Instagram’s new features are driven by deep human insights: Meta’s Paras Sharma

Brands create products or services, and creators create content. The product and services get sold, that's what the brand's objective is. Unless in some cases there is brand imagery, by using creators who can create the most impactful content, depending on the brand's objective, their objective will be met.

The new additions give users more control over their feed, help creators perfect their content, and allow fans to show appreciation through gifts while giving brands a wider reach through a bigger collaboration with creators, Paras Sharma, director and head of content and community partnerships at Meta tells Storyboard18.

Amazon vs Myntra: Who will win over more Gen Z shoppers in India?

Unlike previous generations, which were heavily influenced by Bollywood and sports celebrities, Gen Z shoppers are more picky about who they follow. Social media influencers have emerged as a significant force in shaping their purchase decisions. However, there is a catch. This group only follows influencers or celebrities who ‘walk the talk’ and are more trustworthy. (Representative Image: Amanda Vick via Unsplash)

From curating quirky shopping experiences to creating catchy videos on the latest fashion trends, Storyboard18 decodes how Amazon and Myntra are set to capture Gen Z shoppers.

Starcom wins digital mandate of mulitple P&G India brands; account size estimated to be Rs 100 cr

Pollen, the influencer marketing agency under the network, will be responsible for curating influencer campaigns for the brand. (Representative Image: Immo Wegmann via Unsplash)

The mandate includes digital planning, buying, and activation, for all of Procter & Gamble’s digital-first brands. It also includes search responsibilities for well-known brands including Head & Shoulders, Ariel, Tide, Oral B, and Vicks.

FCB Group India launches FCB/SIX; makes Ankit Banga as its chief business officer

FCB/SIX India will leverage Kinnect’s team of 115 platform and data experts to drive full-funnel marketing, including retention, engagement and loyalty, using its global proprietary tools and techniques. (L to R: Ankit Banga, Rohit Ohri, and Rohan Mehta)

The launch of FCB/SIX in India follows on the heels of FCB Group India’s recent acquisition of Kinnect, newly rebranded as FCB Kinnect.

Sneakers are now considered collectibles, with a passionate following among Gen Z and millennials: Rannvijay Singha

Rannvijay Singha tells Storyboard18, as a long-time sneaker enthusiast with over 20 years of collecting experience, he has witnessed the tremendous growth of the market, fueled by entry and expansion of international brands, celebrity collaborations and endorsements.

SoleSearch has secured Rs 6 crore in their debut funding round from Venture Catalyst, Anthill Ventures, Cornerstone Sports LLP.

#TBH: Can advertising take the lead in bringing social change?

While sticking their necks out on issues may imperil the brands, they do take calculated risks to be able stand out in the clutter. To be sure, the representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in advertising is a more recent phenomenon. This may be a result of the successful challenge to Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that effectively decriminalised consensual adult same-sex relationships, providing a huge fillip to the LGBTQIA+ movement. (Stills from ads)

Gone are the days when brand advertising just meant highlighting the features or attributes of a product. Today, brands are strongly aligning their communication strategies with a cause. With the proliferation and the growing popularity of social media, the medium has played its part in brands strongly associating with a cause.

Online retail in Indian garners $60B GMV in FY23; Flipkart Group maintains market share: Redseer

In contrast to the pre-covid levels e-tailing market has grown deeper across categories, with more users making purchases online. Although mobile phones dominated the category divide in FY19, fashion is now the single largest category with 27 percent share whereas BPC, grocery and home categories are the fastest growing. (Representative Image via Unsplash)

Ads monetisation contributed $1.2 billion in revenue for Indian e-tailers in FY23, according to Redseer’s new report.

Brands in the news for their trade secrets

Whenever a big company’s trade secret is exposed, the company’s brand image is on the line. So are the profits. Conspiracy theorists claim that it could be a profit-making marketing scheme for the companies as well. (Left image by @TrungTPhan via Twitter, right image by Abenteuer Albanien via Unsplash)

Whenever a big company’s trade secret is exposed, the company’s brand image is on the line. Critics feel trade secrets and conspiracies are nothing but marketing schemes by brands.

Indian Ocean on making and releasing music in the streaming era, reels, creators and more

Rahul Ram says, "we are very modest about what our art does. We don’t believe we can change people or their ways. It's just as creative people and artists and being lucky to be doing what we are, we just reflect on the times we live in, and hopefully people resonate with it."

Popular Indian folk fusion band Indian Ocean is adapting to new platforms and exploring new ways to distribute and market music, from collaborations with creators and animated music videos to making reels.