Author: Indrani Bose

Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina controversy: Time for brands to shift ad budgets away from influencers?

While controversies like these may spark discussions, they won’t derail the momentum of influencer marketing, experts feel.

The controversy has intensified discussions around influencers’ accountability and responsibility. Industry experts believe it won’t significantly slow down influencer marketing but it will invite greater scrutiny of influencers/creators, deal values and ROI.

Print still dominates education ad spending with 83% share in 2024, despite digital’s slight 7% decline

Print continues to be a stronghold for education advertisers, with a 32% increase in ad spending in 2024 compared to 2022. The North Zone dominated print advertising with a 50% share, followed by the South Zone at 19%. (Representative Image: Wance Paleri via Unsplash)

500+ advertisers were still exclusively active on TV in 2024, proving that television remains relevant for a niche segment, as per the report by Excellent Publicity.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan’s big bets for 2025

Millions have flocked to YouTube to watch, rewatch, share and discuss their favorite ads, with Booking.com's Muppet-starring promo topping the charts for the third consecutive year with over 94 million views. (Image: Unsplash)

YouTube – the “new” television doesn’t look like the “old” television. It’s interactive and includes things like Shorts, podcasts, and live streams, right alongside sports, sitcoms, and talk shows, says Neal Mohan, CEO, YouTube.

Clash of Reach, Influence, and Perils: Can brands afford the risk of betting on influencers for the long haul?

Influencers thrive on personal storytelling and niche engagement, but their content isn't always ‘brand safe.’ Algorithms change, personal choices evolve, and creators operate without the editorial oversight of traditional media. This lack of control makes them a double-edged sword for advertisers.

Influencers operate in a highly dynamic space where things don’t undergo the same level of curation as traditional media. This can often lead to controversies, creating a volatile environment for brands.

BeerBiceps’ “cringe” comments cost him thousands of followers – Are brands next?

Slamming Ranveer Allahbadia, the Supreme Court said, "The words you have chosen, parents will feel ashamed. Daughters and sisters will feel ashamed. The entire society will be ashamed. These are the levels of depravity you and your henchmen have gone to." (Image: GQ India)

Are brands dropping BeerBiceps aka Ranveer Allahbadia after his controversial comments?

OpenAI’s logo redesign and new visual language: When nothingness becomes the new bold

Branding guru Harish Bijoor likens OpenAI’s rebrand to a “DeepSeek moment,” emphasizing its depth and intentionality.

Even though OpenAI’s rebrand aims to fix its “disjointed presentation,” sometimes this very pursuit of visual uniformity stifles creativity and limits the organic evolution of a brand’s identity.

The next global snack: Can the humble makhana conquer the world?

Superfoods often have their moment in the spotlight before they settle into everyday consumption, experts say.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget proposal aims to elevate makhana to global superfood status, with plans for a Makhana Board in Bihar to boost production and marketing. Can it become the next kale or quinoa? The challenge and the opportunity is for makhana to make that leap and become the next global sensation.

Two-wheeler sales jump 4.15% YoY, 27.39% MoM; urban share reaches 43.7%: FADA

Urban sales also outpaced rural on a YoY basis, growing by 4.54% compared to 3.85%. Dealers cite new model launches, marriage season demand and improved financing as key growth drivers. However, concerns about rising interest rates, rural liquidity challenges and market uncertainty still linger. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

Nearly half of dealers (46%) anticipate growth in the coming month, while 43% expect sales to stay flat and 11% foresee a dip. This blend of sentiments underscores the industry’s complex landscape—where bright spots are tempered by ongoing challenges.