Advertising industry news, media company updates, PR campaigns, and marketing developments.
What Happens When Marketing Gives Up Control Most marketing campaigns are designed to control what people say. Firstly, the brief defines the narrative. Next, the format standardizes the output. And the metrics reward consistency. While this might work at a scalable level, it also makes all user-generated content start to
The cash-rich Indian Premier League, as a product and brand, has emerged as one of the most profitable arms of cricket. Since its inception in 2008, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s brainchild has risen by leaps and bounds to be adequately represented by the title sponsors&
AI is reshaping IPL sponsorships as companies like Google Gemini and ChatGPT enter cricket marketing. Discover how AI is driving fan engagement, brand visibility, and the future of sports marketing in India.
In an effort to "remain competitive", CBS News, a major American media company, will lay off 6% of its employees on March 20. Those affected employees will be contacted by the end of the day, according to the news network owned by Paramount Skydance Corporation. President Tom Cibrowski
AI tools for Meta Ads make ad creation fast and smart. The system analyzes your audience data to provide headline suggestions and brand-specific image selections. The tools evaluate multiple ad variations to determine their effectiveness, which enables users to reduce unnecessary advertising expenses. They create concise text that matches your
Over a hundred positions have been eliminated at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) due to a reorganisation. Approximately 10% of its employees might be impacted, according to media sources. In a challenging advertising climate, layoffs are part of a larger effort to rationalise costs. According to the sources, the layoffs
The marketing department of Barclays is getting ready to relocate from London to India. As the bank seeks to reduce expenses and increase its utilisation of artificial intelligence, this change could threaten the employment of as many as fifty people. The in-house advertising business of the British lender will be
In cooperation with Adobe, telecom provider Airtel will provide its clients with a one-year subscription to Adobe Express Premium. The business claims that all Airtel customers in India would be able to take advantage of the deal. The new package will let Airtel subscribers use the app's Premium
The Union labour minister's proposal to remove the "10-minute" delivery guarantee from the branding and advertising campaigns of rapid commerce (qcom) platforms was made in good faith, according to Aadit Palicha, founder and CEO of Zepto. After meeting with Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Palicha posted on
StartupTalky presents Recap'25, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2025 and discuss their vision for the future. In this edition of Recap’25, StartupTalky speaks with Gaurav Dagaonkar, Co-Founder & CEO of Hoopr, who reflects
Gone are the days when one could rely on traditional methods solely to get the most out of their marketing endeavors. We exist in an era where technology has revolutionized the way we live and work. Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool that can automate various tasks and
A consumer-first association that evolved into a strategic partnership in daily nutrition.
India’s celebs often lend their star power to brands, but sometimes these partnerships crash spectacularly. What happens when an endorsement backfires? In a market where image and authenticity rule, a misaligned campaign or a public scandal can quickly turn a lucrative deal into a PR nightmare. From fairness creams
WhatsApp must obtain user agreement before sharing data with Meta parties for both advertising and non-advertising reasons, according to a clarification made on 15 December by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). A panel headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, the chairperson of the NCLAT, granted the Competition Commission of
StartupTalky presents Recap'25, a series of exclusive interviews where we connect with founders and industry leaders to reflect on their journey in 2025 and discuss their vision for the future. The digital marketing landscape in India is undergoing one of its most transformative phases yet. With consumers demanding
Following the $13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group (IPG), the multinational marketing and communications powerhouse Omnicom Group is expected to lay off around 4,000 employees and shut down a number of agency brands, according to a Financial Times report citing business executives on December 1, 2025. The research
In this exclusive virtual conversation with StartupTalky, Manali Sanghvi, Co-founder of Hexafun, shares her journey of turning a creative spark into a vibrant brand that brings fun into everyday essentials. Having worked in advertising with major brands and campaigns, she stepped away from the corporate world to build something more
On 14 November evening, Disney and YouTube announced an agreement to lift the blackout that had been removing ABC, ESPN, and other channels from the YouTube TV streaming service. The deal puts an end to a dispute that started in late October when Disney removed shows from YouTube TV. The
Kingshuk Mitra has announced his departure from JioStar to start an independent business aimed at fusing creativity and technology. He was in charge of impact properties, agency partnerships, measurement, and branded content. Having held senior leadership positions at WPP, Disney, and JioStar during her more than 20-year career, Mitra has
Every sale sparks a rush to win over customers, but Black Friday takes that competition to a whole new level. Not only is it one of the biggest single days for sales, but it also skyrockets the holiday shopping season. This is the major time of the year when retailers
Piyush Pandey, a name synonymous with Indian advertising, changed how brands spoke to a nation. From the heart of Jaipur to leading Ogilvy India, Pandey transformed creativity with ads for Fevicol, Cadbury, and political campaigns like “Ab ki baar Modi sarkar,” reflecting real people, everyday emotions, and India’s unique
Managing a marketing campaign often means shifting between separate apps for writing, design, scheduling and tracking. The process slows teams down and inflates costs. Noida-based Blinkit-AI believes the answer is not another tool, but a single system. The company, founded in 2021, has raised USD 1.2 million in seed
Google's Diwali gift is here with big discounts for all Indian users. Compare these new prices and choose...
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a joyful time in India, celebrating the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It’s also a great chance for brands to connect with people through creative ads. Diwali advertisements often mix traditional values with modern ideas, capturing the spirit of
The celebrations of Diwali and Dhanteras are not just festivals - they are moments of light, prosperity, and family all woven together. For most people, it is also a time of buying gold and jewellery to symbolise new beginnings and blessings. So, for a jewellery brand, this is the perfect
Garuda Aerospace, one of India’s leading drone manufacturers, announced that its brand ambassador and investor, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has successfully completed his drone pilot training at the company’s DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Chennai. The achievement marks a new milestone in Dhoni’s association with the
Actress and Entrepreneur Mouni Roy has been announced as the brand ambassador of Ivana Jewels, one of India’s fastest-growing lab-grown diamond jewellery brands. To mark this association, the brand has launched its first television commercial, featuring the actress. The campaign carries the message - “See it. Wear it. Believe
YouTube has launched its Premium Lite plan in India at Rs 89 per month. The new low-cost subscription offers ad-free viewing on most videos but excludes features like YouTube Music, downloads, and background play. The rollout is set to reach all users in the coming weeks. A Cheaper Way to
Are your old snap memories safe? Is the new pricing affordable for Indians? 100GB for...
American sportswear brand Gant announces the appointment of Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor as its Brand Ambassador in India. This milestone underscores Gant’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing fashion markets. The partnership debuts with the launch of Gant’s new campaign, “Button Up.
Navratri is popularly known as the nine nights of celebration, worship, and playing garba. Every year, this festival brings a lot of people together in joy, tradition, and cultural pride. In 2025, several brands have also stepped into the festive mode with different Navratri advertising ideas to attract audiences in
BLYP, the hyper-local valet and smart parking platform, is proud to announce Rannvijay Singha as its official brand ambassador. Known for his charismatic persona, fearless attitude, and deep connection with the youth of India, Rannvijay perfectly embodies the spirit of BLYP, a brand built on trust, reliability, and smarter choice.
Whenever we talk about ‘Business’, the second most important word that comes to our mind has to be marketing. No business can survive without proper marketing. Communicating with the audience is what marketing is all about. To inform the audience about the business and its activities is the prime factor
On 3 September, Instagram finally released its iPad app after a 15-year wait, with Reels as a key feature. Although this change has long been expected, many people are wondering why it happened now. Reels at the Heart of Instagram’s iPad Strategy Instagram is attempting to compete with TikTok
A rebellious spirit emerged from the sunny shores of Costa Mesa, California, in a society where conformity ruled the streets. In 1966, Paul Van Doren, Gordon Lee, and James Van Doren came together to spark a cultural revolution through the creation of Vans. They had no idea that their bold
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has ordered Rapido (Roppen Transportation Services Pvt. Ltd.) to pay a penalty of INR 10 lakh for printing deceptive advertisements and engaging in unfair trade practices, in a move to defend consumer rights. Misleading ‘Auto in 5 Min’ Promotion Explained The Authority has additionally
It looks like Bharti Airtel is adding more bundled digital services for its Indian consumers. According to reports, the telecom operator has extended its collaboration with Apple, which was previously restricted to postpaid and broadband consumers, by providing free access to Apple Music for its prepaid customers. The action was
The House of Abhinandan Lodha has partnered with Zepto, a quick commerce platform, to reportedly provide land plots in ten minutes. In a recent advertising campaign, the real estate player revealed the partnership. The commercial, which was released during the Janamasthami festival, features expansive land plots and concludes with a
New Delhi, August 13, 2025: The 11th edition of India’s foremost annual affiliate marketing conference -- the India Affiliate Summit -- is all set to return in a significantly larger avatar as CLICK 2025, covering all the sub-sectors under the broad umbrella of performance marketing. Organised by the Internet
With an irresistible blend of peanuts, caramel, and nougat, Snickers has become an enduring sensation in the world of candy bars. For a remarkable nine decades, this delectable treat has been delighting consumers and satisfying their cravings. Its history is etched with remarkable achievements and sales figures that would make
This article has been contributed by Siddhant Jain, Partner, Three Fourth Solutions As India celebrates another Independence Day, it’s time we re-examine the idea of freedom not just in political or personal terms, but in the creative and cultural context of Indian marketing. For decades, the narrative in Indian
Nestle is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with a rich history dating back over 150 years. Founded in Switzerland in 1866 by Henri Nestlé, the company began as a producer of infant formula but soon expanded into chocolate and other food products. Today, Nestle
In response to an ongoing antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into the tech giant's alleged abuse of dominance in the real-money gaming (RMG) ecosystem, Google has recommended adjustments to its Play Store and advertising standards for a greater number of RMG apps in India.
Subway, the world's largest sandwich chain, has revolutionized the fast-food industry with its healthy and customizable sandwiches. With over 45,000 locations in over 100 countries, Subway has become a global brand with a loyal customer base. The journey of Subway started in 1965 when Fred DeLuca, a
Rolls-Royce, established in 1904, is a British luxury automobile manufacturer renowned for its exceptional cars and esteemed brand image. Each vehicle is meticulously handcrafted by a team of skilled artisans, engineers, and technicians, embodying the pinnacle of opulence and engineering excellence. With a rich history and iconic models, Rolls-Royce has
Cadbury, the world-renowned chocolatier, has a sweet story that started way back in 1824. The company was founded by John Cadbury, a visionary entrepreneur who had a passion for making chocolate. Initially, Cadbury started off as a small family-run business, selling tea and coffee in Birmingham, UK. However, it was
Shubman Gill has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most promising cricketers. With his stylish batting, impeccable technique, and impressive performances on the international stage, he has not only won millions of hearts but also caught the attention of leading brands. Gill's youth appeal, clean image, and
Dylect has named actor and road-trip icon Rannvijay Singha as brand ambassador for its upcoming smart automotive tech range. The company aims to tap into India’s growing road-smart consumer base as it expands into auto tech after clocking ₹33 crore in debut-year revenue.
Audi is a German car company that designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes luxury vehicles. It is a member of the Volkswagen Group and has its roots in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. Audi-branded vehicles are produced in nine production facilities worldwide. The origins of the name Audi are uncertain, but one
In a significant crackdown on fraudulent market consultants and investment gurus, or "furus", Meta has required advertiser authentication for all securities and investment-related advertisements that target Indian consumers beginning on July 31. All advertisers running investment ads in India, including international campaigns targeting Indian audiences, must confirm the
Indian Premier League winner Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has partnered with sports goods manufacturer Agilitas after his contract with Puma was over. A media house cited sources indicating that Kohli is thought to have contributed INR 40 crore to the initial instalment. Notably, Abhishek Ganguly, the former head
AI has indeed altered advertising by streamlining the processes of digital marketing itself in creative generation, targeting, and campaign optimization towards achieving efficacy and efficiency never before imaginable. Among such key features are real-time data analysis and predictive analytics that enable brands to deliver hyper-personalized dynamic content to users at
The WhatsApp advertising that the Meta-owned messaging firm has formally unveiled won't appear in users' calls or chats, so don't worry. Instead of showing up in users' personal area, these advertisements will show up in the Updates tab. The Updates page, where one may
The first time that most of us came across Amul was when the catchy tune of ‘Amul Doodh Peeta Hai India’ rang from the television. Though many of us were really young at that time, ever since we grew up, whenever we encounter some variation or the other of the
Shraddha Kapoor, one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, continues to captivate not just cinema lovers but also leading consumer brands. Known for her relatable charm and massive fan base, she appeals strongly to Gen Z and millennials. As a brand ambassador, Shraddha Kapoor brings credibility, freshness, and influence across
In the fiercely competitive snack food industry, Lay's has risen to become a global favorite. With its delectable range of chips and a continuous stream of new and exciting flavors, Lay's has solidified its position as the go-to brand for chip lovers worldwide. This article explores
Cricket icon Jonty Rhodes has joined Indian startup UpUrFit as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. The brand, focused on sports recovery and hygiene, aims to meet the rising demand in India’s wellness market with clean, effective products.
Apple Inc. is a world-renowned name for innovation and breakthroughs in the consumer electronics and computer industry. Apple is known to be one of the greatest marketers of all time because it understands that marketing is one of the most crucial aspects of a business venture, which greatly determines its
According to a media source, the US retail giant Walmart intends to eliminate some 1,500 corporate positions as part of a reorganisation initiative to streamline its business practices. Divisions like Walmart Connect, its advertising business, e-commerce fulfilment in US stores, and worldwide technology operations will all be impacted by
Justdial has developed into a one-stop shop for many consumers looking for information about different goods and services in the technologically advanced world of today. Justdial connects millions of people with nearby companies through its huge database, which serves a wide range of industries. Justdial business plan focuses on expanding
According to LiveLaw, the Delhi High Court on 5 May denied an interim injunction petition that the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had brought against Uber Moto over a purportedly offensive YouTube ad that featured Travis Head of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). RCB's request for an interim injunction
In a business, one of the most important factors is advertisement. It is needed to get connected with your audience and engage them with your brand. Brands provide their customers with their products and services. Advertisements are needed while introducing new products, for getting the attention of the target audience,
In an antitrust ruling that couldn't be much clearer or more direct, a US federal court has found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly over digital advertising technology. This case, brought by the US Department of Justice in 2023, focused very closely on how Google has bundled,
Business Idea Generator AI is the latest innovation that will help entrepreneurs and business teams create customized business ideas with ease. In addition to this, it features a user-friendly interface through which users can define key parameters including target customers (B2C or B2B), revenue models (Subscription, Advertising, Product Sales), technology
Virat Kohli, the iconic Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian cricket team, has taken the brand endorsement world by storm. With exceptional talent and a magnetic personality, Kohli is the top choice for numerous renowned brands. Notably, he was the only cricketer on Forbes magazine's list
Over the years celebrity endorsements have become an essential part of marketing for all the big companies in India. Celebrity endorsements are a form of an advertising campaign or a marketing strategy that uses the celebrities' fame or social status to promote their products, brand, and services and bring
A recent Lakme campaign called "SPF Lie Detector Test" unfairly criticises rival goods, including one that closely resembles a sunscreen from The Derma Co, another Honasa brand, according to a case filed before the Delhi High Court by Honasa.
* India’s first women-first sexual wellness brand offering stigma-free, pleasure-positive intimate products and comprehensive sex education. * Funds will be used to expand product offerings, strengthen content and brand positioning, and scale distribution across new channels. * Their Sex Ed Masterclass on healing from sexual trauma won the prestigious UN Laadli Media
According to the document, the framework will also try to safeguard responsible content creation, safeguard consumer interests, encourage equity in influencer marketing, and stop harmful or deceptive messages.
Axar Patel, renowned for his stellar cricket performances, has become a sought-after figure for brand endorsements, reflecting his growing influence and marketability. But beyond his cricketing prowess, Patel has also emerged as a favorite among brands looking to associate with an athlete who represents consistency, reliability, and adaptability. As his
A brand ambassador is a person who represents a corporation and serves as its "face." The candidate should ideally be a tastemaker in their community, with plans to sell the brand through existing networks and contacts. In addition, a brand ambassador will represent her company at special events,
The new system aims to stop false performance claims made by an investment advisor, broker, or analyst.
Endorsements are a type of advertising that employs well-known personalities or celebrities who have a high level of public recognition, trust, and respect. Such people promote a product or service by using their names or photos for a brand. Advertisers and clients hope that a celebrity's approval or
Shikhar Dhawan is well-known as 'Gabbar' in the cricketing world and is not just a cricketer on the field but also a marketing favourite. But what makes Shikhar Dhawan a perfect choice for brands? It’s simple: he’s honest, relatable, and shows authenticity. Whether he is going
India plans to eliminate the Google tax, a 6% equalisation levy levied on online advertising services provided by Google and Meta, starting on April 1. The action is probably intended to appease US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on nations that, starting on April 2,
As a name synonymous with glamour, fitness, and style, Malaika Arora has established herself as a leading figure in the Indian entertainment industry. Over the past two decades, she has seamlessly transitioned from a Bollywood diva to a fitness guru, fashion trendsetter, and one of India’s most trusted brand
The celebration of Holi, the festival of colors, goes beyond ordinary revelry; it reflects the spirit of unity, forgiveness, and joyful fellowship. Brands have noticed the cultural significance of this bright event and have effectively incorporated it into their advertising strategies. These commercials highlight the numerous principles linked with Holi,
This article has been contributed by Sohini Sen, Associate Director – Marketing & Communications, Captain Fresh. Looking For The Face Of Your Next Campaign? They Work for You. As Gen Z Enters the Workforce, Ignoring These Digital Native Storytellers Could Cost Brands Big. Imagine this: You have signed Lionel Messi as
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undoubtedly India's top-branded Twenty20 league organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Established in 2008, it has quickly developed into one of the richest and most popular T20 leagues in the world, attracting top players from across the
A well-known phrase in the advertising industry states, "When all else fails, use emotion. And when that seems a trifle out-of-sync proposition in the product category, rush to good ol' mother's love". In India, "maa ka pyaar" (a mother's love) is
KiranaPro, a top AI-powered quick commerce platform in India, has gained strong support with PV Sindhu joining, India’s renowned badminton star, as both an investor and brand ambassador. This is the first investment in KiranaPro’s seed funding round, supporting its mission to modernise India’s retail sector by
The Feast of Saint Valentine, commonly known as Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day, is celebrated on February 14 every year. It began as a Christian feast day commemorating a martyr named Valentine. Through succeeding folk traditions, it has evolved into a significant cultural, religious, and
Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has joined Bengaluru-based cloud kitchen startup Curefoods as a brand ambassador and investor for EatFit, the company's flagship brand, which is now being rebranded as "Kitchens of EatFit." The business did not, however, provide the deal's financial details. According to
Naveen Tewari, whose name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial excellence, is the genius behind not just one but two multi-billion-dollar companies: InMobi and Glance. But behind every success story is a tale of struggle, which in Naveen's case started from the serene streets of Kanpur and became a
On 29 January, the Securities and Exchange Board of India released additional explanations regarding the finfluencer rules. Brokers, mutual funds, investment advisers, exchanges, and other market participants are prohibited from having a direct or indirect relationship with unregistered influencers, according to the document on the SEBI website. The regulator'
The Maha Kumbh Mela of Hindus, celebrated 144 years ago, is a religious event that is attended by millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The pilgrims are from far away to four places in India - the Holy cities of Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. Based on
Every year, January 26th is observed with celebrations and patriotic fervor across the country. India is going to celebrate its 75th Republic Day this year. Republic Day is commemorated with great excitement around the nation. With its start in Delhi's Rajpath and finish at India Gate, the procession
According to a court petition by the U.S. company, Meta may have to "roll back or pause" some functionalities in India because of an antitrust injunction that prohibited its WhatsApp messaging service from sharing user data with Meta for advertising purposes. The Competition Commission of India'
LinkedIn influencers are being urged by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) to follow the guidelines that require them to disclose any significant relationships they have with the companies, goods, or marketers they endorse. According to a statement from ASCI, this action attempts to maintain the integrity of influencer
This article has been contributed by Sri Hari Cuddapah, Chief Business Officer, GenY Medium Viral marketing is the powerful form of advertising that uses social networks to quickly propagate messages about the brand. It is about producing a particular type of content which is so appealing that it invites sharing
As the clock strikes midnight and the world bids farewell to the previous year, advertisers grasp the chance to create campaigns that engage, motivate, and resonate with people all around the world. From heartwarming stories that make us cry to hilarious sagas that make us laugh, each ad tells a
Red Bull GmbH is an Austrian company that was launched in 1987. It traces its origin back to a similar drink that was called Krating Daeng. Krating Daeng was introduced in Thailand in 1976 by pharmacist Chaleo Yoovidhya. He pitched the product as an energy booster that increased productivity and
Cricket player Sachin Tendulkar has joined Mumbai-based financial firm Kissht as a brand ambassador and strategic investor. The company stated that the move will help it grow its business and improve its credit finance products, but it did not reveal the deal's financial details. According to the business,
Flipkart Fashion has always been more than just an online destination for style enthusiasts. It’s a brand that understands its audience—fashion-savvy Millennials and Gen Z—and consistently finds innovative ways to engage with them. When it comes to blending innovation and relatability, Flipkart Fashion knows how to make
A business's survival lies in its visibility, if it is not visible enough, then there will be no customers who will willingly get associated with your business. For that visibility, marketing is needed. It is one of the most important aspects of a business apart from developing products
The Competition Commission of India hit WhatsApp and its parent company Meta with an INR 213.14 crore (roughly USD 25.3 million) fine on 17 November for violating the Competition Act and abusing its dominant position through the 2021 update to WhatsApp's privacy policy. WhatsApp has been
You might think Black Friday advertising is just about yelling "SALE!" and endless discount banners. The reality is quite different. Black Friday has produced some of the most creative marketing campaigns we've seen. Brands like Samsung created reverse auctions while Patagonia took an anti-consumerism stance. These
On November 7, 2024, Amazon.in announced the opening of Creator Central, a comprehensive platform aimed at empowering content creators, in India. By providing user-friendly workflows and a dedicated shopfront, Creator Central simplifies the content development process and frees up creators to concentrate on their artistic vision rather than intricate
This article has been contributed by Gaurav Bakshi, Founder and CEO, FlickZilla Entertainment. Startups face a daunting challenge: standing out amidst established giants with massive marketing budgets. This is where influencer marketing emerges as a potent weapon, leveraging the reach and trust of social media personalities to connect with target
Following the Central Consumer Protection Authority's (CCPA) show-cause notice to the business on 7 September 2024, shares of newly listed Ola Electric Mobility dropped 6.17 percent in intraday trading to INR 85.21 on 8 September 2024. In an exchange filing, Ola said that the CCPA has