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Tag: YouTube

  • Glow and Lovely sparks a PIN-code power surge with The Glow Up Academy

    Glow and Lovely sparks a PIN-code power surge with The Glow Up Academy

    MUMBAI: Who says you need a ring light to shine? Glow & Lovely is flipping the spotlight with a movement that’s as local as your PIN code and as bold as your voice. Glow & Lovely, one of India’s most iconic skincare brands, has dropped a bold new campaign titled ‘Apni Roshni Baahar La’ (Bring Out Your Inner Light) and it’s more than just a slogan. It’s a full-blown movement to nurture 19,101 women creators, one from every PIN code in India.

    At the heart of this ambitious rollout is The Glow Up Academy, a creator-skilling initiative that aims to turn scroll-happy Gen Zs and millennials into full-fledged digital influencers. The programme combines structured learning modules, mentorship, and real-world content strategy to help women own their narratives, one reel at a time.

    Forget influencers peddling #ads for likes. This campaign is built on a deeper truth: authenticity is the new algorithm. Whether it’s Shehnaaz Gill, Jannat Zubair, or Chum Darang, the campaign film stars a powerhouse of self-made women rewriting the rules of influence from the streets of Shillong to the stories of Surat.

    “This isn’t just a rebrand, it’s a cultural shift,” said Hindustan Unilever executive director for beauty & wellbeing Harman Dhillon. “We’re not asking women to conform; we’re inviting them to stand out, to lead with light rooted in courage and individuality.”

    The campaign, conceptualised by Ogilvy Mumbai, leans heavily into a social-first strategy. Expect to see it on Instagram, Youtube, and just about every platform where real influence bubbles up. It will also hit the ground through regional content rollouts and local Glow Up Academy activations, making sure even the smallest towns aren’t left in the digital dark.

    Ogilvy India (West) chief creative officer Anurag Agnihotri puts it simply: “Every woman carries a light the world needs to see. It’s time she leads with it.”

    In a digital universe crowded with filters and follow-bait, ‘Apni Roshni Baahar La’ offers something radical: realness. And with 19,101 creators-in-the-making, this might just be the biggest glow-up India’s creator economy has ever seen.

  • NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    MUMBAI: When basketball meets bars, stories soar beyond the court. The NBA, in collaboration with Skechers, has launched the second season of its lyrical docuseries Hoop Nation, a four-part chronicle of resilience, rhythm and real-life hoop dreams from the far corners of India. Streaming now on NBA India’s Youtube channel, Hoop Nation Season 2 weaves slam dunks with sick beats, profiling underrepresented basketball voices from Kashmir to Kerala, Kolkata to Mumbai all with an assist from India’s rising hip-hop stars. This season is presented by Skechers, whose performance-driven basketball shoes make a prominent on-court cameo.

    The episodes spotlight:

    .  Ishrat Akhter, an international wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla, Kashmir

    .  Deepak P. Babu, a devoted fan and mentor from Alappuzha, Kerala

    .  The Lao family, a father-daughter duo championing basketball in Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese community

    .  Farooque Shaikh, a Nagpada-based coach shaping Mumbai’s next generation of ballers

    And who’s soundtracking their journeys? Straight Outta Srinagar, ThirumaLi, EPR Iyer and QK hip-hop artists whose original verses narrate these ballers’ lives with lyrical punchlines and sonic swagger.

    “Hoop Nation Season 2 embodies the spirit of basketball in India, a game that unites, inspires and drives change,” said NBA India Country HeadRajah Chaudhry. “Skechers shares our mission of taking the game deeper into India’s cultural and sporting fabric.”

    Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira added, “This isn’t just about footwear; it’s about fuelling the fire in every Indian baller. With Hoop Nation and the ACG Jr. NBA program, we’re enabling both inspiration and access.”

    The Skechers x NBA partnership also powered the ACG Jr. NBA India’s largest school basketball initiative. The 3v3 format tournament touched 4,000 plus players across 500 plus schools last year, with Skechers as official kit partner.

    From court-side storytelling to grassroots development, the initiative underscores a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the region, one that puts culture, community and comfort at the centre of the game.

    Whether you’re vibing to SOS’s Kashmiri verses or QK’s Mumbai flow, Hoop Nation 2 brings more than basketball, it brings belonging. And in the process, it reaffirms that sport, like music, hits different when it tells the stories that matter.

    Catch the docuseries now on the NBA India Youtube channel and follow for more behind-the-scenes action and product drops. Because whether it’s a crossover or a cross-rhyme, India’s hoop dreams are dribbling in style.
     

  • CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    CNN-News18 gears up for Defence Town Hall on 28 June

    MUMBAI: When the nation salutes its sentinels, it’s only fitting that the spotlight shines bright. CNN-News18 Town Hall is reporting for duty this Saturday, 28 June, with a power-packed Defence Edition that promises to march straight into the heart of India’s strategic pulse. Themed ‘Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat’, the special programming pays tribute to India’s defence forces while diving deep into the evolving landscape of national security, self-reliance, and indigenous defence production. In true Town Hall style, expect sharp questions, sharper minds, and a salute to grit that goes beyond just rhetoric.

    Airing from 3 pm across CNN-News18 TV, CTV, and Youtube, the event brings together top brass from the armed forces, leading defence scientists, and private sector innovators creating a rare, all-hands-on-deck moment for India’s military narrative.

    Kicking things off, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, chief of integrated defence staff, will explore ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’, highlighting how battlefields are evolving and how India must respond. defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh follows with ‘Forging India’s Defence Independence’, outlining the government’s roadmap to self-reliance.

    The soul of the event may just lie in the stirring session titled ‘From Sindoor to Seema’, where Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and three fellow women officers recount frontline experiences from Operation Sindoor, offering a ground-level view into courage under pressure.

    It’s not all uniforms and medals the Town Hall also shines a light on India’s burgeoning private defence sector. Names like Lt. Gen Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.), Sudhir Mishra (ex-CEO, Brahmos Aerospace), B.K. Das (DG, DRDO), Maj Gen Vishal Saxena (Retd.), Smit Shah (Drone Federation of India), Maj Gen Indrabalan (R), Military Technology Advisor, Amber Wings and  Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) will decode what it takes to make ‘Made in India, Made for World’ more than just a slogan.

    As Network18 CEO of English & Business News Smriti Mehra puts it, “We’re not just telling stories, we’re bringing alive India’s defence resurgence with the experts who’ve shaped it.”

    CNN-News18 managing editor, Zakka Jacob added, “Operation Sindoor showcased India’s readiness and resolve. This Town Hall will honour that courage and spark the conversations India needs as national security and aatmanirbharta become central to our growth.”

    From warzone learnings to workshop innovations, this edition captures it all from the borders to the boardrooms.

    So, ready your remotes and set your reminders because when the channel says “attention”, the nation will be watching.

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  • Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    MUMBAI:  Ruhee Das, a prominent figure in the Indian media and entertainment sector, has been named marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective June 2025. This promotion comes after a distinguished tenure of six years and ten months as marketing lead at Sony Pictures Television.

    In her previous role as marketing lead, Das was instrumental in promoting Hollywood films and TV series from Sony Pictures across a diverse range of content platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, Sony LIV, and various television channels like Colors Infinity and &Flix. Her responsibilities encompassed ideating, planning, strategising, and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns across digital, on-air, on-ground, outdoor, and print mediums. She also focused on building strong press coverage for Sony titles, securing talent interviews, and driving performance marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s social media presence. Furthermore, Das oversaw the content monetisation of Sony Pictures’ movies and TV shows on YouTube.

    Before her extensive career at Sony, Das held key marketing positions at Viacom18 Media Private Ltd for nearly four years. As marketing lead – consumer products from April 2017 to September 2018, she spearheaded the marketing efforts to extend popular brands such as MTV, Colors, and Nickelodeon into consumer products, overseeing successful BTL and ATL campaigns and 360-degree marketing strategies. Prior to this, she served as assistant manager (marketing) – consumer products at Viacom18, focusing on MTV Consumer Products.

    Her earlier experience includes a year as senior officer – revenue at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (The Times Group), where she was responsible for revenue generation through media sales and brand integration for the TV channel Romedy Now. She also held marketing roles at Propellum and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and completed internships at Abbott and Business Standard.

    Das’s wealth of experience in content marketing, social media, and business strategy positions her to drive significant growth for Sony Pictures Entertainment in the South Asian market.

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    MUMBAI: Voice-activated shopping? Viral trends driving sales? Welcome to aisle 2030. Blue Dart Express Limited, part of DHL eCommerce, has just dropped the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, and it’s clear: Indian online shoppers are not just clicking, they’re expecting. From AI-powered assistants to sustainability-first delivery, today’s buyers want tech with trust and purchases that feel purposeful.

    Drawing from consumer insights across generations and shopper types, the report explores what’s really pushing the buy button for Indians online. And it’s not just deals or discounts, it’s delivery reliability, eco-credibility, and the seamlessness of a Tiktok-to-checkout experience.

    Almost 89 per cent of Indian shoppers want AI-powered features think virtual try-ons, voice-based product search, and digital shopping assistants. And this isn’t wishful thinking 64 per cent are already shopping hands-free. AI isn’t a futuristic add-on anymore; it’s becoming the new filter on the retail lens.

    Forget browsers. 84 per cent of Indian consumers have already made a purchase via social media, and a whopping 90 per cent say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube could be their primary shopping destinations by 2030. Influencers are doing more than trending dances 93 per cent of Indian buyers say social buzz shapes what lands in their carts.

    Cart abandonment isn’t about indecision, it’s about expectation. 80 per cent of shoppers say they’ll cancel a purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. And if the returns process doesn’t match expectations? Another 81 per cent walk away. Even trust in the courier matters: over half (54 per cent) won’t buy from retailers with unreliable logistics partners. In e-commerce, convenience is king and logistics is the throne.

    Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline. 82 per cent of shoppers now weigh eco-friendliness before clicking “buy.” Whether it’s over packaging waste or carbon-heavy delivery, 59 per cent have ditched carts due to sustainability concerns. Plus, 52 per cent say they’re opting for pre-owned goods, and 81 per cent are open to recycling or buy-back schemes.

    “Convenience, choice and control are non-negotiable,” said Blue Dart managing director Balfour Manuel. “Despite digital leaps, delivery and returns remain the heartbeat of consumer experience. Brands must evolve beyond tech towards transparency, purpose and seamless execution.”

    As AI reshapes interfaces, social media morphs into shopping malls, and sustainability steers decisions, this report offers a sneak peek into the shopper of tomorrow. Retailers that listen closely and deliver boldly may just turn browsing into belonging.

    Because in 2025, a smooth checkout isn’t enough. Shoppers want a story, a stance and same-day delivery.

  • Breaking news, breaking records as Aaj Tak holds Hindi crown again

    Breaking news, breaking records as Aaj Tak holds Hindi crown again

     MUMBAI: Prime time isn’t just Aaj Tak’s time, it’s the time they broke the mould and the leaderboard. India’s leading Hindi news channel, Aaj Tak, has retained its No. 1 position in Week 21 of the BARC ratings for 2025 (HSM | 15 plus | 24 Hrs | Gross AMA’000), clocking a Gross AMA of 1,06,202 and commanding a 13.3 per cent market share the highest among the 14 Hindi news channels tracked. Its closest competitor, News18 India, followed with 1,05,147 AMA and a 13.1 per cent share, showing just how close the news battle can get when the stakes are sky-high.

    This win isn’t just statistical, it’s strategic. The channel’s decisive and sustained coverage of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a major national story that dominated headlines in May, proved to be a defining moment. Aaj Tak’s revamped prime time roster, featuring anchors surgically slotted into time bands with distinct formats, captured viewer loyalty and cemented the channel’s position across TV and digital platforms.

    On 8 May, during the peak of Operation Sindoor’s coverage, 2 million concurrent viewers tuned in to Aaj Tak’s Youtube livestream, setting another benchmark and demonstrating that the channel’s dominance extends far beyond traditional broadcasting.

    Weeks 18 and 19 had already seen Aaj Tak notch record engagement across rolled and unrolled BARC data. Now, with Week 21 locked in as a win, the message is loud and clear when breaking news breaks, India still turns to Aaj Tak.

    With competitors close behind, Aaj Tak’s consistent edge in editorial innovation, digital integration, and anchor-led prime time might just be the secret sauce to its continued lead. For now, the scoreboard says it all and the ticker at Aaj Tak HQ probably reads: still number one.

  • Clicks and trips go hand in hand as travel ads chart new routes

    Clicks and trips go hand in hand as travel ads chart new routes

    MUMBAI: When it comes to travel, Indians aren’t just packing bags, they’re packing pixels. In a year when revenge tourism fuelled wanderlust and digital-first habits reshaped holiday planning, Excellent Publicity’s latest report captures a sector that’s going places literally and virtually. Based on over 30,000 campaigns and TAM Media insights, the 2024 Travel & Tourism Advertising Landscape offers a fascinating peek into how brands sold dreams of getaways to a nation ready to escape.

    Total ad spends in the sector rose by 28 per cent in 2024, with digital commanding a staggering 78 per cent of that pie. Video platforms like YouTube and Instagram accounted for over 62 per cent of these digital spends, thanks to their scroll-stopping visuals and seamless influencer integration. The age of the static banner, it seems, is on a one-way trip to oblivion.

    It’s not just metros that are dreaming big 35 per cent of digital ad impressions came from Tier II and III cities, marking a shift in aspiration and affordability. Goibibo, Redbus, and Yatra rode this wave with vernacular campaigns, cashback offers, and destination-led storytelling.

    Short-form videos emerged as the MVP of campaign visibility, with influencer-led Reels and Youtube Shorts growing 45 per cent year-on-year. Micro and mid-tier creators proved to be the hidden gems of the media mix, converting eyeballs into bookings with hacks, hauls, and heartfelt narratives.

    Despite digital’s dominance, traditional formats still held ground. Television retained a 12 per cent share, proving useful in prime-time slots and regional infotainment, especially for family-oriented travel brands. Print (3 per cent) was used for tactical bursts like seasonal guides, while OOH (6 per cent) stayed visible near airports and high-footfall spots. Radio, though a modest 1 per cent of the mix, was used smartly around long weekends and festive peaks.

    Ad activity spiked during April-June (summer holidays) and again from October to December (festive breaks and destination weddings). Destinations like Ladakh, Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Bali drew big bucks from brands focused on adventure, wellness, and cultural experiences.

    Top spenders included Makemytrip, Easemytrip, Club Mahindra, Agoda, Thomas Cook, and Air India together accounting for over 33 per cent of the total digital travel ad budget. Campaigns ranged from AR-powered itinerary planning to influencer-hosted travelogues and loyalty program launches.

    Emotional hooks also proved effective, with storytelling leaning into themes of nostalgia (“first trip post-COVID”) and purpose (“make memories, not plans”). There was a noticeable pivot to experiential travel, with brands showcasing offbeat stays, cultural immersions, and eco-conscious itineraries.

    “The media mix is evolving, but the message remains timeless: travel is emotional,” said Excellent Publicity co-founder & director, Vaishal Dalal. “The brands winning today are those combining data-led precision with creative ambition making the journey to booking feel as exciting as the journey itself.”

    As Gen Z and millennials continue to shape spending habits, travel brands will need to mix immersive formats, voice AI, sustainability and hyper-personalisation to stay relevant and stay booked. Because in 2024, even holidays needed good content.

  • Sip, sip hooray HSBC wants you to retire to more, not settle for less

    Sip, sip hooray HSBC wants you to retire to more, not settle for less

    MUMBAI: Who says the best chapters of life end at 60? HSBC Mutual Fund is flipping that notion on its head with its new investor education initiative, #Retiretomore, reminding Indians that retirement isn’t a full stop, it’s a fresh start. Drawing from the HSBC Quality of Life retirement report, the campaign puts the spotlight on an alarming disconnect: 58 per cent of affluent Indians plan to work post-retirement not out of passion, but necessity. Despite nearly 8 in 10 knowing what they need for retirement, 4 in 10 still feel unprepared. The estimated retirement savings required in India? A cool USD 0.39 million.

    To address the gap between intent and action, HSBC Mutual Fund has launched a 360° campaign featuring three short films that portray retirement through lenses of Life, Passion, and Freedom. Targeted at professionals aged 30 to 45, the emotionally charged narratives underscore the idea that planning early with SIPs can unlock a more fulfilling future.

    “Retirement isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of your next act,” said HSBC Mutual Fund CEO Kailash Kulkarni. “But to enjoy it, smart financial planning through SIPs is key. With #RetireToMore, we aim to transform how India thinks about retirement less fear, more freedom.”

    Beyond the screen, the campaign rolls out across Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, regional languages, OTT platforms, metro wraps, and bus branding. A dedicated landing page allows users to calculate their retirement needs making the campaign both aspirational and actionable.

    #RetireToMore follows HSBC Mutual Fund’s earlier investor education drives like SIP Hai #FaydeWaliAadat and Apne #SIPKoDoPromotion. This latest chapter, though, may be its most important yet because as this campaign cheekily reminds us, retirement isn’t a choice, but planning for it is.

  • Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

    Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

     MUMBAI: They tackled language barriers like a raider takes on defenders and came out with the trophy. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has added a digital feather to its cap, bagging the ‘Social Media Campaign’ award in the Multilingual Campaign category at the ET Brand Equity Trendies 2025. The win celebrates PKL Season 11’s innovative and inclusive digital engagement strategy, executed by Mashal Sports in collaboration with Sportz Interactive, which saw fans across linguistic and cultural divides connect like never before.

    Held from October 18 to December 29, 2024, Season 11 wasn’t just action-packed on the mat, it was a slam dunk online too. The campaign’s multilingual format reached deep into regional fanbases, ensuring that the raiding and defending didn’t just speak one language, but many.

    The digital blitz hit the sweet spot, delivering high engagement across platforms like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, and the Pro Kabaddi app, with vernacular content crafted for fans from every corner of the country. The league’s social-first, fan-first approach resonated with a wide base, helping PKL boost brand affinity and reinforce its position as one of India’s most loved sporting leagues.

    And the kabaddi action doesn’t stop there. The buzz now shifts to the Season 12 Player Auction, which will be held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Fans can catch Category A auction proceedings live on the Star Sports Network and Jiocinema starting 7 pm on May 31.

    For those who want real-time updates (in the language of their choice, no less), PKL’s Live Auction Centre on prokabaddi.com and the Pro Kabaddi official app will be the go-to. With the social handles prokabaddi across platforms staying in beast mode, fans can expect another season of full-contact, full-volume entertainment on and off the mat.

    If Season 11 was about digital dominance, Season 12 promises to be a perfectly executed raid into uncharted fan territories.