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Tag: Akshay Chaturvedi

  • Dexter decodes Youtube moments as VDO.AI replays the adtech playbook

    Dexter decodes Youtube moments as VDO.AI replays the adtech playbook

    MUMBAI: Ads are finally getting smarter than the “skip” button. VDO.AI has unveiled Dexter, a cutting-edge contextual intelligence solution that promises to transform Youtube advertising by reading video content the way a human would only faster. Billed as the future of contextual advertising, Dexter can scan scenes, audio, transcripts, objects and even sentiment to ensure ads appear at precisely the right moment. That means your luxury resort spot could play after a cinematic drone shot of a Ferrari, never before a violent fight sequence.

    VDO.AI co-founder and CTO Arjit Sachdeva explained, “Dexter is built to read video content the way a human would, understanding visuals, audio, sentiment, and context at scale. It is this human-like intelligence, applied with machine speed, that sets a new benchmark for contextual advertising on YouTube. Early partners using Dexter have already seen 40–60 per cent higher performance across view-through rates, recall, and conversions. These results demonstrate that contextual intelligence, when applied at scale, is not just the future of advertising, but a growth driver for businesses today.”

    The promise is not just precision, it’s protection. By keeping brand ads clear of unsafe or unsuitable content, Dexter tackles one of the industry’s biggest headaches: maintaining brand safety while delivering engagement at scale.

    VDO.AI chief business officer Akshay Chaturvedi elaborated, “Dexter’s advanced AI engine analyses video content with unmatched precision, reading every contextual signal to create perfect advertising moments. When a viewer is engaging with luxury car content, Dexter will intelligently serve an ad for an exclusive resort getaway or a luxury handbag while ensuring your brand ad never appears alongside inappropriate content like violent footage. This powerful combination of contextual intelligence and brand safety allows brands to reach audiences when they’re most engaged and receptive, driving meaningful connections that translate into measurable business impact.”

    Now rolled out globally, Dexter marks a significant expansion of VDO.AI into Youtube’s ad ecosystem. It’s the culmination of years of AI research and development, placing the company firmly at the forefront of contextual advertising innovation.

    With brands increasingly demanding precision targeting and brand safety, VDO.AI is betting that Dexter can become the industry’s new secret weapon turning what was once guesswork into smart, context-driven placements that boost both trust and conversions.

    For Youtube viewers, it might mean the ads finally make sense. For brands, it could be the difference between being tuned out or remembered.

  • AI rewires adland: Programmatic performance is the new marketing must-have

    AI rewires adland: Programmatic performance is the new marketing must-have

    MUMBAI: No bots were harmed in the making of this conversation—but several were summoned. At Indiantelevision.com’s Media Investment Summit 2025, the panel ‘The Future of Programmatic & Performance Advertising: How Smart Can AI Get?’ brought together a league of marketers who’ve all but handed over their media briefs to machine learning.

    Moderated by Deloitte south Asia ED Irvinder Ray, the session explored how programmatic advertising has gone from being a budget line item to becoming the spine of digital media strategy.

    Kotak Life Insurance EVP & head – digital business Prasad Pimple laid out the insurance conundrum, “Not all customers can buy all products. We filter prospects by income band, age, and even eligibility”. With such a defined funnel, precision targeting is critical. “Everything we do today is data-informed, whether the data comes from our CRM or platforms like Google”, he added.

    AI, for Kotak, is now part of the underwriting pipeline, campaign segmentation, and even voice-based customer profiling—making programmatic indispensable for performance and compliance alike.

    Fino Payments Bank head of marketing Prashant Choudhari backed automation with a marketer’s pragmatism. “At any given point, at least 50–60 per cent of my media budget is programmatic. It helps with frequency capping, cost control, and better storytelling”, he said.

    Choudhari explained how programmatic empowers smaller brands to punch above their weight. “It frees up time to work on narrative and creativity. Technology does the grunt work, and marketers focus on emotion”, he added.

    “Walking into a bar and being greeted by name is personal. Being handed your usual drink without asking—that’s personalisation with memory”, said PayU Payments head of marketing Argho Bhattacharya. He used the analogy to illustrate how programmatic media and zero-party data allow brands to predict—not just reflect—consumer needs.

    Bhattacharya cited how PayU moved from cohort-based messaging to individual targeting. “We no longer set campaigns by clusters. We do it by individual intent”, he said, citing PIN-code-level targeting for telecom dealers and energy providers, which delivered a campaign click-through rate (CTR) of 2.9 per cent and a brand uplift of 25 per cent.

    Sachdeva also introduced the idea of always-on learning loops—real-time feedback mechanisms that adapt messaging based on ambient conditions like AQI, rain alerts, or commute times. “We don’t just predict needs. We mirror the environment”, he added.

    Blis associate director sales Ishika Sharma focused on creative optimisation and exclusion logic. “We ran a campaign where creatives changed not just by city, but by street, down to the PIN code”, she said. The campaign avoided targeting existing customers by mapping Wi-Fi footprints and excluding IPs already associated with a service.

    She warned against overstepping. “Too much targeting becomes surveillance. We must balance personalisation with respect”, she added.

    VDO.AI CBO Akshay Chaturvedi explained how AI helps balance brand building with performance. “We used AI to layer performance KPIs over branding campaigns, so nothing was wasted. A single video could deliver awareness and CTR”, he said.

    Chaturvedi also stressed multi-channel orchestration. “We use our own AI engine to decide what content to push where—Youtube, Zee5, Whatsapp, or the client’s CRM. It’s all synchronised”, he said.

    The panel agreed that programmatic has shifted from being a media tool to a business enabler. Whether it’s AQI-based insurance ads or pizza shops pinging you mid-commute, the future of advertising is smarter, faster, and sharper.

    As Ray concluded, “Tech can find the segment. But it takes human insight to tell the story. AI and marketers aren’t in competition—they’re co-authors”.

  • VDO.AI report outlines 2025 publisher profitability strategies

    VDO.AI report outlines 2025 publisher profitability strategies

    MUMBAI: What’s next for digital publishers navigating the turbulent AdTech seas?

    VDO.AI, a global AdTech powerhouse, has released its much-anticipated “2025: The Year of Publisher Profitability” report, packed with actionable insights to help publishers scale revenue in the face of industry challenges. If you thought the digital ad landscape couldn’t get any trickier, think again—this report doesn’t just highlight the hurdles but lays out the tools to leap over them.

    Did you know mobile advertising accounted for over 60 per cent of digital ad revenue in 2024, hitting a jaw-dropping $400 billion? In 2025, this figure is projected to grow even more, with native ads stealing the show. With advanced targeting and contextual alignment, native ads are expected to deliver 15-20 per cent higher revenue growth. For publishers, this isn’t just a trend; it’s a revenue revolution.

    Want to know the secret sauce for better profitability in 2025? The report points to premium ad formats like video and native ads as game-changers. Rewarded ads—those interactive, opt-in ads that users love—are set to drive a 30 per cent revenue increase alongside an 18 per cent jump in eCPM.

    What about interstitial ads? Brace yourself. With improved strategies and placements, these full-screen gems could make up more than 70 per cent of ad revenue in 2025. Are you ready to take your ad strategy up a notch?

    Despite the usual mid-year dips, VDO.AI forecasts a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in global ad spend for Q1 2025. By Q4, this figure is expected to climb to a stellar 23 per cent. The big question is: are publishers equipped to ride this wave of growth?

    VDO.AI chief business officer Akshay Chaturvedi puts it best, “2025 ushers in a transformative era for publishers, demanding resilience and strategic evolution. This report provides actionable insights to navigate CPM challenges, optimise premium ad formats, and build quality partnerships. By aligning monetisation with engagement and embracing innovation, publishers can discover new growth opportunities and achieve sustained profitability, setting a benchmark for success in digital advertising.”

    OLX head of programmatic advertising, Shanky Bhat chimed in with high praise for interstitial ads, “Interstitial ads have emerged as a top performer for OLX, delivering higher CPMs and revenue impact compared to other formats. With VDO.AI’s expertise, we overcame initial challenges with in-app integrations and now enjoy seamless ad placements. Their consistent results and collaborative approach make them a trusted partner, driving substantial revenue growth and positioning OLX for continued success.”

    The report doesn’t stop at trends; it’s a masterclass in digital advertising strategy. Among its key insights:

    . Video formats like in-stream and out-stream will continue leading revenue charts with improved engagement metrics.

    . Capitalising on seasonal ad surges is crucial, with tailored strategies for each quarter.

    . Choosing the right technology and forming premium SSP/DSP partnerships will be critical for transparency, performance, and competitive CPMs.

    VDO.AI’s report proves that success in digital advertising is about embracing innovation, investing in quality partnerships, and being bold with your strategies. Publishers who adapt will not just survive but thrive in 2025’s challenging landscape.

    If you’re a publisher looking to future-proof your strategies, this report isn’t optional reading—it’s your 2025 survival guide. Ready to dive into a transformative year for AdTech?

     

  • Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive unveil inaugural digital campaign for HouseFull

    Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive unveil inaugural digital campaign for HouseFull

    NEW DELHI: Upcoming furniture and furnishing destination Housefull.com has launched its first brand campaign exclusively on digital platforms, highlighting the durable furniture, by encouraging people to be ‘un-careful’ with their furniture.

    The creative expression, ‘No Rok Tok’ emphasizes durability, while touching upon HouseFull’s wide range of unique colours, design combinations and utility-driven shapes that fit both traditional and modern homes.

    The campaign has been conceptualized and executed by the Delhi offices of Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive, the creative and digital agencies (respectively) of MullenLowe Lintas Group. It comprises a series of short videos and a host of interactive content in the form of quizzes and animated gifs that lead to the core proposition of ‘No Rok Tok’. The content can be accessed at www.facebook.com/housefullo nline/?fref=ts

    Housefull.com CEO Akshay Chaturvedi said: “Lowe Lintas & LinTeractive have done a great job in conceptualizing this campaign, which clearly conveys our strength to the consumers. It’s a different and unique take on the whole idea of furniture. It just doesn’t talk about design but also focusses on one of the most important factors that the Indian consumer considers while buying furniture – durability. This is our very first digital campaign and we are excited about it.”

    The campaign video explores the emotional bond between a mother and her son in a rather unusual way. The child is shown jumping on the bed out of sheer excitement which brings a certain joy to his face. Using furniture as the premise, the film captures the love that lies beneath a mother’s tough external garb as she encourages the child to carry on expressing himself freely without worrying about the outcome. This is also the ethos that HouseFull seeks to employ so that their customers enjoy a ‘No Rok Tok’ experience when it comes to celebrating special moments.

    “There is always somebody in the house who stops us from being completely free and comfortable. Whether it is not to put our feet on the table or not to jump on the bed in joy…there are always self-imposed restrictions, even at home. It is this very behaviour we wanted to change through our communication, riding on the fact that the quality of wood used in HouseFull furniture is very durable and solid. That’s where the germ of the idea of ‘No Rok Tok’ came from. The communication across digital platforms takes a stand against putting restrictions and self-imposed rules, and instead encourages people to be free and feel free to express themselves,” added Lowe Lintas Delhi Oresident Naveen Gaur.

    LinTeractive Executive Vice President Sumanta Ganguly said: “While digital (and more so e-commerce) has become a business of discount-led acquisitions; we believe that bringing the conversation back to product quality is an important and bold move that will help build the right kind of conversations around the brand. It’s no longer about producing the content to deliver reach but rather ensuring one uses it to generate relevant conversations around the brand.”

    Housefull.com is an online furniture and furnishings market place. It provides the best-in-class furniture solutions with quick delivery and after- sales service. Equipped with an in-house R&D team, the products are exclusively designed to best match the preferences and expectations of different buyers.

  • Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive unveil inaugural digital campaign for HouseFull

    Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive unveil inaugural digital campaign for HouseFull

    NEW DELHI: Upcoming furniture and furnishing destination Housefull.com has launched its first brand campaign exclusively on digital platforms, highlighting the durable furniture, by encouraging people to be ‘un-careful’ with their furniture.

    The creative expression, ‘No Rok Tok’ emphasizes durability, while touching upon HouseFull’s wide range of unique colours, design combinations and utility-driven shapes that fit both traditional and modern homes.

    The campaign has been conceptualized and executed by the Delhi offices of Lowe Lintas and LinTeractive, the creative and digital agencies (respectively) of MullenLowe Lintas Group. It comprises a series of short videos and a host of interactive content in the form of quizzes and animated gifs that lead to the core proposition of ‘No Rok Tok’. The content can be accessed at www.facebook.com/housefullo nline/?fref=ts

    Housefull.com CEO Akshay Chaturvedi said: “Lowe Lintas & LinTeractive have done a great job in conceptualizing this campaign, which clearly conveys our strength to the consumers. It’s a different and unique take on the whole idea of furniture. It just doesn’t talk about design but also focusses on one of the most important factors that the Indian consumer considers while buying furniture – durability. This is our very first digital campaign and we are excited about it.”

    The campaign video explores the emotional bond between a mother and her son in a rather unusual way. The child is shown jumping on the bed out of sheer excitement which brings a certain joy to his face. Using furniture as the premise, the film captures the love that lies beneath a mother’s tough external garb as she encourages the child to carry on expressing himself freely without worrying about the outcome. This is also the ethos that HouseFull seeks to employ so that their customers enjoy a ‘No Rok Tok’ experience when it comes to celebrating special moments.

    “There is always somebody in the house who stops us from being completely free and comfortable. Whether it is not to put our feet on the table or not to jump on the bed in joy…there are always self-imposed restrictions, even at home. It is this very behaviour we wanted to change through our communication, riding on the fact that the quality of wood used in HouseFull furniture is very durable and solid. That’s where the germ of the idea of ‘No Rok Tok’ came from. The communication across digital platforms takes a stand against putting restrictions and self-imposed rules, and instead encourages people to be free and feel free to express themselves,” added Lowe Lintas Delhi Oresident Naveen Gaur.

    LinTeractive Executive Vice President Sumanta Ganguly said: “While digital (and more so e-commerce) has become a business of discount-led acquisitions; we believe that bringing the conversation back to product quality is an important and bold move that will help build the right kind of conversations around the brand. It’s no longer about producing the content to deliver reach but rather ensuring one uses it to generate relevant conversations around the brand.”

    Housefull.com is an online furniture and furnishings market place. It provides the best-in-class furniture solutions with quick delivery and after- sales service. Equipped with an in-house R&D team, the products are exclusively designed to best match the preferences and expectations of different buyers.

  • ‘No RokTok’ the first digital campaign from housefull.com to release on August 12

    ‘No RokTok’ the first digital campaign from housefull.com to release on August 12

    MUMBAI: Housefull.com, is set to launch its first digital campaign – No RokTok, highlighting a range of durable furniture pieces with unique colours, design combinations and utility driven shapes to fit within traditional and modern houses. The campaign will be launched across the country on 12 August, 2016.

    It is conceptualized by Lowe Lintas and directed by Shayondeep Pal. The film revolves around the unique concept of No RokTok. Traditionally, every one of us faced restrictions over the way we used our furniture, fearing breakage or damage. But HouseFull furniture being sturdy and durable, gives us the liberty to use it without unnecessary limitations.

    “Lowe Lintas has done a great job in conceptualizing this campaign, which clearly conveys our strength to the consumers. It’s a different and unique take on the whole idea of furniture. It just doesn’t talk about design but also focusses on one of the most important factors that the Indian consumer considers while buying furniture – Durability. This is our very first digital campaign and we are excited about it.”, says Housefull.com CEO Akshay Chaturvedi.

    The film opens with a small kid jumping and dancing on the bed with joy, when suddenly his mother walks in to his room. As soon as the kid sees his mother, he freezes in the fear of being scolded for dancing on the bed. However, the mother smiles and asks, why he hasn’t switched on the music, thereby highlighting the idea that in a house furnished by HouseFull’s durable furniture, there is No RokTok.

    “Though the Indian consumer is warming up to the idea of buying furniture online, they still remain concerned about the durability of the furniture bought online. HouseFull wanted to address this concern and I feel the campaign No RokTok furniture is a beautiful expression of the same. This is our first ever chance to showcase our stylish, yet durable range of furniture and we wanted to make a digital film because that’s the media that our consumers are consuming. We are pleased to have Lowe Lintas as our partners; they have done a great job on this campaign.”, says Housefull.com brand manager Sana Ahsan.

  • ‘No RokTok’ the first digital campaign from housefull.com to release on August 12

    ‘No RokTok’ the first digital campaign from housefull.com to release on August 12

    MUMBAI: Housefull.com, is set to launch its first digital campaign – No RokTok, highlighting a range of durable furniture pieces with unique colours, design combinations and utility driven shapes to fit within traditional and modern houses. The campaign will be launched across the country on 12 August, 2016.

    It is conceptualized by Lowe Lintas and directed by Shayondeep Pal. The film revolves around the unique concept of No RokTok. Traditionally, every one of us faced restrictions over the way we used our furniture, fearing breakage or damage. But HouseFull furniture being sturdy and durable, gives us the liberty to use it without unnecessary limitations.

    “Lowe Lintas has done a great job in conceptualizing this campaign, which clearly conveys our strength to the consumers. It’s a different and unique take on the whole idea of furniture. It just doesn’t talk about design but also focusses on one of the most important factors that the Indian consumer considers while buying furniture – Durability. This is our very first digital campaign and we are excited about it.”, says Housefull.com CEO Akshay Chaturvedi.

    The film opens with a small kid jumping and dancing on the bed with joy, when suddenly his mother walks in to his room. As soon as the kid sees his mother, he freezes in the fear of being scolded for dancing on the bed. However, the mother smiles and asks, why he hasn’t switched on the music, thereby highlighting the idea that in a house furnished by HouseFull’s durable furniture, there is No RokTok.

    “Though the Indian consumer is warming up to the idea of buying furniture online, they still remain concerned about the durability of the furniture bought online. HouseFull wanted to address this concern and I feel the campaign No RokTok furniture is a beautiful expression of the same. This is our first ever chance to showcase our stylish, yet durable range of furniture and we wanted to make a digital film because that’s the media that our consumers are consuming. We are pleased to have Lowe Lintas as our partners; they have done a great job on this campaign.”, says Housefull.com brand manager Sana Ahsan.