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Tag: Zee5

  • #13thKiTayyari CAMPAIGN UNITES INDIA’S GEC LOVERS; ZEE5 RECORDS A MASSIVE 134% MoM GROWTH IN VIEWERSHIP

    #13thKiTayyari CAMPAIGN UNITES INDIA’S GEC LOVERS; ZEE5 RECORDS A MASSIVE 134% MoM GROWTH IN VIEWERSHIP

    Earlier this month, ZEE5, India’s Entertainment Super App, brought another reason to cheer for the app’s users with the announcement of new episodes and new content after the lockdown put a pause on fresh content. ZEE created a well-designed curiosity building campaign with #13thKiTayyari, unveiling the fresh episodes of much-loved TV shows across Zee channels on July 13, 2020, which was well received by every Indian. The campaign’s message reveal and the subsequent premiere of the new episodes were welcomed by the free users, as ZEE5 recorded a monumental increase of 134% MoM video views.

    thumbnail_0d307170-6898-4ebd-aa9b-9008910ea4ed (1)  4 Zee TV Reveals (tweet + creative)

    Not only has ZEE5 witnessed a significant increase in MoM video views but, it has also strengthened its illustrious advertising brand roster. In the last three months, the following brands have used ZEE5’s platform to reach out to their TG in the most effective manner.

    ·         Dabur India (Dabur Honey)

    ·         Adani Wilmar (Fortune)

    ·         Colgate Palmolive (Colgate Swarna Vedshakti)

    ·         Mondelez (Cadbury Dairy Milk)

    ·         Think & Learn (Byjus Learning App)

    ·         Guassian Networks (Adda52.com)

    ·         RummyCircle (Playgames 24*7)

    ·         Wipro (Wipro Softouch)

    ·         SBI (State Bank of India)

    With the new additions, the viewership numbers have surged with regional shows particularly gaining more popularity. The views for TV shows increased by 136%, Movie views went up by 22%, and Live TV saw a 10% surge post the updates. Shows like Pavitra Rishta, Kundali Bhagya, Chembarathi, Kumkum Bhagya among others have seen a significant uptick in the viewership during this period. The growth has been observed across the various regional languages that ZEE5 offers with Marathi, Malayalam, Bengali, and Hindi especially recording a massive surge in viewership.

    ZEE5 is becoming a digital video platform of choice when it comes to consuming content across languages and genres. Recently, the Entertainment super-app launched its most awaited ZEE5 Club pack @ ₹365/year. Now, users can enjoy some of Zee’s popular TV shows before telecast on Television, making anytime a new prime time for consumers to catch up on their favourite shows.

  • Zee Entertainment revives content brand ‘Zindagi’ on ZEE5

    Zee Entertainment revives content brand ‘Zindagi’ on ZEE5

    MUMBAI: ZEE Entertainment is bringing back its content brand Zindagi on its digital entertainment platform ZEE5. This will include premium content with a global appeal.

    Zindagi was originally a TV channel launched in 2014 by the Zee network, which showed Pakistani and Turkish dramas. However, due to political reasons, the channel had to shut in 2017 and the brand moved online.

    This time, Zindagi is returning with its original content library as well as fresh new shows which will be thought provoking, with a bold multicultural narrative.

    Zee, ZEE5 global and international broadcast business CEO Amit Goenka said, “Zee’s strength has always been in its ability to narrate unique stories, to connect with billions of audiences worldwide, and to offer different genres of content. Zindagi has always been appreciated for its premium content offering and culturally rich stories from across the globe, which are far more attuned to the digital audience sensibilities. Zindagi’s universal content has a very strong appeal, and we are excited to offer this rich and engaging content library to the users of ZEE5, in India and across the world. We also understand that the viewers’ needs are diverse and therefore we have a compelling content catalogue from Zindagi, which encapsulates a universality of emotions. We stay committed to offering an extraordinary entertainment experience to our consumers across multiple touchpoints, and we are sure that our viewers will once again embrace this widely acclaimed brand on our platform.”

    Zindagi will offer a myriad mix of shows that are global in nature, ranging from family dramas to romance including Shehr-E-Zaat, Aunn Zara, Badi Aapa, Mastana Mahi, Main Abdul Qadir Hun, Noorpur Ki Rani and many other such realistic stories which are customised as per the tastes and preferences of the global audiences. This eclectic mix of curated shows, featuring 1000+ hours of meaningful content, will be available for the global audiences on ZEE5. These shows were originally shown on Zindagi TV as well.

    With a promise of ‘Zindagi Mil ke Jiyenge’, the brand reinforces its commitment to live up to its legacy of bringing forth multi-cultural narratives that resonate with the audiences. The brand philosophy is a reflection of its belief that art knows no nation, boundary or religion.

  • ZEE5’s HiPi gears up for India’s 1 billion video consumers

    ZEE5’s HiPi gears up for India’s 1 billion video consumers

    KOLKATA: Evolution is the key to sustain in a transforming ecosystem; India’s leading entertainment network Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) is following that route. While it has been charting its growth in the online ecosystem with over-the-top platform ZEE5, the latter is now venturing into short-format video too. It’s not a mere expansion but the ambition is to be able to create a sustainable business over a period of time which essentially addresses a billion users in India, as ZEE5 India expansion projects business head and product head Rajneel Kumar says.

    “Very soon we will have a billion Indians who will be consuming videos on a monthly basis. That time could be one, two or three years from now. That’s the overall market size we are gunning for. We have a very long-term strategy around short-form content where we will see new users who will start consuming this content. Of course,  we would like million and millions to come on the platform but our main ambition is to be able to create a sustainable business over a period of time which essentially addresses a billion users in India,” Kumar said in an interaction with Indiantelevision.com.

    Nearly two weeks ago, ZEE5 revealed the name of its short-form content platform, HiPi. The announcement came right after the Indian government imposed a ban on 59 Chinese apps including TikTok, the giant in the short-video segment. As opposed to launching as a separate app, HiPi will be a part of ZEE5. 

    “We have been working on it for over a year with consumer research, content research, product research as well as trying to understand what features consumers like. The timing was honestly coincidental; it was something we already planned in this quarter. However, once the news came out we did expedite certain priorities to be able to get this out as early as we can while not compromising quality or experience,” he added.

    ZEE5 is not waiting for consumers or influencers discover the platform once it launches the new segment. Rather, it is actively getting a lot of influencers who are on other platforms and onboarding them to ZEE5. With these influencers, their followers will be also able to find their content on the new platform. Initially, HiPi is launching with 300 influencers while it also has a list of other 200 influencers that will come on the platform very soon. 

    Moreover, it has opened the platform for new influencers as it is launching ‘Creators Dashboard' in the next couple of months. Through this, influencers can upload profiles for the kind of content they have created and references of other platforms where they exist. If they become verified, they would enter into a revenue-sharing model with ZEE5. There will be remuneration and compensation for all content they create. Currently, they can reach out to ZEE5 through the latter’s social handles.

    In the past, we have seen user-generated content platforms getting dragged into controversies for sensitive content. While the company is in the final stages of testing, it is highly focusing on user experience and brand safety. Kumar assured that both human and AI intervention will be there to filter content. “Unlike other platforms, no content which is uploaded goes straight and people can see it. Every content which is uploaded goes through a layer of both AI and human moderation,” he added.

    ZEE5 has several content pieces ranging from catch-up content to premium originals, news and sports. “Each one of them has individual experiences built up to see which is best for the users. When a user comes on the platform, he or she is able to see all the content which is available. Only when they start to consume a particular piece of content, whether it is a movie or a short-form content, the appropriate interface for the user comes up. The short-form content area will be a vertical scrolling video which is full-screen,” he added.

    Now a bunch of short-format video sharing apps are mushrooming as OTTs did two-three years ago; even Instagram launched Reel a few days back. Hence, despite the giant being gone, it is not easy to attract consumers. 

    “We have put together a very strong content team which will curate the kind of content to make it different and interesting for users. We will be launching different kinds of AR filters which will enable users to create interesting content. We are focused on a road map of engagement which is beyond just consuming content; so how can the user interact with other people, how can the user play games? We are working on those kinds of areas which will be part of our roadmap and essentially our distinguishing features,” Kumar sounded confident.

  • Tata Sky Binge+ customers to get access to premium ZEE5 content

    Tata Sky Binge+ customers to get access to premium ZEE5 content

    KOLKATA: The bouquet of content offerings on Tata Sky Binge+ got a major thrust as Tata Sky extended its partnership withZEE5, for its Android enabled smart Set-top box that provides content from linear Live Television and a host of OTT apps onto a TV. Designed to provide smart and endless choice of entertainment for the entire family, Tata Sky Binge+ is now ready to enthral its subscribers with ZEE5’s expansive Bollywood and multilanguage films and original content spanning over 125,000+ hours across 12 languages – English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Punjabi. This is an addition to what is already available on the platform – an enviable selection of multi-lingual films, original dramas, international blockbuster movies and reality shows from India’s premium OTT platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar Premuim, SunNxt, Hungama Play, Eros Now and ShemarooMe.

    Commenting on the partnership, a Tata Sky spokesperson said, “OTT apps are gaining ground as a popular medium of content consumption.  Considering the stupendous response we have received from the viewers for the fully integrated Tata Sky Binge+ set-top box, we are now strengthening this offering further by bringing onboard ZEE5’s unmatched content library that will further elevate the content viewing experience for our subscribers. We are confident that the Tata Sky Binge+ Smart set top box will offer a seamless experience of live TV channels and apps such as ZEE5, making it a winning proposition for our customers.”

    Talking about the collaboration a ZEE5 Spokesperson stated, “ZEE5 is continuously working towards offering bespoke content for diverse consumer taste clusters across India. As part of this journey, partnering with Tata Sky reinforces our commitment to democratise content by truly providing a Super-app experience for consumers anytime, anywhere. We are happy to extend our partnership with Tata Sky on their new initiative Tata Sky Binge+ Smart set top box. We are certain that with Tata Sky’s reach and ZEE5’s extensive library of content across languages, we will be able to provide consumers with an enriching and engaging content viewing experience.”

    Tata Sky Binge+ hosts many advanced features. It enables viewers to play any show, movie, music, game on their laptop, tablet or mobile phone and watch-it-directly on their TV with its in-built Chromecast. It also includes Google Assistant that makes discovering content easy with voice search. Customers can access 5000+ on the Google Play store. It is compatible with all types of TVs including 4K, HD LED, LCD, or plasma technology as it supports HDMI output and can also be connected to older TV sets over audio and video cable.

    Tata Sky Binge+  provides the benefit of six months subscription to Tata Sky Binge where a user can watch content from premium partner apps on their STBs including 7 days of missed shows (based on linear entitlement) and access to 3 months Amazon Prime subscription all included at an offer of Rs.3999/-.

  • Airtel further strengthens its partnership ZEE5

    Airtel further strengthens its partnership ZEE5

    KOLKATA: As part of its strategic alliance with ZEE5, Bharti Airtel (Airtel) today launched new propositions for its mobile customers in India. These prepaid propositions are designed to deliver an exciting digital entertainment experience to Airtel smartphone customers by unlocking the full ZEE5 premium content catalogue to go with generous high speed data allowance and unlimited calling benefit.  

    1. The new Rs 289 prepaid bundle offers Unlimited Calling, 1.5 GB/day, 100 SMS/day plus full access to the entire ZEE5 catalogue, which includes hits such as Ghoomketu, Chintu Ka Birthday, Rangbaaz Phirse, Lalbazaar to name a few. The bundle comes with a validity of 28 days. In addition, as part of Airtel Thanks benefits the customer also gets access to Airtel

    Xstream content and Wynk Music subscription .  

    2. The Rs 79 top-up offers subscription to the entire ZEE5 catalogue for 30 days. The convenient top up will be available to all Airtel customers through the Digital Store Section on Airtel Thanks App.  Customers can purchase the new prepaid pack on Airtel Thanks app, www.airtel.in and at all Airtel retail stores across India.

    Bharti Airtel chief marketing officer Shashwat Sharma said: “With the massive surge in consumption of digital content on smartphones, Airtel’s new prepaid packs make it simpler for millions of customers to access rich content from ZEE5 without having to worry about managing separate

    subscription charges. Our users can enjoy this exclusive content offering on Airtel 4G, which has been consistently rated as India’s top mobile network for video by global experts.”

    ZEE5 India business development and commercial head Manpreet Bumrah said, “During such unprecedented times, we urge all the citizens to stay home and stay calm, while we continue to serve the best of entertainment content across languages, genres, and a spectrum of devices. Our partnership with Airtel enables us to maximise reach by appealing to a large base of Airtel consumers present across the country. With this proposition, we are enhancing our existing relationship and reach through prepaid bundle & top-up plans further democratising access to world-class entertainment at consumer’s fingertip.”

  • Changing consumer behaviour as viewership spikes on ZEE5

    Changing consumer behaviour as viewership spikes on ZEE5

    MUMBAI: The current Covid2019 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown has not just stalled industries and economic activity but has also contributed to the ongoing change in behavioural patterns in people, including that of digital consumption. The restrictions on social interaction imposed by the government in response to the pandemic had already led to an increase in video viewership on OTT platforms. The lockdown led to more people inadvertently realising the convenience of OTT, which has shifted the way content is consumed on a day-to-day basis.

    With Unlock 2.0, production studios are coming back to a new way of shooting; thus ensuring consumers get their daily dose of entertainment. With regional language channels launching new shows which are being shot in smaller towns to new episodes of old shows, viewership is growing week on week. ZEE5, India’s No.1 Contech platform, has observed a phenomenal spike in viewership as consumers consume more content on the platform, with the new Unlock!

    Viewers bounce back:

    As TV shows gear up to launch new episodes from 13 July, ZEE5 has observed a +52 per cent Week on-Week growth in video views across majority of languages. Shows such as, Rahichi Rahibi Tori Pain, Pavitra Rishta, Vedh Bhavishyaacha, Ninne Palladhata and many shows across Hindi, Oriya, Marathi, Kannada etc have observed a massive jump in video views. 

    With the increase in demand for digital content, more and more households have invested in Connected TV (CTV) devices like Apple TV, Amazon Firestick and Smart TVs. These devices provide regular televisions with internet access to stream video content on OTT platforms. 

    The Rise of Cord Cutting and Cord Shaving

    Cord cutters are viewers who have cancelled paid multichannel subscription services like cable or satellite television. Cord shavers are viewers who have downgraded their TV packages, replacing those reduced services with on-demand video streaming services.

    In a survey carried out by Eros Now and KPMG in September 2019, involved 1458 OTT users from 10 cities in India, revealed that 10 per cent of respondents prefer watching original content online. The report also revealed that OTT video could usher in cord cutting sooner than expected. While 38 percent of the respondents could consider cord cutting in the future, 14 percent of the respondents considered subscribing to OTT platforms as an alternative to TV subscriptions. 

    As more and more consumers decide to reduce or cancel their TV subscriptions to consume content on OTT, this has led to a rise in cord cutting and cord shaving. 

    The lockdown has driven this behavioural change into permanency and now manifests itself in viewers consuming old and new TV content again across all apps.

    With three out of ten respondents viewing online video on telco platforms, also proved the importance of Telco platforms for the distribution of online video content. A recent study by YouGov (Feb 2020) suggested, that 42 per cent people spend time watching catchup content on OTT platforms while only 18 per cent prefer watching TV. The same report also mentioned that 72 per cent urban Indians prefer video on demand as compared to cable TV.

    A large part of the TV viewing audience has migrated towards consuming content on digital-only platforms like OTT. The above table shows 10 shows which are produced for TV and are also available on ZEE5. Majority people have watched the episode on ZEE5 as compared to TV. This rise in viewing content online has opened new doors for advertisers. As more and more people move towards ZEE5, advertisers can use this opportunity to reach more people by leveraging ZEE5 content to increase their market presence. 

    Opportunity for Advertisers

    As consumers adapt to the new way of living, they will likely continue to stream OTT content for the majority of their at-home entertainment. Hence OTT is becoming mainstream for most advertisers as the platforms are brand safe, have higher ad completion rates and cost per effective reach for the brand. As viewership increases, ZEE5 is the destination for brands to advertise which provides incremental and targeted reach through transparency in measurability.  

    ZEE5, Contech leader in this space, provides unique targeting through one on one targeting, lifestyle-based cohort segmentation and a powerful suite of Ads format to engage audience depending on business objective across an entire device ecosystem.

    Learn more about OTT advertising and how this strategy could be implemented for your business by getting in touch with ZEE5 Ads.

  • ZEE5 records over 50% increase in WoW viewership

    ZEE5 records over 50% increase in WoW viewership

    KOLKATA: During the lockdown, ZEE5, as India’s Entertainment Super-App has continued to entertain and engage diverse audiences by serving bespoke content across languages and a spectrum of devices. The platform’s popularity surged further as the week-on-week viewership soared by 52 per cent for all the shows, reinforcing itself as India’s most preferred destination for digital video entertainment.

    With the extended lockdown, citizens have been confined to their homes looking for a source of entertainment. And amidst this lockdown, leading the digital video entertainment space, ZEE5 has been catering to their diverse audiences through various initiatives and shows across genres and languages. This exceptional surge in viewership has been recorded for shows such as Pavitra Rishta, Trinayani, Rahichi Rahibi Tori Pain, Neeyum Njanum, Ninne Palladhata, Agga Bai Sasubai, Ratris Khel Chale 2 and numerous other shows that recorded a significant surge in views.

    Amongst all, Telugu content recorded the maximum rise in viewership with 157 per cent WoW, followed by Hindi with 106 per cent. Other languages like Bengali, Malayalam and Oriya also witnessed a significant surge.

    With Unlock 2.0, production studios are coming back to a new way of shooting; thus, ensuring consumers get their daily dose of entertainment. ZEE5 is gearing up to continue serving fans with their favourite shows by adding new episodes from 13 July 2020.  And as more people turn to OTT platforms in the current scenario, due to increasing preference for digital platforms, the platform is ready to address this massive traffic for these shows.

  • SonyLIV 2.0 seeks to refresh through new-age, youthful vibe

    SonyLIV 2.0 seeks to refresh through new-age, youthful vibe

    KOLKATA: While the lockdown demotivated many, it did not stop OTT platform SonyLIV from taking a bold stop. With new content in-store, SonyLIV is reviving itself as SonyLIV 2.0. A new team which took up the role to lead the platform last year has reimagined the transformation. As the streaming war in India continues with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5 and MX Player being leading names, the rebranding is likely to give leverage.

    “We wanted to become more new-age, youthful, user-friendly. That was one thing which we wanted to say through the new logo design. Secondly, the V of LIV also resembles the tick mark. So, the entire design came from the fact that this is the right choice of entertainment,” said SPN digital business marketing head Aman Srivastava. The new logo emphasises the ‘liv’ part in a bright yellow colour in contrast to a colourful background with streaks of purple, blue and orange.

    Srivastava said they are informing existing customers about new content through notifications and emailers. Moreover, there is a way to interact with these consumers on the app itself. Apart from that, he adds that SonyLIV has been present on all digital and audiovisual platforms which provides it with the right kind of target audience including its network channels, major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. He added that SonyLIV was always well-played from a distribution point of view as its available across devices, platforms and telecom players. 

    He is also confident about customer retention even after the lockdown easing as it will have new content every week. Moreover, he added that live sports has also started and the sports fans are coming in and there might even be some more new sports content. As television shootings have resumed, catch-up content will also come back. Together, original, live sports, catch-up content will keep subscribers engaged. 

    Just after the launch, SPN digital business and SET content head Ashish Golwalkar said that it would start the journey with Hindi and English content. Although the English library has always been heavy of the streaming platform, it has now collaborated with the best creative minds of the country for good local content. 

    “Currently, we are starting with Hindi and English content. In English content, we have content from Sony Pictures Television, our own studio. We have acquired some content from ITV and NBC. We have an existing Lionsgate library. We have a rich rapporteur of English content. Now, we are launching with Your Honour. We will launch five shows in the next two months.  We have content planned for Hindi, Marathi and English. We have very enriching content from TVF as well,” he said.

    Golwalkar admitted that the space is highly competitive but even then he feels there is a lot of space for content in certain genres like comedy or content that is Indian in approach. According to him, there is not much content in the genre. The online content that is coming from India is revolving around crime, thriller and dark subjects. There are a lot of other stories that can be told and that will allow SonyLIV to create a niche for itself. He added that they would be launching around 15-20 originals in the next 12 months. Some of the content can be dubbed in major regional languages in the coming days.

    The first original with which the rebranded platform started the journey was Your Honor, Created by Applause Entertainment. Deepak Segal, the content head of Applause Entertainment said that it is one of format among six which were acquired from Israel. The show was first adapted and produced by it and then SonyLIV was approached. It has three shows coming up on SonyLIV.

  • HiPi: ZEE5 reveals the name of its short video platform

    HiPi: ZEE5 reveals the name of its short video platform

    KOLKATA: Keeping up with the promise of delivering unmatched super-app experience, ZEE5 today revealed the name of the much-awaited and India’s first-ever fully homegrown short video platform. Made for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, ZEE5’s innovative and exciting platform called HiPi is a place where India can create the most ingenious and exciting content with the help of state-of-the-art features.

    The name HiPi comes from the vision of a youthful and carefree planet where everyone can express themselves with freedom and confidence. A fun place where users can uninhibitedly and unapologetically be themselves without fear of being judged. ZEE5’s HiPi is driven by the vision to encourage self-expression and it aims to unlock the potential talent that this country has by inviting talented and diverse content creators who are seeking a platform that encourages creativity and paves the way to Stardom.

    HiPi will entail exciting features which will allow creative minds to express themselves in the most creative way. It is the destination for all things entertainment and a platform for fandoms and storytellers which they can call their own.

  • ZEE5 collaborates with Dabur Honey for a new health and fitness chat show

    ZEE5 collaborates with Dabur Honey for a new health and fitness chat show

    MUMBAI: The current global situation has highlighted the importance of building immunity and having a fitness routine to be healthy. And one thing that the lockdown restrictions have brought to light is that you don’t necessarily need to go to a gym to stay fit. A little motivation and creativity is all you need to stay fit during these times. Keeping this in mind, ZEE5, and Dabur Honey have collaborated to launch an exclusive chat show  – Dabur Honey Hello Fitness to motivate and encourage India to be proactive about their well-being.

    The one of a kind show is a part of ZEE5 Ads’ Ampli5 offering and will let viewers get an exclusive peek into the fitness routines and healthy habits of their favorite celebrities. The virtual show will be hosted by one of India’s talented actor, host and colourful personalities – Karan Wahi who will get the celebs to dish out their health and fitness secrets and routines through some fun and games! The show will give fans an insider’s view on how and why their favorites follow a particular routine, a specific diet and what they do to keep their mind and body balanced and fit. Apart from this, fans will also get a chance to have interactions by sending their questions which will be answered on the show.

    Highlighting the uniqueness of the show and collaboration, ZEE5 India chief revenue officer Rajeev Dhal said, “ZEE5 is India’s Entertainment Super-App today because we truly understand the pulse of the nation and create relatable content. The present situation has brought us even closer to our audiences and given us a better glimpse into what they want. With fitness and overall well-being, a prerequisite in this new world, this exclusive show in collaboration with Dabur Honey – undoubtedly, one of India’s top health and fitness  brands, aims to motivate and encourage our viewers to make their health a cardinal priority. We are excited to collaborate with Dabur Honey to present this exclusive show series and even more so as it is a first in the OTT industry.”  

    The show is set to launch with the first episode to go live on 28 June. A total of a six-episode series, with two episodes to be released every week.

    Dabur Health Supplements marketing head Prashant Aggarwal said, “Dabur Honey, through its best-in-class products and communication has been urging people to lead healthier lives and more so, in the current context. We want to partner with Indian consumers in making their lives healthier and fitter. This association with ZEE5 is an attempt to get consumers to know the lifestyles and habits of celebrities and how they keep themselves fit and healthy even in trying times like these. A Natural Immunity Booster, Dabur Honey is seeing increased adoption by Indian households in the current times.”