The rise of Influencer Cartels: Gaming the system or just playing smart?

As AI infiltrates every layer of influencer marketing; from engagement manipulation to full-fledged AI influencers —the industry is at an inflection point. Will brands continue to chase numbers, or will they finally prioritize authenticity over appearance?

Influencers have long used engagement pods—private groups where members like, comment on, and share each other’s content—to boost their numbers. But as the industry evolves, so do the tactics.

FMCG Ads: Facebook leads with 54%, YouTube 29%, X 9%

Prime time (6 PM – 10 PM) dominates FMCG TV advertising, with 53% of ads airing during this period to maximize audience reach. Celebrity-backed campaigns account for 32% of total TV ad duration, leveraging star power for greater impact. Among the most popular ad slots, General Entertainment Channels lead with 41%, followed by Sports at 30% and Movies at 14%, reflecting consumer viewing preferences.

Regardless of the growth in digital platforms, TV remains the leading advertising platform, especially for mass-market FMCG brands like Coca-cola, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, as per the report.

33% finfluencers give stock tips, 2% SEBI-registered, 63% hide sponsorships: Report

The average age of finfluencers is 31 years, with 60% under 29. Instagram is the most popular platform, followed by YouTube. 100% of the influencers are on Instagram followed by 84% on YouTube and 80% on LinkedIn. This also suggests that many influencers are present on more than one platform.(Representative Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash)

While 69% of influencers highlight financial risks, this concern is primarily driven by macro-influencers (20 out of 25), with mega-influencers (13 out of 23) also providing similar warnings.

Trade Marks Registry accepts ‘Chutiyaram’ for FMCG brand, then makes a u-turn

According to the report, there were questions raised as to how the mark bypassed the scrutiny under Section 9(2)(c) of the Trade Marks Act, prohibiting the registration of trademarks that are “scandalous, obscene, or against public morality."

According to the Indian trademark law, registering expletives or offensive words as trademarks is prohibited.

From endorsements to enforcement: Telangana’s dual strike against betting apps and influencers

The Telangana Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017, has actively taken measures to prohibit online gaming including games entailing a serious impact on the financial status and well-being of the people with provisions for punishment, including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, the Government of Telangana has signed a MOU with tech firms, such as Google, to enhance digital literacy and protect citizens from online risks.

Legally, an influencer will be liable for any breach or non-compliance of laws. However, the influencer can shield themselves from financial liability through Indemnification and protecting them from legal claims related to misleading content.

Nestle India CMD denounces fake job ad, warns aspiring candidates

The fraudulent post, attributed to a user named Pooja, prompted Nestle India to clarify its official recruitment processes. The company confirmed that it exclusively hires candidates through two legitimate channels: direct applications via the Nestle India website or through partnerships with reputable and authorized recruitment agencies.

Nestle India’s Chairman and Managing Director, Suresh Narayanan, has personally intervened to denounce a fraudulent job advertisement circulating online, warning job seekers against falling victim to the scam.

Beyond the stream: Why traditional TV still holds the remote

Older viewers tend to watch a lot more total TV than their younger counterparts, so the 75% U.S. viewers 65+ spend with linear TV adds up to a lot more hours. There is a similar trend in Thailand with all media types having greater total reach with older audiences than younger generations.

While much of media’s growth lies in digital platforms, the present reality is a complex environment where both traditional and digital platforms coexist and serve different viewer preferences, according to Nielsen’s report.

Media buying a complex practice, CCI should consider all aspects before acting against agencies, say industry experts

Many of the fellow industry 'veterans' argue that the complexities of the media buying landscape and the rapidly changing nature of the market often make pricing practices more complicated than they might appear at first glance. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

Industry leaders emphasize that promoting transparency and standardization is more crucial than imposing punitive measures.

10x royalty increase; artists see significant streaming earnings surge: Spotify

In 2024, for the first time ever, an artist who received one in every million streams on Spotify generated over $10,000 on average. That’s 10x what the same stream share would have generated a decade ago. (Representative Image: Alexander Shatov via Unsplash)

The financial success of streaming extends beyond performing artists, significantly impacting songwriters and publishing rights holders as well.