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Tag: YouTube

  • Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    MUMBAI: When Mumbai talks politics, it doesn’t whisper, it shouts over traffic, cuts through the monsoon, and spills into cinema halls. On 13 August 2025, CNN-News18 Town Hall plants itself right in the middle of this noise with its Mumbai edition, themed “Ballot, BMC, and the Battle for Mumbai”. The agenda? Put the city’s future in the spotlight just weeks before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first in eight years.

    Fresh from its Defence Edition, the Town Hall returns with a mix of political heavyweights, millennial ministers, and a hindi movie hitmaker. The line-up reads like Mumbai’s own blockbuster bill: Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister, will spar over civic priorities; Eknath Shinde, deputy CM, headlines “The Undisputed Sena-pati”; Aaditya Thackeray tackles whether Mumbai’s future is “regional” or global; and cabinet millennials Aditi Tatkare, Nitesh Rane, and Yogesh Kadam step up for “The Millennial Ministers” panel.

    And because Mumbai is never far from a film reel, filmmaker Mohit Suri will bring a cinematic interlude, delving into “Love, Loss and Legacy” after his latest success. Expect politics and pop culture to collide as only Mumbai can manage.

    “This edition is more relevant than ever,” says CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob. “With the upcoming BMC elections, these conversations are crucial for shaping the city’s vision.” CEO Smriti Mehra calls it a continuation of the channel’s mission to spotlight local concerns while sparking national conversations fitting for a network that’s been India’s No. 1 English news channel for over 3 years.

    The event will broadcast live from 4 pm on CNN-News18 and stream on its Youtube channel, inviting citizens to join in from home. But for Mumbai’s political stage, the message is clear: the curtain’s up, the lights are on, and the city’s future is up for debate.
     

  • News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

    MUMBAI: The ratings are in and News18 isn’t just reading the headlines, it’s writing them. With the latest BARC data painting a clear picture, the News18 Network has reinforced its dominance in both English and Hindi news broadcasting, leaving its rivals flipping through the pages.

    CNN-News18 retained its crown as the Number 1 English news channel, capturing a commanding 35.7 per cent market share, well ahead of Times Now (22.4 per cent) and NDTV 24×7 (17.7 per cent). That’s a 60 per cent lead over Times Now, and a staggering 102 per cent lead over NDTV, according to BARC India (Week 30’25, All India, 15 plus).

    Fronted by a strong editorial team that includes Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, CNN-News18 has held onto its pole position ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022.

    Not to be outdone, News18 India ruled the roost in Hindi news with a powerful 74,444 AMA’000s, outpacing Aaj Tak’s 67,957 AMA’000s (BARC | Week 27–30’25 | HSM | 15plus | 24×7). With trusted faces like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra, News18 India continues to be the nation’s go-to source for breaking news, sharp debates, and hard-hitting reports.

    The network’s leadership isn’t confined to television either. News18’s digital footprint is growing steadily, with Youtube views and social media traction providing a second wind to its broadcast muscle.

    Behind the ratings blitz is a clear strategic push. News18 has ramped up investments in technology, editorial staffing, and international partnerships to ensure it stays not just first with the news but first in the hearts (and remotes) of viewers.

    In an age of news clutter, News18 Network seems to have cracked the code: clarity, credibility, and countrywide reach.

     

  • IBC2025 conference lines up global media heavyweights and bold ideas

    IBC2025 conference lines up global media heavyweights and bold ideas

    LONDON: IBC 2025 has pulled back the curtain on a turbocharged conference programme packed with power players from across the global media, entertainment and tech ecosystem. From 12 to 14 September at RAI Amsterdam, the three-day summit promises to tackle media’s defining challenges—AI disruption, fragmentation, collapsing business models, and the war for attention.

    Top brass from Netflix, Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Global, Snap, TikTok, YouTube, Roku, TelevisaUnivision, PGA Tour, kweliTV and India’s JioStar are among the featured speakers. Industry provocateur Evan Shapiro will headline with a data-fuelled keynote, while seasoned commentator Mike Darcey closes the show with a sharp take on rights, economics and the shape of future broadcasting.

    “This year’s agenda is urgent, imaginative and provocative,” said IBC head of content Sally Watts. “We’re bringing together disruptors and legacy leaders to map the media universe as it shifts beneath our feet.”

    The conference kicks off with a heavyweight CTO roundtable featuring Avi Saxena (Warner Bros. Discovery), Simon Farnsworth (ITV) and Phil Wiser (Paramount). Big tech meets broadcast in sessions like YouTube’s Pedro Pina in conversation with Channel 4’s Grace Boswood, and Snap’s Jorrit Eringa alongside execs from Yahoo, Sky, Sling TV and A1 Group dissecting the future of content collaboration.

    TikTok’s Rollo Goldstaub will explore how short-form video is rewriting the rules of sports engagement, while Netflix’s Victor Marti and Vancouver Media’s Migue Amoedo offer a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling innovation.

    In a major AI-focused session, ABC’s Damian Cronin unpacks how the broadcaster is embedding machine learning into its core workflows. Meanwhile, DeShuna Spencer (kweliTV), Brad Danks (OUTtv), Rajat Nigam (JioStar India) and others weigh in on what’s next for the streaming wars.

    ‘MovieLabs – Leading the Vision’ sees Disney, Sony, Warner Bros. and Paramount map the road to 2030 for content creation, moderated by MovieLabs president Richard Berger. Sunday’s schedule spotlights Fremantle’s Jens Richter on global distribution in a post-peak TV world, while PGA Tour execs reveal how they deployed live AR shot-tracking across all 18 holes — winning a Sports Emmy in the process.

    In the closing session, Mike Darcey, now managing director at Tide End Consulting and former News UK boss, breaks down how rights, economics and regulation must evolve to fit the new media order.

    Beyond the main stage, the IBC Technical Papers Programme offers 10 peer-reviewed sessions delving deep into bleeding-edge R&D across 5G, 6G, AI, immersive formats and content authentication. Topics include:
    * AI in speech, postproduction and curation
    * Provenance, privacy and content trust
    * Wireless tech advances from 5G to 6G
    * IP Studio 2.0 and live production
    * Sport tech, AR, avatars and AI-enhanced streaming

    Registration is now open at show.ibc.org.

  • Flipkart’s influencer army hits it out of the e-park in sale season

    Flipkart’s influencer army hits it out of the e-park in sale season

    MUMBAI: This Independence Day, the real fireworks aren’t just in the skies, they’re lighting up Instagram, Youtube, and your Reels tab. In a head-turning report released by influencer marketing SaaS platform Klugklug, Flipkart and Amazon’s contrasting influencer strategies for their big sales reveal two vastly different playbooks and one clear early leader.

    On Day One of the festive e-commerce face-off, Flipkart appears to be “batting bigger”, deploying influencers at three times the scale of Amazon. Flipkart commanded 75.89 per cent of the influencers and 71.01 per cent of total posts, while Amazon trailed with 24.11 per cent of influencers and 28.99 per cent of posts.

    But while Flipkart is flooding the field with content, Amazon is playing the precision game.

    “The Independence Day sales are a battleground for e-commerce and brands,” said Klugklug co-founder & CEO Kalyan Kumar. “Flipkart’s aggressive, high-volume influencer deployment strategy is clearly leading in terms of reach and overall engagement at this stage.”

    Indeed, Flipkart’s influencer army is delivering big on reach and engagement. The platform’s creators garnered a whopping 136.91 million views, 1.56 million likes, 423.19K comments, and 31.4K shares adding up to a massive 2.02 million in total engagement.

    Amazon’s numbers, while more modest, point to a different kind of victory. The platform clocked 11.73 million total views, with 806.07K likes, 226.5K comments, and 16.89K shares, totalling 1.05 million engagements. However, its overall engagement rate was a notable 3.02 per cent, more than double Flipkart’s 1.32 per cent.

    “Amazon is demonstrating a more surgical approach,” explained Klugklug co-founder & CPO Vaibhav Gupta. “While their influencer deployment is smaller, their engagement rates are higher driven by mega-influencers. Flipkart, meanwhile, is casting a wider net, creating a splashy buzz with a mass rollout.”

    Flipkart’s biggest win seems to lie with its nano to macro influencers, who are showing solid engagement. The platform’s nano creators saw an impressive 4.70 per cent engagement rate, while Amazon’s mega influencers delivered a strong 3.50 per cent.

    However, when it comes to mega influencers, Flipkart is steamrolling the competition. These top-tier content creators alone generated 121.64 million views for Flipkart, dwarfing Amazon’s combined 10.77 million views from mega influencers and 11.98 million views from macro influencers.

    The numbers reflect the sheer difference in scale: Flipkart has gone all in, while Amazon is strategically picking its bets.

    “Both strategies have merit,” said Gupta. “It will be fascinating to see which proves more effective as the sale progresses big splash or deep connect?”

    As the sale rolls on, the scoreboard is far from final. But if the first day is anything to go by, Flipkart is swinging for the fences while Amazon is quietly building innings. Either way, the real winner is your feed, which is now a cricket field of commerce.

  • Mahesh Shetty: the unassuming low profile deal maker at JioStar Entertainment

    Mahesh Shetty: the unassuming low profile deal maker at JioStar Entertainment

    MUMBAI: In a media industry obsessed with the limelight, Mahesh Shetty remains an anomaly. No splashy interviews, no endless conference panels, no constant social media updates. Instead, a man who lets numbers and results do the talking. Now, as he takes charge of revenue at JioStar Entertainment, succeeding Ajit Varghese who departs for Madison, Shetty is poised to script the next big chapter of his career.

    For industry insiders, this move feels less like a surprise and more like a natural progression. Over nearly three decades, Shetty has quietly built a résumé that stretches across the most competitive corners of Indian business: FMCG, radio, broadcast television, live events, and OTT streaming. Each stint has added another layer to his arsenal, sharpening a leadership style best described as calm, precise, and relentlessly focused on outcomes.

    When Shetty joined Viacom18 in April 2019, he was already regarded as a heavy hitter in sales and monetisation. Over the next five years, he transformed revenue operations, straddling linear television, Jiocinema, Viacom18 Live, and the Consumer Products and Licensing divisions. But it was the December 2024 merger with Disney Star that truly tested his mettle.

    Handed responsibility for a formidable empire of 90‑plus TV channels and JioHotstar, Shetty got to work without fanfare. While the spotlight stayed firmly on content deals and boardroom machinations, he was busy engineering the rise of the Large Client Sales (LCS) portfolio. Under his watch, LCS swelled until it accounted for over 80 per cent of JioStar’s entertainment revenues, an achievement industry peers describe as “quietly spectacular.”

    Unlike many of his contemporaries, Shetty has never been a fixture on the media circuit. A quick Youtube search throws up barely two interviews in decades of leadership. For him, visibility isn’t the goal revenue is. Colleagues often describe his style as understated but laser‑focused: the kind of leader who invests in people and processes rather than profiles.

    And yet, in boardrooms and client meetings, his presence is anything but muted. Those who have negotiated with him speak of a professional who can combine charm with steely precision, moving effortlessly from big‑picture strategy to the finest of details.

    At JioStar Entertainment, Shetty now steps into the role at a pivotal moment. He continues to oversee LCS while expanding his remit to drive topline performance across verticals. Reporting directly to him are trusted lieutenants Anuradha Mathu Agrawal, Srijith Jagdish, Shubhra Sethi, and Kingshuk Mitra. The wider reporting structure remains unchanged, a signal of stability even amidst transition.

    But the challenges ahead are anything but routine. India’s entertainment market is in flux, with digital consumption soaring, advertisers demanding sharper ROI, and post‑cookie targeting reshaping the playbook. JioStar itself is betting aggressively on original content, hybrid monetisation models, and cutting‑edge audience intelligence. For Shetty, this means crafting not just a revenue plan but a reinvention of value creation in India’s content economy.

    Part of what makes Shetty uniquely suited to the task is the breadth of his experience. Before Viacom18, he spent 12 years with Radio Mirchi, rising to the role of COO, where he built some of radio’s most successful monetisation strategies. Before that, he logged more than a decade at Pepsico India, beginning as an assistant marketing manager in 1995 after earning his B.Com and MBA in Marketing. There, he cut his teeth in senior sales and marketing roles heading marketing for Gujarat, and later serving as GM for National On‑Premise Sales.

    This mix of FMCG discipline, radio agility, broadcast heft, and OTT dynamism has forged a leader uniquely comfortable navigating JioStar’s complex entertainment revenue landscape. From regional advertisers looking to tap India’s heartland, to global partnerships eyeing scale and reach, Shetty has seen and sold it all.

    For JioStar, the stakes could not be higher. With platforms like JioHotstar pushing for scale and viewership habits fragmenting across screens, Shetty’s challenge will be to stay ahead of the curve: innovating in ad formats, deepening client relationships, and ensuring measurement keeps pace with expectations of accountability.

    If the past is any indication, he won’t be chasing headlines or soundbites while doing it. But in boardrooms and balance sheets, his impact will be impossible to ignore.

    For now, all eyes are on Mahesh Shetty not because he craves the spotlight, but because he knows exactly how to deliver when it matters most.

  • YouTube goes big at Mipcom Cannes 2025 with 20th anniversary blowout

    YouTube goes big at Mipcom Cannes 2025 with 20th anniversary blowout

    PARIS: YouTube is pulling out all the stops for its 20th anniversary, marking the occasion with a heavyweight presence at Mipcom Cannes this October—the global television industry’s biggest annual market.
    For the first time, the Google-owned platform will anchor itself at the Palais des Festivals with a branded hospitality space dubbed the YouTube Space, a daily schedule of creator economy workshops, and a headline keynote from Pedro Pina, YouTube’s vice-president for EMEA. The festivities will span both Mipcom (13–16 October) and MipJunior (11–12 October), as the platform ramps up efforts to forge deeper alliances with global TV players.

    “Mipcom Cannes is where the industry is, and 2025 is the year of the global creator economy,” said Mipcom Cannes and MipJunior director Lucy Smith “YouTube’s presence is a strong signal of how creator-led content is reshaping traditional models.”

    The platform’s participation ties into a broader Mipcom push to bridge the gap between digital-native creators and legacy media, with new initiatives designed to foster fresh storytelling, co-production, and monetisation models.

    Chief among these is the international debut of BrandStorytelling—a summit born at Sundance and now making its European bow. The forum aims to link brands, digital creators, and producers in funding and distributing brand-backed narratives, with showcases and networking slated for 13–14 October.

    The event also sees the Producers Hub reimagined as the Mip Creative Hub, transforming a beachside venue on the Croisette into a buzzing nexus for creators, studios, and brands. Meanwhile, the expanded MIP Innovation Lab inside the Palais returns with a slate of summits and demos on AI, Fast channels, CTV, and streaming. YouTube will host a series of practical workshops on audience building, monetisation, and format strategy.

    Pina called the collaboration “a strategic move to bolster our international TV partnerships and showcase YouTube’s evolving role in the global content ecosystem”.

    Last year’s Mipcom drew over 10,500 delegates from more than 100 countries. With YouTube now in the mix, the 2025 edition looks set to be the most creator-powered yet.

  • From WatchMojo to Stream TV: A Movie Lover’s Guide to YouTube’s Best Content

    From WatchMojo to Stream TV: A Movie Lover’s Guide to YouTube’s Best Content

    Let’s be real-if you’re a movie lover, there’s a high chance that YouTube is your second favorite cinema screen. Whether you’re into movie facts, behind-the-scenes stories, actor deep-dives, or fan theory breakdowns, YouTube has become the ultimate hangout spot for film nerds.

    The platform is jam-packed with movie-focused channels, each with their own flavor. From hype-driven countdowns to slow-burn retrospectives, there’s something for every type of movie buff. We’re shining a spotlight on two destinations for film enthusiasts-Stream TV and WatchMojo-and why they’ve become go-to sources for movie lovers everywhere. So, grab some popcorn, mute the group chat, and let’s jump into the world of YouTube movie breakdowns.

    WatchMojo: The Reigning King of Lists

    If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes on YouTube, you’ve likely seen a WatchMojo video. Known for their addictive top 10 lists, WatchMojo has been feeding our obsession with ranked content for over a decade.

    What makes them so watchable? It’s the pacing, the smooth voiceovers, and those endlessly clickable titles. From “Top 10 Villain Monologues” to “Best Plot Twists of the 21st Century,” they know how to keep your curiosity piqued. Their content is perfect for casual viewers and hardcore fans alike. Think of it as the potato chips of YouTube movie content-impossible to stop at just one.

    WatchMojo thrives on pop culture moments. You’ll find retrospectives on blockbuster hits, character rankings, and even director-focused countdowns. Their videos are structured for maximum engagement, blending visuals, commentary, and rapid-fire facts that keep your eyes glued to the screen. It’s binge-worthy and surprisingly educational if you’re trying to sound smart during movie night debates. So, if you’re ever unsure what to watch next or feel like arguing with a ranking, WatchMojo’s got your back.

    Stream TV: The Hidden Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed

    Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin-Stream TV. Where WatchMojo delivers quick hits, Stream TV dives deep. This is the channel you turn to when you want context, nuance, and a genuinely insightful perspective on the films and stars you love.

    Stream TV isn’t concerned with just popularity; it’s about passion. They spotlight legendary actors, explore their earliest roles, and revisit overlooked films that time forgot. Watching their videos feels like sitting down with your smartest movie-loving friend-the one who knows the trivia, the backstories, and all the little things that make movies magic.

    What’s especially refreshing is Stream TV’s sincerity. There’s no snark for the sake of clicks, no hot takes manufactured for drama-just thoughtful, engaging content for true film fans. Whether you’re chasing forgotten Hollywood gems or just appreciate a solid film critique that doesn’t feel recycled, Stream TV is a refreshing addition to any movie lover’s subscription list. Find out more here.

    A video from Stream TV might cover Morgan Freeman’s film debut or dive into how a cult classic slowly built its loyal fanbase. These aren’t just breakdowns-they’re tributes.

    What Makes These Channels So Bingeable?

    We’ve all been there. One video turns into three, and suddenly it’s 2 AM and you’re halfway through a breakdown of a movie you haven’t seen since 2005. But why are these videos so addictive?

    It’s because great movie channels offer more than just information-they offer a new lens through which to experience films. They remind us that movies are layered art forms filled with symbolism and storytelling genius. And the best part? These channels create a sense of community. You’re not just watching a video-you’re part of a global conversation of fans who see the same magic in movies that you do.

    With WatchMojo, you’re ranking your favorites and comparing notes. With Stream TV, you’re rediscovering why you fell in love with film in the first place.

    Rewatch Value, Reinvented

    One underrated benefit of movie breakdowns? They breathe new life into old favorites. That action film you loved at 15? Turns out it had serious themes you missed. That rom-com you wrote off as cheesy? It had clever writing and visual callbacks you totally overlooked.

    Both WatchMojo and Stream TV tap into this rewatch value. The former makes you want to revisit the classics to see if they really are the “top 10 of all time,” while the latter offers new reasons to rewatch and reappreciate long-forgotten gems. By the time you’re done with a few breakdowns, your weekend watchlist practically writes itself.

    A Word on Style and Accessibility

    Another reason these channels are so successful? Their style is accessible. You don’t need a film degree to enjoy them. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or someone who debates Kubrick’s symbolism for fun, there’s something here for you.

    WatchMojo’s pace makes it easy to consume on the go-during lunch breaks, between errands, or right before bed. Stream TV, meanwhile, encourages slower, more immersive viewing. It’s perfect for winding down and soaking up some movie love without the noise.

    And let’s be honest-good narration goes a long way. Both channels have nailed the voiceover game, with clear, engaging narration that feels natural and easy to follow.

    The Future of Film Commentary is Digital

    Gone are the days when film lovers had to wait for DVD commentaries or hope their favorite critic covered the movie they liked. Now, with just a few clicks, you can dive into a world of analysis, nostalgia, and film geekery.

    WatchMojo and Stream TV represent the two ends of a beautiful spectrum-one fast, fun, and flashy; the other thoughtful, focused, and full of heart. And together, they prove that the future of film commentary doesn’t lie in print-it lives and breathes on YouTube. So the next time a film leaves you with questions, emotions, or even just a weird sense of déjà vu, you know where to go.

    Final Frame

    In the ever-evolving world of film fandom, these YouTube channels have carved out their own space-offering connection, education, and a deeper appreciation for cinema. They’re not just filling time between binge-watching sessions-they’re enhancing the entire movie experience.

    So next time you finish a film and aren’t quite ready to let it go, you know what to do: fire up. YouTube, plug in those headphones, and let the breakdowns begin. For a thoughtful, story-driven perspective that truly celebrates cinema, you can always start exploring Stream TV, a thoughtfully curated corner of YouTube.

  • Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    Haier levels up with G-League to play big in India’s gaming arena

    MUMBAI: From refrigerators to frag grenades Haier is no longer just cooling your kitchen, it’s heating up India’s gaming scene. Haier Appliances India has hit the start button on its first e-sports IP with the launch of the Haier G-League, bringing the brand into the heart of India’s fast-growing gaming universe. Backed by its cutting-edge QD Mini LED TV range, the G-League is not just a tournament, it’s a bold move to connect with the joystick-wielding, meme-sharing Gen Z and millennial crowd.

    Set to kick off on 4th July 2025 with the finals on 20th July, the tournament has already pulled in 2,048 teams and over 8,000 players, all vying for a grand prize of Rs 1 million. The battle unfolds in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), streamed live on Haier India’s official Youtube channel, turning every play into primetime entertainment.

    While Haier has previously dipped into sport-o-tainment as a digital streaming partner for the Indian T20 League and title sponsor of Match Centre Live for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the G-League is its first homegrown leap into India’s e-sports cosmos.

    At the heart of the G-League is Haier’s QD Mini LED TV series crafted for those who crave cinematic visuals and low-latency gameplay. This isn’t just a viewing device; it’s a front-row ticket to the future of gaming, with specs that could make even a console blush.

    “The G-League is more than a campaign, it’s a cultural commitment,” said Haier Appliances India president NS Satish. “We’re not just creating content, we’re entering conversations. Gaming is where Gen Z lives, and we want to meet them there with relevance, innovation and authenticity.”

    With a platform that champions skill, speed, and streaming appeal, Haier is now not just in living rooms, it’s in the digital arenas where the next generation battles it out.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Ad to the Future Google revs up AI to rewrite the rules of marketing

    Ad to the Future Google revs up AI to rewrite the rules of marketing

    MUMBAI: Who needs a crystal ball when your ads can now predict, create and convert, all thanks to AI? At its annual Google Marketing Live event, Google rolled out a wave of AI-powered advertising tools designed to flip the marketing playbook from reactive to proactive. From smarter bidding and creative generation to shoppable TV and AI-driven search ads, the tech giant is giving Indian marketers a suite of tools to anticipate consumer behaviour, not just respond to it.

    “The purchase journey isn’t a straight line anymore, it’s a maze of swipes, scrolls and searches,” said Google India MD for digital first businesses Roma Datta Chobey. “Our new launches help brands cut through the chaos, scale creativity, and reach the right people at the right time with precision and impact.”

    Here’s what’s turning heads:
    Smarter Shopping, Streamlined Selling

    ●    Shoppable CTV lets users buy products right from their smart TVs using QR codes or “send to phone” options.

    ●    Youtube Masthead is now shoppable on mobile, giving brands high-visibility, click-to-cart impact.

    ●    Ads in AI Overviews will soon roll out in India, inserting Search and Shopping ads directly within AI-generated search summaries.

    AI-Powered Creativity with “Generated for You”

    ●    Set to launch in Product Studio later this year, this tool will generate images and videos based on product catalogues, trends, and brand identity no design skills required.

    Performance Max Retention Only Mode

    ●    In beta in India, this lets brands focus solely on re-engaging existing users. Swiggy tested it and saw a two-thirds reduction in cost for bringing users back to the app.

    AI Max for Search

    ●    Now live in India, it’s a one-click booster that learns from your site and existing keywords to serve smarter, more relevant ads. Cashify reported a 15 per cent conversion bump in early trials.

    Smart Bidding, Smarter Insights

    ●    A major bidding update now helps brands uncover less obvious conversion paths, with testers reporting an 18 per cent increase in new query categories that convert.

    Meridian Gets an Upgrade

    ●    Google’s open-source Marketing Mix Model (MMM) will now include a dynamic scenario planner and more frequent access to key reach/frequency data via API.

    AI Agents in Ads & Analytics

    ●    New “agentic” AI tools will soon help with campaign setup, keyword strategy, and performance reporting inside Google Ads and Analytics, using conversational prompts and visuals.

    For early adopters like Swiggy, the tools have already shown impact across the funnel from creative acceleration to better cost efficiency and growth in new user cohorts.

    As marketers juggle non-linear journeys across screens, platforms and attention spans, Google’s AI arsenal aims to give them not just tools, but an edge where insights spark action, and creativity scales without compromise.

    In the race for attention, Google isn’t just offering ads. It’s offering answers.

  • Ishan Chatterjee steps in as JioStar’s new sports and live experiences boss

    Ishan Chatterjee steps in as JioStar’s new sports and live experiences boss

    MUMBAI: Ishan Chatterjee has been named chief executive – sports and live experiences at JioStar, stepping into the hot seat vacated by Sanjog Gupta, who now helms the International Cricket Council (ICC) as its chief executive officer.

    Chatterjee will continue to juggle his responsibilities as chief business officer – sports revenue, SMB & creators, even as he steers JioStar’s live sports ambitions. He joined the media giant in 2024 (then JioCinema), following a 13-year innings at Google, where he was last managing director of YouTube India.

    A Wharton and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi alum, Chatterjee has done time at McKinsey & Co and Hindustan Unilever.

    With nearly 20 years of skin in the game across media, consulting, and consumer goods, he now takes the pitch at JioStar with a stacked playbook.