Author: Indrani Bose

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.

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.

Google ads costs soar: CPCs up 30%-100% across key industries, brands are fighting back

The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Retail industries, at a 43% adoption rate, utilize AI for content creation and creative optimization, creating a more competitive advertising landscape. (Representational image: Rajeshwar Bachu via Unsplash)

AI is reshaping digital advertising fast. Brands that adapt, automate, and rethink their approach will get the best results, according to experts.