ITV

Tag: Meta

  • Zouk and Kriti Sanon unpack pride and purpose with A Bagful of You campaign

    Zouk and Kriti Sanon unpack pride and purpose with A Bagful of You campaign

    MUMBAI: Fashion just got a little more soulful and a lot more personal as Zouk, India’s proudly vegan and 100 per cent Indian lifestyle brand, has launched its latest campaign, A Bagful of You. Featuring National Award-winning actress Kriti Sanon as the face of the movement, the campaign isn’t just selling bags, it’s celebrating roots, resilience, and cultural pride.

    Rolling out during IPL 2025 across Connected TV, Youtube, and Meta’s social platforms, A Bagful of You marks Zouk’s grand debut on India’s biggest cricketing stage. Offline, the campaign is making waves too, turning malls and city streets into style runways where tradition meets ambition. With Zouk’s signature Indian prints and cruelty-free materials front and centre, the message is loud and clear: fashion isn’t just what you wear, it’s who you are.

    Commenting on the launch, Zouk founder Disha Singh said, “With ‘A Bagful of You’, we wanted to spotlight something that often gets overlooked the silent strength, pride, and individuality of the modern Indian woman. She is everywhere. She’s in cities and small towns, boardrooms and classrooms, weaving tradition into ambition every single day. At Zouk, we build cultural continuity into daily life. Our prints are proudly Indian, our materials consciously vegan, and our purpose deeply personal. This campaign is an extension of the message that fashion serves beyond looking good, it honours one’s connection to their identity and culture.”

    Kriti Sanon shared her personal connection to the campaign’s message as well, saying, “What spoke to me most about ‘A Bagful of You’ is that instead of selling an image, it’s a reminder of who we already are. What I carry says everything about what I stand for. Whether it’s a mood, a memory, or a moment of pride, it’s all part of me. So, beyond an
    accessory, it’s an extension of my personality, my roots, and my values. Zouk’s bags, with their beautiful Indian prints and cruelty-free materials, make that connection even stronger. When I carry a Zouk, I carry my culture with me, and I do it with pride.”

    Built on the belief that fashion should fit your soul, not just your style, A Bagful of You blends Zouk’s design philosophy with a relatable, heart-warming narrative that resonates with modern Indian women. It reflects everyday pride from boardrooms to classrooms where ambition and tradition weave effortlessly together.

    With over 15 lakh happy customers and exclusive stores now in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Lucknow, and Gurgaon, Zouk continues to expand its footprint across India. The brand recently launched its women-first luggage line, further solidifying its commitment to creating functional, stylish essentials for today’s traveller.

    As Zouk grows its community of vibrant, rooted, and fearless women, A Bagful of You stands tall as a reminder that true style isn’t about fitting in, it’s about standing out, authentically.

  • Global ad market to be hit by trade wars, tariffs, and turmoil, says Warc

    Global ad market to be hit by trade wars, tariffs, and turmoil, says Warc

    MUMBAI: The global advertising industry is set for a bumpier ride than expected thanks to Donald Trump’s recent trade pronouncements and the retaliatory measures by the countries  affected and the continuing conflicts in certain parts of the world. 

    With this background in mind, Warc has slashed its ad spend growth forecast for 2025 by almost a percentage point to 6.7 per cent. The revised estimate pegs global ad spend at $1.15 trillion, down $20 billion over the next two years, thanks to economic stagnation, trade tariffs, and regulatory upheaval. The outlook for 2026 has also taken a hit, with growth now expected at 6.3 per cent.

    Warc director of data, intelligence & forecasting James Mcdonald put it bluntly: “The ad market is feeling the squeeze from tariffs, economic stagnation, and regulatory crackdowns, prompting brands to rein in budgets. Despite the volatility, digital ad spend remains robust, with Alphabet, Amazon and Meta set to control over half the market by 2029.”

    Automakers are slamming the brakes on ad budgets, cutting spend by 7.4 per cent as manufacturing stalls and supply chain woes deepen. Key players like General Motors and Ford have already slashed marketing budgets, focusing more on digital and social channels over traditional TV spots. Meanwhile, tariffs on Mexican, Canadian, and Chinese car imports threaten to worsen the crunch, with 40.7 per cent of the industry at risk, per the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

    Retailers, too, are tightening belts. The sector, the biggest spender in global advertising, is set to cut ad budgets by 5.3 per cent this year, as rising costs and trade barriers squeeze margins. Chinese disruptors like Temu and Shein, which fuelled a retail ad boom in 2024, are expected to dial back their spending due to new trade restrictions.

    Tech brands, once the ad market’s golden child, are now facing a slowdown. The sector’s projected growth has been halved, down to 6.2 per cent, as new tariffs on semiconductors hit supply chains. Warc had previously forecast a 13.9 per cent jump in tech ad spend—now it’s looking at a much cooler landscape.

    Despite the broader slowdown, digital advertising remains a money-spinner. Search advertising will grab 21.7 per cent of global ad spend this year, rising eight per cent to $250 billion. Social media, the biggest single advertising channel, will rake in $286.2 billion—almost a quarter of all ad spend—powered by TikTok (+23.6 per cent), Instagram (+17 per cent) and Facebook (+8.6 per cent).

    Retail media, the rising star, is set to be one of the fastest-growing advertising formats, with a 15.4 per cent surge this year. However, trade barriers could dent ad receipts from consumer goods brands that rely on global supply chains. 

    Yet, there are storm clouds ahead. The EU has slapped Apple and Google with Digital Markets Act violations, putting billions in ad revenues at risk. UK courts could soon allow consumers to opt out of personalised ads, threatening the backbone of search and social media advertising.

    The US remains a bright spot, with ad spend expected to rise 5.7 per cent to $451.9 billion. But that’s a far cry from the 13.1 per cent growth seen in 2024. Warc predicts a stronger 2026, with a 6.5 per cent uptick, thanks to the FIFA World Cup and US midterms.

    China’s ad market, however, is losing steam. Growth is slowing to 5.3 per cent this year to $205.5 billion – compared to growth of 7.1 per cent recorded in 2024 – as weak domestic demand takes its toll. This year’s growth rate equates to a 3.5 per cent rise in real terms.

    Europe’s major economies, meanwhile, are teetering. The UK’s ad market is still growing—up 7.1 per cent to $52.6 billion—but inflation-adjusted figures tell a less rosy story, with real growth at just 5 per cent. Germany, bogged down by economic sluggishness, is heading for a 2.1 per cent decline in ad spend, while Japan is bracing for a 2 per cent drop. Japan’s market is set to grow 3.3 per cent this year when measured in local currency, demonstrating the current strength of the greenback against the yen.

    Trade wars, tariffs, and economic turmoil are reshaping global ad spend, forcing brands to rethink strategies. The digital giants remain dominant, but regulatory pressures are mounting. In a market full of uncertainty, one thing’s clear—advertisers will need to stay agile to keep ahead of the curve.

  • BBDO India sweeps ADFEST 2025, loads up on awards for Ariel campaign

    BBDO India sweeps ADFEST 2025, loads up on awards for Ariel campaign

    MUMBAI: BBDO India has added another feather to its creative cap, emerging as the most awarded Indian agency at ADFEST 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand. With a spectacular haul including a prestigious Grande (Grand Prix), two Golds, two Silvers, and five Bronze awards the agency cemented its dominance on the international stage. To top it all off, BBDO India was crowned South Asia Agency of the Year, a testament to its creative prowess.

    The agency’s standout moment came with its impactful ‘Home Teams ShareTheLoad” campaign for P&G Ariel, which clinched the Grande in the Effective Lotus category and a gold in Creative Strategy Lotus for its long-term impact. The campaign also secured two silvers in Creative Strategy and Effective Lotus, along with five Bronze awards across categories such as Film Lotus (Online Film), Sustainable Lotus (Gender Equality), Creative Strategy (Data & Audience Insight), PR Lotus (Integrated Campaign), and Media Lotus (Guerrilla Marketing).

    Adding to its winning streak, BBDO India also bagged a Gold in the Film Craft Lotus category for Whatsapp’s Oye Lucky, recognised for Best Use of Adapted Music.

    Reacting to the wins, BBDO India chairperson and chief creative officer Josy Paul, said, “Being named South Asia Agency of the Year is massive! We’re grateful to the jury for recognising our work for P&G Ariel and Meta’s Whatsapp. These campaigns are all about impact and influence, in line with our global mantra: Do Big Things. This win was only possible thanks to incredible teamwork and the trust of our client partners.”

    With its bold storytelling and strategic brilliance, BBDO India has once again set a high benchmark, proving that creativity with purpose doesn’t just make waves, it cleans up at the awards too.
     

  • Meta serves up AI sauce for better creator and influencer marketing

    Meta serves up AI sauce for better creator and influencer marketing

    MUMBAI: Meta has dropped digital innovations, unveiling AI-powered creator marketing solutions that promise to turn brand partnerships into growth rockets.

    Meta director and head of ads business in India Arun Srinivas couldn’t contain his excitement: “The world’s largest community of Instagram creators is right here in India, and it’s no surprise that we’re seeing strong momentum around brands partnering with them to drive sales and ROAS. Meta’s creator marketing solutions such as partnership ads and Instagram creator marketplace can help brands easily discover, connect, and drive performance with creators to get the most out of the partnerships. The new tools we’re launching today harness the power of AI to make creator discovery even more seamless for brands, in turn boosting growth potential for both brands and creators.”

    Case in point: Snitch, a  fashion brand, saw a awesome 53 per cent increase in return on ad spend by leveraging Reels and creator content., according to its chief business officer Aniket Singh.

    The new toolkit is a creator’s dream and a marketer’s secret weapon:
    * AI-powered creator content recommendations that predict partnership magic within the partnership ads hub in ads manager
    * Keyword search in Instagram’s creator marketplace letting brands hunt for the perfect content creators. Previously, brands needed to leverage a variety of filters to find their ideal creator set. Granular filters spanning everything from “Bollywood dance steps” to “gadget unboxing.”

    To help businesses better discover and evaluate creator fit, Meta has also added a variety of features to Instagram’s creator marketplace
    * Playable creator reels
    * Direct email contacts for seamless collaboration
    * Badges showing creators’ partnership experience
    * Active Partnership Ads: Meta will now show a creator’s current partnership ads on their creator profile. 
    * Marketing API expansions for partnership ads

    Advertisers can also now use existing Instagram posts for partnerships ads in both placement asset customisation and Advantage+ Creative when creating ads via API.  In addition, partnership ads can now be used for click-to-message destinations.

    Meta’s data suggests partnership ads outperform traditional creatives by a whopping 96 per cent confidence interval – proving that human creativity, turbocharged by AI, is the new marketing holy grail.

    With India leading global Reels production and hosting the largest Instagram creator community, brands are in for a wild ride.

    Bottoms up to the creator economy!

  • ENO brings cricket banter to life with Aakash Gupta in humorous new campaign

    ENO brings cricket banter to life with Aakash Gupta in humorous new campaign

    MUMBAI: ENO, has launched a witty new campaign featuring comedian Aakash Gupta, celebrating the nation’s shared love for cricket and food. The campaign highlights passionate fan rivalries and indulgent match-time snacking, ensuring that acidity never spoils the fun.

    Fresh off the Champions Trophy victory, cricket fever grips the nation as fans gear up for the next big tournament. With every match comes friendly banter, intense team rivalries, and a spread of delicious snacks elements that define the true cricket-watching experience in India. ENO’s campaign playfully captures these moments, reminding fans that while emotions may run high, acidity shouldn’t interfere.

    Gupta takes on multiple humorous avatars, portraying enthusiastic fans enjoying regional delicacies without worrying about acidity.

    “For millions of cricket fans, it’s not just a game but a battle of pride, passion and some friendly banter. No matter which side you are on, one thing’s for sure great cricket is best enjoyed in the cheerful company of friends and family over delicious food that we love to indulge in. In the moments of nail-biting finishes and wholesome entertainment, the last thing we want is for acidity to spoil the fun. ENO understands the joy of these shared moments and wants to ensure that nothing comes between you and the excitement of the game – not even acidity. ENO is here to help you savour every moment, every snack, and every triumph, without interruption,” said Haleon India category lead, digestive health Bineet Jain.

    Comedian Gupta said, “I’m super excited to be teaming up with ENO for this campaign! As a die-hard foodie and cricket fanatic, I live for intense match moments where you get so caught up in the game, you don’t even realise how much you’ve devoured until the acidity hits. That’s when ENO is the ultimate solution for fast and effective relief to go right back to the game without missing a moment. I hope the humorous scenarios we’ve created in this campaign really resonate with audiences, reminding them to keep ENO handy so they can keep the party going, uninterrupted!”

    The campaign will run across digital platforms, including YouTube, Meta, and other social media channels, reaching cricket fans across the country.

    Watch the campaign films here,

    – Chennai vs Mumbai –

    – Delhi vs Punjab –

    – Gujarat vs Rajasthan –

    – Hyderabad vs Lucknow –

    – Kolkata vs Bangalore –

  • Vikas Purohit named CEO new business ventures at The Times of India

    Vikas Purohit named CEO new business ventures at The Times of India

    MUMBAI: The Times of India (BCCL) has appointed Vikas Purohit as CEO new business ventures, entrusting him with spearheading new growth initiatives. In this role, he will identify high-potential business opportunities, craft strategic plans, and lead execution to build scalable, profitable ventures.

    Purohit brings a wealth of experience, having previously led Meta India’s small business group, supporting over 10 million enterprises. He has also served as CEO of Tata CLiq Fashion and held key management positions at Amazon Fashion, Reliance Brands, and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail.

    An alumnus of IIT BHU with a PGDBM from IIM Bangalore, Purohit’s expertise in digital commerce and retail makes him a formidable force in business innovation.

  • Instagram may launch standalone Reels app to rival Tiktok

    Instagram may launch standalone Reels app to rival Tiktok

    MUMBAI: Instagram is reportedly considering launching a standalone app for its popular short-form video feature, Reels, as it seeks to capitalise on Tiktok’s uncertain position in the US market.

    Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently shared this potential move with employees. The standalone Reels app would offer a dedicated video-scrolling experience, similar to Tiktok, as Meta looks to strengthen its foothold in the short-form video space.

    This initiative follows Meta’s recent launch of edits, a video-editing app aimed at competing with Tiktok’s Capcut. The company had previously experimented with Lasso, a Tiktok rival introduced in 2018, but it failed to gain traction and was later discontinued.

    While Meta has yet to confirm its plans, the move signals a renewed push to dominate the short-form video market, catering to users seeking engaging, fast-paced content on a dedicated platform.

    Cited from NDTV WORLD

  • Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    MUMBAI: Another season of drama, strategy, and nail-biting eliminations has come to a close, and Bigg Boss Season 18 has done it again—breaking records, dominating screens, and keeping millions glued to their couches. The reality TV juggernaut raked in a mind-blowing 205+ million viewersh  across TV and JioCinema, with a total of 112 billion viewing minutes (yes, you read that right!). And if that wasn’t enough, social media went into overdrive, racking up 5.6 billion views across platforms, with 2.9 billion views on JioCinema alone. Now, that’s what you call a blockbuster

    JioStar head of revenue – entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese summed it up perfectly, “Year after year, Bigg Boss continues to redefine entertainment, offering brands the ultimate platform to forge deep audience connections. The response to this season has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to push the boundaries even further.”

    Bigg Boss, the crown jewel of JioStar’s entertainment empire, continues to strike gold with its regional editions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali. With each passing season, the show mirrors society’s evolving dynamics, proving that nothing beats the thrill of watching strangers fight, form alliances, and occasionally (just occasionally) find friendship.

    This year, Bigg Boss Jaante Hain took unpredictability to the next level, with the all-seeing Bigg Boss predicting contestants’ futures. The “Time Ka Tandav” theme was a masterstroke, amplifying the mind games, shock twists, and pulse-racing moments that had fans hooked. Who knew reality TV could be this deliciously dramatic?

    When you pull in numbers like these, it’s no surprise that brands are lining up to be part of the magic. Season 18 had the backing of some of the biggest names, including co-powered partners Belavita, Vaseline, and Parle Hide & Seek, and special sponsors like Ching’s Schezwan Chutney and Berger Paints.

    The sponsorship lineup also featured beauty partner Blue Heaven, hygiene partner Harpic, and home decor partner My Trident, alongside Go Cheese, Macho Sporto, Good Knight, and Galaxy Chocolate as associate sponsors. On the digital front, major players like Vimal, Housing.com, Oppo, LG Hot and Cold AC, and Rapido Cabs amplified the show’s reach, with First Games, Manyavar, Manforce, Kellogg’s Muesli, Roff, Streax, and Swiss Beauty adding to the mix.

    Love it or hate it, you just can’t ignore it. Bigg Boss 18 was an unstoppable force across YouTube, Meta, and X, fueling heated debates, meme storms, and endless discussions. Whether it was contestants’ fiery showdowns, jaw-dropping twists, or unexpected evictions, social media lived and breathed every moment.

    With record-breaking numbers, insane engagement, and a growing fanbase, Bigg Boss has once again proved why it remains India’s most-loved reality show. And if Season 18 was this explosive, we can only imagine what’s in store for next year. Buckle up, because the drama is far from over!

  • Dhruv Chadha Bids Farewell to Meta After 13.5 Years

    Dhruv Chadha Bids Farewell to Meta After 13.5 Years

    MUMBAI:  What do you say about an executive who has spent his entire working career with one company and has seen it grow from a $5 billion venture to $100 billion?

    Well, you say salaam Dhruv Chadha! 

    The senior regional business leader at Meta, has finally decided to say ta-ta to Meta after almost 14 years (13.5 years to be precise)  of service. Based in Singapore, his last day at the company will be 31 January 2025.

    During his tenure, Chadha played a pivotal role in driving Meta’s growth across emerging markets in Asia through strategic sales and innovative go-to-market strategies. He worked extensively on delivering industry-first solutions and guiding key industry clients to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

    Reflecting on his journey, Chadha expressed gratitude for the opportunities offered by Meta’s leadership and highlighted the company’s exponential revenue growth from $5 billion in 2011 to over $100 billion within a decade. “It’s been a journey of a lifetime, collaborating to solve unique challenges—from reaching customers in the deepest parts of emerging Asia through feature phones to enabling digital-first businesses to build purchase journeys on WhatsApp,” he shared.

    Chadha also credited mentors and colleagues, including Kirthiga Reddy, Reynold D’Silva, and Jordi Fornies, for their support throughout his journey.

    Looking ahead, Chadha indicated plans to explore the tech and advertising industry from a new perspective, promising further updates soon.

    In addition to his role at Meta, Chadha has served as an early-stage investor in Nanoclean Global, a startup recognised by the South Korean government as one of the top 25 technical startups globally and awarded India’s President’s Startup of the Year. Nanoclean’s affordable air filtration technology aims to make clean air accessible to all.

  • AI to transform marketing strategies, not its core – Vikram Sakhuja

    AI to transform marketing strategies, not its core – Vikram Sakhuja

    MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone from being a buzzword to an indispensable tool, revolutionising industries across the globe.

    At the 19 India Digital Summit, Madison Media & OOH at Madison World group CEO Vikram Sakhuja shared his views on how AI is transforming marketing strategies without disrupting its core principles. Spoiler alert: marketing fundamentals are safe, but the methods? They’re getting an AI upgrade!

    Sakhuja made it clear that while AI is rewriting the “how” of marketing, the “why” and “what” remain rooted in human understanding.  “The core principles of marketing will largely remain unchanged. What will evolve and transform are the methods of marketing,” he said during a thought-provoking session hosted by India Today Group consumer revenue group CMO & COO, Vivek Malhotra.

    Malhotra posed the billion-dollar question: Can publishers leverage AI-driven algorithms to help the ad industry scale to $1 trillion? Sakhuja’s reply was simple: AI’s learning thrives on data. “You can’t just write an algorithm; it’s the data fed into the system that enables learning and improvement over time,” he noted, adding that companies like Google are refining AI engines to optimise media spends through better data.

    Can AI foster human connection? The answer is a surprising yes.

    Are algorithms too mechanical to form meaningful consumer bonds? Not according to Sakhuja.  “AI can create a deep connection. For instance, when Meta launches a trailer, the number of shares it gets is a real-time pulse check,” he explained. AI helps broadcasters and advertisers bypass traditional targeting and focus on consumers who actually engage.

    And the examples don’t stop there. Think about Cadbury’s Diwali campaign, where Shah Rukh Khan’s virtual presence personalised messages for neighbourhood stores. That’s AI delivering local charm on a national scale.

    Sakhuja dismissed the notion that AI is the sole domain of new-age brands. “Of course, legacy brands can embrace AI,” he said. He highlighted how even routine tasks like food delivery via Swiggy or Zomato rely on AI, demonstrating its seamless integration into daily life.

    The takeaway? Age doesn’t matter if you’re willing to innovate.

    But wait, what about data validation? With great data comes great responsibility.
    Sakhuja cautioned about the dangers of bad data—what he called the “garbage in, garbage out” problem. Feeding unvalidated data into AI can lead to “hallucinations” (no, not the psychedelic kind) where outputs are wildly off-mark.

    The solution? “Validation checks are crucial to ensure accuracy and prevent biases. The key is balancing AI’s capabilities with human oversight,” Sakhuja advised, adding that ethical use and privacy concerns need to stay top of mind.

    Three ways AI supercharges marketing:

    1    Precision targeting: AI identifies who’s engaging and how, skipping old-school guesswork.

    2    Customised experiences: From localised campaigns to dynamic messaging, AI personalises at scale.

    3    Smart scaling: Brands like Cadbury use AI to connect with millions while keeping it personal.

    Final thought: Will AI replace humans? Not likely. Sakhuja pointed out that AI is a tool, not a replacement. “Human judgment remains critical. Over-reliance on AI could erode the creativity and ethics that define good marketing,” he concluded.

    So how will your brand embrace the AI wave without losing its human touch?