh’s appointment comes with immediate effect and will directly report to the founding members. He will be based in Mumbai.

Mumbai: iMocha, a leading SkillsTech platform has launched its Skills Intelligence Cloud, an AI-powered platform to revolutionise enterprise hiring, talent management, internal mobility, and workforce planning processes. This innovative solution provides HR and business leaders with real-time access to skills data across their organisation, enabling them to forecast, predict, and effectively address skills gaps to build a future- proof organisation.

The launch of iMocha’s Skills Intelligence Cloud comes amidst the rising global call for a skills-first approach to talent management. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Report on Putting Skills First has recently revealed that over 100 million individuals could directly benefit from such a shift. The report also estimates that by 2030, a skills gap could leave 85 million jobs unfilled globally, leading to a staggering $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues.

Responding to this pressing need, iMocha’s AI-powered Skills Intelligence Cloud transforms each job role and employee into skills profiles with a precise set of proficiencies, enabling CHROs to develop industry-specific skills taxonomies and ontologies for their organization. Leveraging a combination of multi-channel skills validation and AI-inferred models, iMocha empowers organizations to create a workforce that is well-equipped for the future.

“Skills are the new currency, and they are also transforming at a rapid pace. For businesses to stay ahead of the curve, they need to harness their organisation’s skills data on a real-time basis,” said iMocha founder & CEO Amit Mishra. “By capturing skills data at the most granular level and layering it with AI, our Skills Intelligence Cloud will revolutionize people analytics and skills-gap analysis, empowering enterprises to stay prepared for future and technological disruptions.”

iMocha CTO & founder Sujit Karpe said, “The Skills Intelligence Cloud empowers CHROs and business leaders to adopt a skills-first approach and is specifically designed for organizations that prioritise continuous learning, employee development, and data-driven decision-making.”

Some of the key benefits that iMocha’s Skills Intelligence Cloud will unleash include:

.    Effective talent management, recruitment, and retention strategies with data-driven decisions

.    Future proof organization with strategic workforce planning; with a clear understanding of the organization’s skills landscape, HR can strategically plan for future needs.

.    Increased employee engagement and retention: by understanding and focusing on the skills of the employees, organizations can create personalized development programmes, leading to increased employee engagement and retention.

.    HR can plan training and reskilling programmes more effectively by having a real-time view of an organization’s skills inventory. It gives a comprehensive view of the available skills, skill gaps, demand vs supply of skills, and areas for development.

.    Improved hiring efficiency: availability of a clear skills taxonomy and ontology improves hiring efficiency by quickly identifying the skills needed in potential hires. This leads to a shorter time-to-hire and better quality of hires.