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IPL 2019: Tech brands optimise ad slots to drive digital interactions
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been growing with every iteration from its inception in 2008 and has become one of the most celebrated Twenty20 match formats in India. With some of the biggest players in the world joining in with local up-and-coming talent, the IPL has garnered both Indian and international audiences. According to BARC data, the first three games of IPL 2019 witnessed a 31 per cent surge in viewership as compared to last year.
This massive audience can be the perfect opportunity for brands to position themselves and maximize their reach. Since we’re in the age of analytics, it would be a crime to leave out social media stats as well. In the month building up to IPL 2019 (20 February – 21 March), there were a total of 73,400 mentions and in terms of pure mentions across platforms and engagement stands at a whopping 1.1 million according to Talkwalker, a prominent social media analytics company based in Luxembourg.
So when it comes to India, one thing to keep in mind is that cricket has no language. It’s our nation's favourite and most popular sport. In terms of revenue generating potential, Star India Pvt Ltd understood the capabilities and won the rights to the IPL. Last year, Star India aired the IPL final in eight languages across 17 channels.
According to the BARC data analysed by Insidesport.co, 22 per cent of the viewership for IPL has come from regional language feeds. These statistics establish how Star India has been able to expand into, and open regional markets well than previous IPL seasons on the Sony Pictures Network.
In fact, it is such a big opportunity for advertisers that Star TV has requested permission from the BCCI to broadcast political advertisements during the telecast of the games. While the IPL takes place from 23 March to 19 May, Lok Sabha elections are scheduled between 11 April and 19 May. For many political parties, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with voters all across India.
Coming back to brands and advertising, another aspect to consider is the evolving arena. Consumers are now watching IPL content on OTT platforms such as Hotstar, SonyLiv, etc. Star India said it would offer targeted ads on its video streaming platform – Hotstar for IPL 2019.
As the viewing experience has diversified, advertisers are also changing their focus by using analytics to reach their TG with more relevant content. Broadcasters are increasing their efforts to take advantage of regional markets by targeting demographics on different platforms with different content as well.
But purchasing ad space during the IPL is not for every advertiser. Only the most successful and premium brands are able to buy the coveted space of 10-20 seconds. So in turn, the question doesn’t come down to national or local advertisers but rather tech brands and non-tech brands.
A majority of ads during the IPL (more than 60 per cent ads) on TV and OTT platforms are tech ads. Companies like Swiggy, Paytm, Netmeds and Make My Trip utilise these ad slots on mainstream media to drive interaction their own digital platforms.
Another key factor when it comes to advertising is actually the year. The ICC World Cup will also take begin in May 2019 and hence ads on the IPL and World Cup 2019 may be seen as a double-edged sword. If well strategised, brands can take advantage of the opportunity to gain maximum traction during these mega events. On the other hand, if unplanned, ad budgets are likely to dwindle leaving sub-standard visibility during only a single event.
For brands not considering a direct tie-up with broadcasters, IPL fever can still be used to your advantage. If budgets are low, consider piggybacking on hashtags and contests to increase visibility and engagement. If adequate budgets are available, on-ground activations at stadiums can be a gold mine creating buzz amongst the attendees and connecting with your audience on a one-to-one basis.
Similar to the IPL teams competing against each other, brands are starting to compete against each other for ad slots. Being one of the biggest opportunities to reach audiences across the country, brands are likely to bid against one another for a coveted piece of the IPL pie.
(The author is CEO and MD at NeoNiche. The views expressed are his own and Indiantelevision.com may not subscribe to them.)
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
