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  • Aaj Tak reels in half of Insta news buzz with 110 million actions

    Aaj Tak reels in half of Insta news buzz with 110 million actions

    MUMBAI: When it comes to news on the ’gram, Aaj Tak isn’t just scrolling, it’s ruling. The Hindi news giant has clinched a staggering 51 per cent share of Instagram actions in August 2025, according to the latest Comscore Social report, making it the undisputed champion of digital engagement.

    The numbers tell the story. Aaj Tak racked up an eye-popping 110 million total actions on Instagram, dwarfing its nearest competitor News24, which managed 26.3 million (12.3 per cent share). The gulf only widens from there: ABP News clocked 21.5 million (10 per cent), The Lallantop 13.6 million (6.3 per cent), and NDTV India 12.4 million (5.8 per cent). The rest, from Zee News to Republic Bharat, trailed in single digits.

    What’s driving this dominance? Aaj Tak’s digital-first playbook: snappy Reels, interactive storytelling, and a sharp grasp of Gen Z and millennial habits. The strategy doesn’t just deliver eyeballs; it’s delivering engagement that outstrips the combined total of all its rivals put together.

    For brands, the implications are hard to miss. With half the Hindi news universe’s Instagram buzz flowing through its account, Aaj Tak offers a reach and resonance that no competitor can match.

    The Comscore recognition cements what viewers and advertisers already know: Aaj Tak has successfully married editorial credibility with social-native flair. In an age where attention spans are measured in seconds, the channel has mastered the art of turning the scroll into a stop and then into a share.

  • Motorola dials up ‘Big billion moto rush’ with record-low festive smartphone deals

    Motorola dials up ‘Big billion moto rush’ with record-low festive smartphone deals

    MUMBAI: The big billion buzz is here, and Motorola is leading the charge. Motorola has announced its ‘Big billion moto rush,’ unveiling its lowest-ever prices on bestselling smartphones during Flipkart’s big billion days sale 2025, which kicks off at midnight on 23rd September (early access from 22nd September).

    Leading the charge is the motorola edge 60 pro, a flagship powerhouse featuring a Pantone-validated triple 50MP camera system, the world’s most durable 6.7” 1.5K true colour quad-curved display, and a 6000mah battery with blazing 90W turbo-power charging. With motoAI and deep integration with Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity, it packs cutting-edge AI tools at festive special prices starting Rs 24,999.

    The motorola edge 60 fusion, dubbed the “all-rounder under Rs 20,000,” lands with a Pantone-validated 1.5K display, Sony LYTIA 700C camera, and military-grade durability, available from Rs 19,999.

    In the mid-range, the moto g96 5G brings a 144Hz curved Poled display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, and 50MP OIS Sony camera for just Rs 14,999, while the moto g86 power shines with the segment’s brightest 1.5K display and a 6720mAh battery, priced at Rs 15,999.

    Style meets smarts in the motorola razr 60, India’s most stylish flip under Rs 40,000. With a gesture-controlled video camera, titanium-reinforced hinge and the largest 3.6” Poled external display in its class, it’s available at a festive steal of Rs 39,999.

    But the savings don’t stop at phones. Motorola is also offering festive-first discounts on its moto buds ‘Loop’ and ‘Bass’ earbuds, moto pad 60 pro, and even laptops, TVs and washing machines.

    With flagship specs trickling down to mid-range prices, Motorola is clearly setting the tone for a blockbuster festive season.

  • V-guard launches ‘Luxecube’ water heater with romantic new ad campaign

    V-guard launches ‘Luxecube’ water heater with romantic new ad campaign

    MUMBAI: V-Guard industries ltd., a leading name in consumer electricals and appliances, has unveiled a new campaign film for its premium Luxecube water heater series, extending its popular ‘Hum, tum aur V-guard’ storyline.

    The film, titled ‘Hum, tum aur kuch extra’, brings back the much-loved couple from the summer campaign. In a playful exchange, the husband hints at “something extra” in their lives, only to reveal he was talking about the Luxecube water heater. The narrative highlights its 38 per cent extra hot water delivery and sleek design, described as “extra hot looks” that enhance the bathing experience.

    The campaign debuted during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, ensuring mass visibility, and will now extend across OTT platforms, connected TV, and social media to capture digital-first audiences.

    Commenting on the launch, V-Guard Industries Ltd, vp – brand & communication Nandagopal Nair said, “Luxecube reflects V-Guard’s promise of making everyday living smarter, more stylish, and more comforting. By bringing back the same couple, we’ve built continuity while keeping the narrative witty, aspirational, and relatable.”

    Ralph & Das, director & cco, Anil Ralph Thomas, who wrote and directed the film, added, “The film playfully weaves product benefits into a couple’s banter, balancing romance with humor while staying true to V-Guard’s distinctive storytelling.”

    Echoing this, Ralph & Das, director & ceo, Kaustav Das said, “We’ve always believed in breaking category norms. Instead of shouting features, we’ve crafted a tone that is warm, engaging, and different: the V-guard way.”

    With Luxecube, V-Guard continues to expand its premium water heater portfolio, targeting aspirational homeowners seeking a balance of functionality, design, and comfort.

  • Siju Prabhakaran named chief business officer at Zee5

    Siju Prabhakaran named chief business officer at Zee5

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has appointed Siju Prabhakaran as chief business officer of its streaming platform, Zee5, in a move aimed at bolstering its digital play.

    Reporting to Amit Goenka, president of digital business and platforms, Prabhakaran will shape and execute Zee5’s strategy in India and international markets. He will oversee monetisation, profitability and consumer engagement, marrying content with technology to build scale.

    A nearly two-decade veteran at Z, Prabhakaran has led the south cluster of linear television channels and driven localised content strategies in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Marathi. His new remit involves leveraging synergies between linear and digital businesses to deepen audience connect and push growth.

    The company, which has prioritised frugality, optimisation and premium content, sees Zee5 as a core driver of its next phase. The appointment signals a sharper focus on digital revenues while harnessing Z’s language strengths.

  • Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    Faasos rolls out Shawarma Fest 2025 with a flavour-packed comeback

    MUMBAI: Move over popcorn, this October shawarmas are stealing the spotlight. Faasos is back with its cult favourite Shawarma Fest 2025, a month-long sizzler running from 15 September to 15 October National Shawarma Day with prices starting at just Rs 149 and available pan India.

    This year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and spicier, with six limited-edition shawarmas reimagining the classic wrap with global flavour twists:

    . Chipotle Chicken Shawarma – smoky Mexican-inspired firepower

    . Chipotle Paneer Shawarma – creamy yet spicy indulgence

    . BBQ Chicken Shawarma – sweet, smoky, and finger-licking juicy

    . BBQ Paneer Shawarma – a veggie delight with BBQ swagger

    . Schezwan Chicken Shawarma – tangy, spicy, and unapologetically bold

    . Schezwan Paneer Shawarma – a zesty vegetarian kick in every bite

    “Shawarma Fest is our way of celebrating fans’ love for shawarmas while surprising them with new flavour adventures,” said Rebel Foods CMO Nishant Kedia. “It’s indulgence, convenience, and innovation, all wrapped up.”

    But Faasos isn’t stopping at food. The fest comes with a quirky twist, a mini-film series titled ‘what if… iconic films had a new hero?’. In this reel-universe, shawarmas take centre stage as the real stars, premiering exclusively on Faasos’ Instagram throughout October.

    Available via Eatsure, Swiggy, and Zomato, the shawarmas are also paired with festive offers to tempt foodies into repeat indulgence. With 73 per cent of Indian diets protein-deficient and a growing appetite for bold, quick bites, Faasos is turning shawarmas into both a comfort and a conversation starter.

    By blending cult classics with daring reinventions, Faasos’ Shawarma Fest 2025 proves one thing: when it comes to food trends, the wrap game is still unbeatable.

  • Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    Drivex shifts gears with Vivekanand Kini to steer tech-driven growth

    MUMBAI: Drivex is revving up its digital engine, and at the helm of this acceleration is Vivekanand Kini, appointed as senior vice president for technology & product. With 18 plus years of experience in technology and product engineering, including 8 years in leadership roles, Kini joins as the pre-owned two-wheeler disruptor doubles down on its tech-first strategy.

    From cloud-native architectures and microservices to scaling B2B and B2C SaaS platforms, Kini’s career spans leadership roles at Acko, Ivy Mobility, Khoros, and Opentext, with earlier stints at Oracle. At Acko, he spearheaded transformational initiatives that reshaped engineering operations expertise now set to drive Drivex’s ambition of building a robust digital backbone for India’s fragmented pre-owned two-wheeler market.

    “Mobility is being reshaped through technology, and Drivex is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Kini, adding that his focus will be on building scalable platforms to deliver seamless customer journeys from discovery and financing to after-sales.

    Welcoming him aboard, Padma Shri Narain Karthikeyan director Drivex said: “Technology powers every touchpoint at Drivex from smarter vehicle evaluations and strict quality checks to complete transparency on every two-wheeler parameter. Vivekanand’s expertise in scaling platforms and leading high-performing teams will help us strengthen our digital backbone and redefine the pre-owned mobility category.”

    The timing is critical. Drivex is in rapid expansion mode, opening new stores across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while also scaling Drivex Direct, its C2C platform that offers consumers greater choice and convenience. With ambitions of deeper market penetration, Kini’s appointment signals Drivex’s determination to transform customer experience through tech innovation.

    As the pre-owned two-wheeler space shifts into higher gear, Drivex is banking on Kini to keep its engine running smooth, fast, and future-ready.

     

  • Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Gill’s got game, and now, he’s got Beats to match. Beats has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Burn Bright’, starring Indian cricket sensation and brand ambassador Shubman Gill, alongside the brand’s flagship workout earbuds, Powerbeats pro 2.

    For Gill, training isn’t just routine, it’s ritual. “Training is where I build my game. It’s quiet, focused, and personal. Having the right sound with Beats helps me lock in and zone out the noise,” he said. “Beats isn’t just about music, it’s about bold energy and staying true to yourself. I’m proud to bring that spirit to this campaign.”

    The Powerbeats pro 2 are built with athletes in mind, boasting heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and up to 45 hours of battery life with the case. They also support Qi wireless charging and come in four bold shades, jet black, quick sand, hyper purple, and electric orange, retailing at Rs 29,900 on apple.com/in.

    Beats, chief marketing officer, Chris Thorne said Gill embodies more than cricketing skill. “Shubman is more than just a cricket star. He represents a new generation of athletes who bring style, substance, and individuality to everything they do. This campaign is a celebration of his precision, passion, and the powerful role music plays in his mindset both on and off the pitch.”

    ‘Burn Bright’ is the latest in a series of global campaigns featuring sporting icons, joining a roster that already includes Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Erling Haaland, Kobbie Mainoo, Qinwen Zheng, and Lamine Yamal.

    With Gill fronting the campaign, Beats is betting that cricket’s rising flame will keep glowing, and burning bright.

  • TBWA India names Rohit Mukherjee executive creative director in Gurgaon

    TBWA India names Rohit Mukherjee executive creative director in Gurgaon

    MUMBAI: TBWA India has hired Rohit Mukherjee as executive creative director at its Gurgaon office, tasking him with sharpening the agency’s disruption philosophy and raising the creative bar for clients.

    Mukherjee, who brings close to 20 years in advertising, joins from Dentsu Creative Isobar where he rose to group executive creative director, leading integrated, digital-first campaigns for major Indian brands. He began his career with an internship at Rediffusion Y&R and went on to stints at Publicis, Mccann, DDB Mudra and Bates, shaping campaigns for Airtel, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Diageo and Kia Motors. Among his best-known works is Colgate’s “Kya aapke toothpaste mein namak hai?” platform.

    TBWA India, chief creative experience officer, Russell Barrett called Mukherjee “an accomplished creative individual with a great pedigree of ideas and executions,” adding that he was “just the right kind of pirate to lead and inspire the office forward.”

    For his part, Mukherjee said he relished the agency’s disruption credo. “To create in any field, you need to disrupt. The very fact that for tbwa, disruption is its raison d’être is provocation enough for any creative,” he noted.

    Mukherjee’s work has earned recognition at Cannes Lions, Spikes, Kyoorius, Abbys, Effies, New York Festival, Adfest and the Clios. Off duty, he is a collector of stories, whether through photography, trivia or conversations with strangers.
     

  • Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    Hero Motocorp and VML launch ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’ campaign

    MUMBAI:  Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled a new campaign for its ‘HF deluxe pro’ motorcycle in partnership with VML, the global brand and digital transformation agency. Titled ‘Naye Indian ki deluxe bike’, the campaign pays tribute to the resilience, optimism, and quiet heroism of everyday Indians who move the nation forward.

    The all-new ‘HF deluxe pro’ brings bolder styling, smarter features like an LED headlamp, and enhanced fuel efficiency to India’s leading 100cc motorcycle. The campaign takes a significant creative leap from conventional category advertising, anchoring the bike’s reliability in a heartfelt narrative of courage and compassion.

    At the centre of the film is the story of a rider who embarks on a daring mission through dense forests to reunite a lost baby elephant with its mother. The ‘HF deluxe pro’ becomes his trusted ally: strong, dependable, and built to endure every challenge. Through this powerful metaphor, the campaign celebrates the new-age Indian who doesn’t just aspire for change but actively builds it.

    “At Hero Motocorp, our journey has always been intertwined with the spirit of real India: the quiet force that propels our nation forward,” said Hero Motocorp, head of marketing, Aashish Midha. “With the HF deluxe pro, we proudly present a motorcycle that mirrors the very essence of every Indian rider: resilience, innovation, and unwavering trust. VML has masterfully translated this vision into a campaign that is both deeply emotional and powerfully purposeful.”

    VML India, ceo, Babita Baruah added, “Great brands don’t just sell products; they inspire culture and spark emotion. With Hero MotoCorp, we found the perfect synergy to tell a story that celebrates the resilience and quiet heroism of everyday Indians. This campaign reflects our belief in purposeful creativity, where every frame leaves a lasting impact.”

    VML, group chief creative officer, Kalpesh Patankar said, “The most successful work is always rooted in truth. This film was created to resonate with millions of Indians in the country’s heartlands, using emotion as the strongest connector between brand and people.”

    With refreshed graphics, chrome accents, a segment-first LED headlamp, and a horizon digital console, the ‘HF deluxe pro’ is built for both style and everyday practicality. Its 97.2cc engine with i3s technology delivers smooth performance and superior mileage, making it a reliable partner for millions of families.

    The campaign is now live across television, digital, print, and outdoor platforms.

  • JBL, VDO.AI and Havas Media tune into festive storytelling on CTV

    JBL, VDO.AI and Havas Media tune into festive storytelling on CTV

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, JBL is giving festive advertising a new sound. The premium audio brand has joined hands with advertising technology leader VDO.AI and Havas Media India to launch an interactive connected TV campaign for its latest wireless earbuds, JBL live beam 3.

    Timed to the Diwali shopping rush, the campaign blends discovery with purchase in a single screen experience. At its heart is VDO.AI’s ad suite, featuring a scannable QR Code wrapper that let’s viewers shift seamlessly from watching to buying. A quick scan unlocks the JBL live beam 3 product page, turning the television into both showcase and store. The campaign will reach households in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Cochin and other fast-growing cities.VDO.AI

    “At JBL, innovation has always been at the core of our brand. With the JBL live beam 3 earbuds, we’re turning sound into a truly immersive experience,” said Harman India consumer audio, head of digital marketing, Akhil Sethi. “This festive season we’re reimagining how product campaigns come alive on CTV. Partnering with Havas Media India and VDO.AI we are transforming awareness into interaction and curiosity into action.”

    VDO.AI, ceo and co-founder, Amitt Sharma added, “With JBL, we saw an opportunity to take a premium brand and give it an equally premium advertising journey. Our CTV technology makes video interactive, ensuring viewers don’t just watch JBL’s product but engage with it. This is the future of advertising.”

    Havas Media India, chief digital officer, Rohan Chincholi said, “CTV is fast emerging as the new prime time. With JBL and VDO.AI, we have created a festive campaign that brings creativity, technology and storytelling together for maximum impact.”

    The campaign is now live across premium CTV environments, creating a festive push in the run-up to Diwali and setting a new benchmark for connected brand experiences.