Tag: Gautam Madhavan

  • Mad Influence elevates Aman Narula to COO amid growth ambitions

    Mad Influence elevates Aman Narula to COO amid growth ambitions

    MUMBAI: Mad Influence has announced the promotion of Aman Narula as its new chief operating officer (COO).With over seven years of experience, Aman previously served as head of operations at Mad Influence and has been instrumental in driving engagement and delivering measurable impact. His strategic vision and passion for innovation make him well-suited for his new role.

    Reflecting on his promotion, Aman stated, “This role means a great deal to me. Looking back on the past seven years, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the milestones we’ve achieved together. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our management and the dedication of my team, who continue to push boundaries every day. I’m committed to driving our vision forward, expanding into new verticals, and achieving even bigger goals. There’s a lot to build, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Onwards and upwards!”

    Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “Aman has been an integral part of Mad Influence since its early days. His journey from a business development associate to COO is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and strategic mindset. He has played a crucial role in shaping our vision, turning challenges into opportunities, and driving operational excellence. As we enter a new phase of growth and innovation, I have full confidence in Aman’s leadership to take Mad Influence to greater heights. This promotion marks the start of an exciting new chapter.”

    As the creator economy continues to evolve, collaboration and innovation have become essential. With expertise spanning social media, business development, and influencer marketing management, Aman is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Mad Influence’s future, driving its expansion and strengthening its position in the industry.

  • TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    TotalEnergies sets Guinness Record for largest influencer dance challenge

    MUMBAI: TotalEnergies, in partnership with Goat (part of WPP) and Xley by Mad Influence, has secured a Guinness World Record for the most videos of people dancing to the same song uploaded to Instagram in one hour. Over 400 unique videos were shared within 60 minutes, making it one of the largest influencer-led activations in history.

    The record-breaking campaign marked the launch of the LambaChalega anthem, promoting TotalEnergies’ hi-perf engine oil. The track, symbolising endurance and performance, was brought to life through an energetic dance challenge led by Varun Dhawan, alongside influencers such as Awez Darbar, Amol Kamble, Kheshavi Chhetri, and RJ Tripti.

    More than 400 influencers from across India participated in the launch, demonstrating the vast reach of digital marketing. The initiative will expand to over 3,000 influencers, spanning nano, micro, macro, and celebrity tiers, to maximise engagement across categories such as fitness, biking, food, travel, and lifestyle.

    Goat, a global influencer marketing leader within WPP, spearheaded the strategy and execution, ensuring seamless participation and widespread impact. Xley by Mad Influence played a crucial role in influencer selection and campaign execution, leveraging AI-powered discovery, real-time tracking, and content management.

    Following strict verification, a Guinness World Records adjudicator confirmed the achievement and presented the official certificate on-site.

    Xley by Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “This is a historic moment for influencer marketing. This campaign proves that influencer marketing is no longer just about collaboration—it’s about creating movements that redefine brand engagement globally.”

    By merging Goat’s execution expertise, Xley’s technology, and TotalEnergies’ vision, this initiative has set a new benchmark for large-scale influencer-driven campaigns.
     

  • Mad Influence launches Xley – a marketplace for creators and brands

    Mad Influence launches Xley – a marketplace for creators and brands

    MUMBAI: Another influencer marketplace which claims to simplify life for creators and advertisers has been announced. Called Xley (pronounced zilley) it’s coming from the Mad group, which is the parent company of influencer marketing agency Mad Infuence.  

    An invite only market place, it claims to use AI and ML to simplify, optimise and elevate brand creator collaborations. It has access to about 200 million creators across YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok, in more than 54 languages, 10,000 cities ad 150 countries.

    The platform is claimed to have three core pillars: advance audience insights, extensive creator discover tools, and comprehensive campaign management and performance tracking.

    Xley’s key features are claimed to include creator discovery, utilising over 25 advanced filters for demographics, language, niche, and audience interests; ML-powered insights for campaign analysis and performance tracking; an effortless management dashboard to plan, execute, and monitor campaigns; scalability to suit various campaign needs; and data-driven decisions through advanced analytics to maximise ROI and refine marketing strategies

    “Xley is more than just a marketplace; it’s a movement to empower creators,” Mad Influencer and Xley founder Gautam Madhavan, “It’s  a platform that reimagines the creator economy.”

    “Our vision was to create a platform that not only offers real-time analytics of social profiles but also simplifies and automates end-to-end campaign management in one cohesive space. As development progressed, it became evident that Xley’s capabilities extended far beyond initial expectations – enabling a broader user base, optimising efficiency, and empowering content creators with enhanced visibility and streamlined brand partnerships. By significantly reducing manual workloads, accelerating timelines, and improving ROI, Xley stands as a transformative solution, redefining how brands and creators collaborate globally,” added Xley head of strategy Aman Narula.

    For brands, Xley  automates manual processes like creator vetting and campaign tracking, improves ROI through data-driven insights, and extends global reach by connecting with creators across diverse languages and regions. Creators benefit from global visibility, access to aligned campaign opportunities, the ability to build long-term partnerships, a centralised hub for managing campaign-related activities, business analytics, revenue tracking, and effective campaign management with faster approvals and reduced downtime.

  • Soumi Dey Sarkar wins Star Sports ‘Dream Job’

    Soumi Dey Sarkar wins Star Sports ‘Dream Job’

    Mumbai: Mad Influence, one of India’s largest influencer marketing agencies, and Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL 2024 and T20 World Cup 2024, unveiled the Star Sports Dream Job contest, with an endeavour to unearth fresh talent through the power of social media. After participating for almost eight weeks, Soumi Dey Sarkar, a national-level athlete in powerlifting and a runner, has bagged the prestigious Star Sports ‘Dream Job’.

    Star Sports Dream Job garnered an overwhelming response, attracting 5,500 entries from a diverse array of participants spanning across different demographics, geographies, and walks of life. The enthusiasm for the IPL on Star Sports was evident, with entries from differently-abled creators to a Sam Curran look-alike super fan from all the way Australia.

    The top 10 contestants travelled to Ahmedabad for the playoffs, where they captured the match day excitement as Star Sports reporters going live on the national broadcast. The final three contestants—Pramita Mohapatra, Soumi Dey Sarkar, and Aayush Ambasht—were then chosen to travel to Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad respectively for the final challenge. Their final challenge was to report stories from across cities around the buzz of the IPL final.

    Some entries gained significant attention on social media, with one reel amassing over 61 million views, demonstrating the contest’s vast reach and engagement. Overall, the Star Sports Dream Job activation was a unique initiative leveraging the digital ecosystem to discover talent that resulted in being a masterstroke from Star Sports as it accumulated over 310 million views with #IPLonStar across all entries.

    Sarkar, who has been plying her trade as an anchor in other sporting events, will now see herself pick up the mic for a coveted full-time anchoring position on Star Sports during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup.

    Speaking about winning the Star Sports ‘Dream Job’, Soumi Dey Sarkar said, “This is a dream come true for me. I am grateful to Star Sports for recognizing my efforts, and I can’t wait to work alongside the stars and legends of the game. Anchoring has always been my greatest passion, and now, by winning the Dream Job, I have the opportunity to turn that passion into my profession. I hope to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

    Mad Influence CEO & founder Gautam Madhavan expressed his enthusiasm, “Collaborating with Star Sports for the Star Sports Dream Job campaign has been an exhilarating journey. Star Sports is the true home of sports and is a benchmark when it comes to fan centric activations. We are glad to partner with Star Sports to roll this historic, one-of-a-kind, and unique initiative that provided a platform for aspiring talents to showcase their skills. Using social media, we now have a winner who will pursue her dream of sports anchoring with the biggest sports broadcaster in India. We are immensely proud of the talent we’ve unearthed and the opportunities we’ve created for these individuals.”

    Speaking about the second edition of Star Sports Dream Job, renowned cricket anchor and presenter Jatin Sapru, who won the title the first time, said, “Welcome to the club, Soumi! Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. The Dream Job will offer you a unique anchoring experience, allowing you to learn intricate nuances and technicalities from a talented team in the studio. This is a life-changing opportunity where your hobby has transformed into your profession. I encourage others to keep pursuing what they love. Your Dream Job might be just around the corner.”

  • Asia’s biggest creator’s festival Creators United culminates in Mumbai

    Asia’s biggest creator’s festival Creators United culminates in Mumbai

    Mumbai: Creators United, the leading platform dedicated to influencers and infotainment, has concluded its highly anticipated event, Creators United 2024. Held at NESCO, Mumbai, this festival brought together over 1000 influencers, along with brands, agencies, and industry experts, for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and innovation.

    In its second edition, Creators United 2024 exceeded all expectations, solidifying its position as the largest creators’ festival in Asia. Organised collaboratively by Mad Influence in association with the Government of Maharashtra, the event showcased the dynamic synergy between technology and creativity, driving economic growth and innovation in the digital landscape.

    Mad Influence CEO & founder Gautam Madhavan said, “Creators United 2024 has been an exceptional platform for collaboration and innovation in the digital space. As we witness the remarkable success of this event, it reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of creativity. We are proud to be the driving force behind Asia’s largest creators’ festival and are excited about the future prospects it holds for the influencer industry.”

    Creators United advisor Varun Maloo said, “Creators United 2024 was a resounding success! The energy from the incredible lineup of creators and influencers was electric, and the collaborations on stage were truly magical. We’re so proud to have been a part of this celebration of creativity and collaboration.”

    The festival’s theme, ‘Create, Collaborate, and Celebrate’, encapsulated the spirit of the event, offering attendees a platform to engage, exchange ideas, and celebrate the achievements of digital creativity. From brand experience zones to insightful panel discussions, exclusive meet-and-greet sessions, celebrity talks, and exhilarating performances, Creators United 2024 offered a diverse range of experiences for all participants.

    The event witnessed the presence of illustrious digital celebrities such as Harsh Beniwal, Jannat Zubair, ScoutOP, Tech Burner, Mythpat, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Saurav Joshi, Sakshi Sindwani, Mumbiker Nikhil, and many more, amplifying the festival’s digital reach to nearly one billion individuals. Notably, Creators United marked a historic occasion as the first platform to unite creators from YouTube and Instagram under one grand event.

    https://thecreatorsunited.com/fest

  • Creators United 2024 welcomes Kartik Aaryan as the ultimate headliner

    Creators United 2024 welcomes Kartik Aaryan as the ultimate headliner

    Mumbai: Creators United 2024, the most anticipated creator festival of the year, is thrilled to announce that Bollywood sensation Kartik Aaryan will be the ultimate headliner at this year’s event.

    Known for his charismatic on-screen presence and massive fan following, Kartik Aaryan’s participation is set to make Creators United 2024 even more spectacular. As the ultimate headliner of CU 2024, Kartik will bring his star power to the stage, captivating audiences with his charm and energy.

    “The creator economy in India is flourishing like never before, transforming the way we consume entertainment and media. This boom is not just about the numbers; it’s about the diverse stories being told and the innovative ideas coming to life. “It’s an exciting time to be a creator in India, and this vibrant ecosystem has my full support,” said Kartik Aaryan.

    As a prominent figure in Bollywood, Kartik Aaryan understands the significance of creators and their impact on shaping modern entertainment. His endorsement underscores the growing relevance of the creator economy, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the digital landscape. Kartik’s involvement not only amplifies the excitement surrounding CU 2024 but also reaffirms his commitment to empowering creators and fostering innovation in the industry.

    CU 2.0, organised by Mad Influence in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra, is set to take place on 15 March at NESCO, Mumbai. This exclusive event will convene 1000 plus influencers, in addition to brands, agencies, and industry experts. Attendees can anticipate a diverse lineup of interactive sessions, workshops, and live performances, fostering collaboration, innovation, and celebration.

    “We are thrilled to have Kartik Aaryan join us as the showstopper at Creators United 2024,” said Mad Influence CEO & founder Gautam Madhavan. “His presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and we can’t wait for attendees to experience the magic he brings to the stage.”

    Creators United: https://thecreatorsunited.com/fest

  • Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports transform live-streaming landscape with #DostsLive

    Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports transform live-streaming landscape with #DostsLive

    Mumbai: In a historic collaboration, Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports have come together to pioneer a revolution in live-streaming, unveiling a remarkable, never-seen-before intellectual property (IP). This groundbreaking partnership has given birth to #DostsLive, an interactive YouTube livestream event held at the prestigious Star Sports Studios in Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment in the broadcasting industry.

    #DostsLive hosted the biggest watch party of top creators during the India Vs South Africa match in the CWC2023, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience to fans worldwide. The event, live-streamed on Star Sports’ official YouTube channel, captivated audiences for an impressive 6 hours, 49 minutes, and 30 seconds on November 5, 2023.

    Mad Influence CEO Gautam Madhavan expressed his excitement stating, “The creation of #DostsLive marks a significant milestone in the evolution of live-streaming. Our vision was to redefine the viewing experience, and the overwhelming response with 15 million+ viewership and 1.5 million+ engagement validates the success of our endeavour. This collaboration exemplifies the power of synergy in the digital age.”

    This collaborative effort brought together renowned YouTube content creators, including Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji), Tanmay Singh (Scout), Real Hit, RJ Mahvash, Thugesh, Chetan Monga, and others, showcasing the strength of collective creativity and influence in the digital space.

    The event commenced with a powerful announcement by Star Sports, followed by creators taking to their YouTube communities and Instagram stories to build anticipation among their vast audience.

    The creators not only brought energy to the livestream but also celebrated Virat Kohli’s birthday in style. Gaurav Arora, the famous doppelganger of Virat Kohli, cut the cake with Cricket experts Mohammad Kaif and Sreesanth, making it a memorable moment. Videos capturing the birthday celebration were shared on the creators’ profiles, adding a personal touch to the event.

    As part of the celebration, the creators also had the chance to create videos with cricket experts Mohammed Kaif and S Sreesanth, bringing insightful and entertaining content to their audiences. Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the studio shenanigans were also shared by the creators on their profiles, giving fans an exclusive peek into the making of #DostsLive.

    Despite the challenges posed by tight timelines, the successful execution of #DostsLive stands as a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of all teams and creators involved.

    The event generated immense buzz on social media, with fans contributing over 100 posts on #DostsLive and over 5916 posts on #WorldCupOnStar, highlighting the impact and resonance it had among audiences.

  • Mad Influence partners with Lufthansa Airlines

    Mad Influence partners with Lufthansa Airlines

    Mumbai: Mad Influence, a global influencer marketing agency, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Lufthansa Airlines in the launch of a captivating influencer campaign. The #LufthansaNewHorizons campaign, in collaboration with 12 exceptional travel and lifestyle influencers, seeks to enchant audiences with a seamless teleportation experience from an Indian café to the breathtaking landscapes of Europe.

    The campaign involved 12 content creators from the Lifestyle and Travel category. These creators, including Snigdha, Brinda, Vipul Juneja, Bhavya Monga, Sonia Garg, Radhika Nomllers, Asheer Ahmed, Karan Sehgal, Savi and Vaid, Muskan, Sharanya – Truly No Madly, Aarya Vora, each crafted one Reel and one Video Story, showcasing the teleportation journey from an Indian café to Europe. The content was meticulously created to encapsulate the dream-like transition made possible by Lufthansa’s services.

    ‘’In the world of influencer marketing, our mission is to inspire, connect, and captivate. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling, and we’re dedicated to unlocking the full potential of influencer partnerships to create memorable, engaging experiences that resonate with audiences and brands alike’’ – said Mad Influence founder, and CEO Gautam Madhavan

    The #LufthansaNewHorizons contest invited participants to step inside the Teleportation Café and experience the thrill of teleportation firsthand. By striking an adventurous pose in their chosen European country and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #LufthansaNewHorizons, participants had a chance to win the ultimate Grand Prize—Return tickets to Germany!

    The campaign saw exceptional success with high engagement on creators’ profiles, driven by the innovative teleportation concept that naturally attracted organic traction. The creators enjoyed heightened audience interaction due to the creative freedom granted, ultimately leading to outstanding campaign results. Furthermore, all participating creators, spanning both Lifestyle and Travel categories, expressed their contentment with the seamless shooting experience. Notably, the contest spurred active participation from creators’ audiences, who enthusiastically shared their teleportation experiences through direct messages and comments on the reels.

  • Weekend Unwind with: Gautam Madhavan, founder and CEO at Mad Influence

    Weekend Unwind with: Gautam Madhavan, founder and CEO at Mad Influence

    It’s that time of the week again when we attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better, by having them share their nuggets on life and their mantras to deal with the curveballs that life throws through our Weekend Unwind series.

    This week we have Mad Influence founder and CEO, Gautam Madhavan sharing his life lessons and thoughts with IndianTelevision.com. Having founded his entrepreneurial venture in 2018 at the age of 21 with the vision of creating a sustainable community of content makers, he has grown the company manifold in just four years.  Madhavan believes that brief video integrations are the way forward and that these audio and video influencers will shape the future. Today, the startup is worth Rs 200 crore with a reach of more than 500 million digital users across all platforms. 

    So here goes…

    -Ø  Your mantra for life
    My journey has been full of new experiences, but one rule that I have always followed is: Listen to everyone, but do what you believe is right.

    Ø  A book you are currently reading/plan to read
    I am currently reading “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel. A book to put things into perspective.

    Ø  Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
    Stretch until you can. It is a routine, and I have not missed a single day. It pumps my blood, my excitement and helps me get energised for the day.

    Ø  Your comfort food
    Dal Chawal, as common as it may sound, is my absolute go-to comfort food. There is nothing I would relish more than a hot plate of Dal Chawal.

    Ø  When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
    When you feel low and feel like giving up, always remember why you started.

    Ø  Your guilty pleasure
    Anytime, any day, ice cream

    Ø  When was the last time you tried something new?
    Professionally, dipping my feet in NFTs has to be one of the most exhilarating and amazing experiences I’ve ever had.

    Ø  A Life lesson you learnt the hard way

    There are three:

    -Never depend on others

    -Sometimes you have to choose between exposure and money, and the decision you make will determine the course of your future adventure.

    -Three mistakes to not repeat as an entrepreneur: Never hire to fire. Never open up your finances to your investor. You cannot be the same person as you are with your friends

    Ø  What gets you excited about life?
    Everyday, I am grateful for the team I have and I am even more excited to witness how it grows.

    Ø  What’s on top of your bucket list?
    To give back to society through my work always tops the list.

    Ø  If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
    Don’t waste time: Everything has its own pace; time is not something that can be fought. There are no right or incorrect answers; you must keep going forward and in your own time.

    Never hire to fire: During my early days as an entrepreneur, I took great pride in firing my employees after a week or two of their arrival. The difference between firing now and then is that I used to fire people because of their performance without realising that it takes time to see results, and now I fire people because of ethical concerns. I’ve come to appreciate and understand the difference.

    Ø  An activity that keeps you motivated / charged during tough times
    I am always up and ready for a challenge. However, listening to music helps me feel motivated and inspired.

    Ø  What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
    What keeps me going is the fact that I always remember my end goal and why I started all this.

    Ø  Your go-to stress buster
    Music always calms my nerves and helps me soothe my state of mind.

    Ø  One thing you would most like to change about the world
    Stop Wars. Spread Love.

  • GUEST COLUMN: Understanding the role of NFTs in influencer marketing

    GUEST COLUMN: Understanding the role of NFTs in influencer marketing

    Mumbai: Let’s start by understanding NFTs.

    The acronym NFT stands for “non-fungible token.” This signifies that it’s a one-of-a-kind code that can’t be substituted with anything else. An NFT is nothing more than a digital representation of a physical item. NFTs have monetary or sentimental worth and can be bought, sold, or traded. You can own them because they are digital assets. They are one-of-a-kind digital assets in the form of cryptographic tokens. Bitcoin tokens can be thought of as blockchain-verified dollar bills, and NFTs are works of art or other media files that have been confirmed on the blockchain.

    In the digital realm, the possibilities are limitless. NFTs are a gamechanger for digital content creation since they allow creators to create and sell art, music, books, films, and more. Digital marketers and content providers can communicate with customers on social media, give them valuable assets such as giveaway prizes, and more.

    How do NFTs impact influencers?

    NFTs have the potential to establish a new universe of intellectual property with copyright income for content creators and influencer-generated material that attracts influencers and content creators. We’ve seen over the last decade that viral moments may provide a monetary profit for their creators. Memes, short videos, and products are all examples of this. It can be used as a possible revenue stream for a variety of people and businesses, ranging from professional sports leagues to artists and others, who can now sell the NFT behind their brands instead of having to negotiate a three- or five-year usage of their image.

    Influencers can earn a lot of money, but their resources are limited. To make money, they rely on brand partnerships and collaborations. But NFTs change that by offering a completely new way to make revenue and improve marketing strategies. Because of its unique setup, the creator economy has enabled individuals to generate digital content using blockchain-based technologies, potentially altering the financial environment for the creators involved. They’ve made it possible for artists to make millions from just one piece of work. NFTs are being explored by creators as a means to deliver unique, paid experiences and communicate with their followers.

    NFTs also have the potential to be sold in the future. They can be configured to allow royalties so that when an asset is sold on the NFT marketplaces, the developer receives a portion of future sales.

    Naturally, the scope of influencers in the fields of lifestyle, fashion, and art is nearly endless. These influencers can sell exclusive content, such as digital art, while NFT ensures its validity and value. Influencers in the gaming industry are also getting involved, selling in-game weaponry and artifacts as NFTs.

    As a prize, NFTs can boost engagement. Influencers can organise a campaign and give away NFTs, which have a lot of value for their followers. NFTs are also excellent prizes for collaboration posts and user-generated content contests, particularly if they include a memorable moment, exclusive material, or a digital collectible.

    Moving Forward

    NFTs aren’t just the latest craze; they’re digital assets that exist exclusively online yet have real-world value. We’re getting more digitally oriented, and NFTs bring a popular activity, an investment possibility, and a status symbol into the digital realm. We like physical objects that we can hold and feel, but digital assets are the way of the future. Companies and influencers have a one-of-a-kind way to monetize online content and intellectual property, from unique digital art to a virtual baseball card to an unforgettable moment.

    It is critical to recognise that NFTs do not pose a threat to brand-influencer partnerships. On the contrary, by employing NFTs as a newer form of technology that will allow them to drive innovation, they will be able to improve their collaborations and continue to expand their ties.

    NFTs are popular because of their uniqueness and collectability. Creating products through limited partnerships between companies and influencers will be a whole new revenue source for both the brand and the influencer. Customers can gain access to a unique piece of the digital world with NFTs.

    Today, marketers are using Livestream product launches and other experience sessions with influencers in the form of tutorials to create experiences that are exclusive. The digital and crypto worlds are sweeping the globe as new generations of customers become increasingly accustomed to them and see the enormous value of this type of transaction and investment.

    (The author is CEO of Mad Influence, a social media marketing platform. The views expressed in this column are personal and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them.)