iWorld
VMate launches corona anthem
MUMBAI: Short-video platform VMate has launched the VMate corona anthem, a foot-tapping number based on the now-popular anti-corona slogan ‘Go Corona, Corona Go Go’.
The VMate corona anthem, however, is an extension of the viral mantra and spreads the right message related to the pandemic that has brought the world to its knees and resulted in the government enforcing an unprecedented 21-day countrywide lockdown. The anthem asserts that India would emerge as the winner in the ongoing war against the deadly virus. At the same time, it spreads all the right message related to the prevailing situation, advising people to wash their hands repeatedly and wear masks. The anthem further advocates ‘social distancing’ by urging all to make ‘Namaste’ – the Indian way of greeting each other – a trend.
Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9E-AGW3-P0
The lyrics of the anthem, ‘India ki jeet, Corona ki haar, Go Corona, Corona Go Go…India se tu ab door ho’, which roughly translates to ‘India will triumph and Corona will lose in the war against the pandemic’. The song has been composed and sung by Advait Nemlekar, who has worked in popular Bollywood films like ‘Saand Ki Aankh’ and some blockbuster Gujarati movies, including ‘Gujjubhai the Great’. His latest association was with ‘Special Ops’ series that starred critically acclaimed actors Kay Kay Menon and Vinay Pathak. The VMate corona anthem’s video showcases performances by several creators on the app and has been choreographed by Hemanshu Patel.
The anthem is a manifestation of VMate’s commitment towards strengthening the fight against the pandemic, which has posed possibly the biggest challenge faced by mankind in the modern era. Earlier, the app had roped in doctors and medical professionals to ensure that only validated information reached the users. The step was also aimed at busting myths doing rounds on various social media platforms. Apart from this, VMate also launched a #21DaysChallenge, wherein creators were asked to take up a fresh challenge on each day of the lockdown. The idea behind the initiative was to keep users busy, engaged and entertained at homes in a creative manner during the lockdown.
This was followed by the launch of three innovative corona-related games on the short video app.
iWorld
Meta tests Instagram Plus with stealth features and extended story tools
New paid tier targets everyday users with more control and privacy perks
MUMBAI: Meta appears to be doubling down on subscriptions, quietly testing a new premium tier called Instagram Plus that brings a mix of privacy, control and visibility tools to everyday users of Instagram.
Unlike Meta Verified, which is geared towards creators and businesses, the new offering is aimed squarely at regular users who want a little more control over how they show up and what they see on the platform.
At the heart of Instagram Plus is a rethink of Stories, the app’s most widely used feature. The test introduces the ability to view Stories anonymously, meaning users can watch or preview content without appearing in the viewer list. It also adds “rewatch insights”, allowing users to see how many times their own Stories have been viewed, a metric that has long been a source of curiosity.
There is more. Stories can stay live for up to 48 hours instead of the usual 24, giving posts a longer shelf life. Users can also create multiple audience lists beyond “Close Friends”, making it easier to tailor content for different circles such as work, family or social groups.
For those chasing visibility, a weekly “Story Spotlight” feature lets users push a post to the front of their followers’ feed. Meanwhile, searchable viewer lists make it simpler to track who has seen a Story, and a new “superlike” reaction adds a more animated way to stand out in direct messages.
The feature set may feel familiar to some. Several of these tools have previously existed through third-party workarounds or have been widely requested by users, particularly the ability to browse Stories discreetly.
Pricing for the test is deliberately modest, suggesting a strategy focused on scale. Early trials show subscription costs at roughly $1 to $2 per month in markets such as the Philippines, Mexico and Japan. The feature has not yet rolled out in India, the United States or Europe, though a broader launch later in 2026 is widely expected if the pilot gains traction.
The move reflects a broader shift in Meta’s business model. With digital advertising facing increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, subscription products offer a more predictable revenue stream. Rivals such as Snapchat Plus have already found success, building a sizeable paying user base with similar premium add-ons.
For Meta, the bet is simple: give users more control, a touch of stealth and a dash of exclusivity, and they may be willing to pay. If the early signs hold, Instagram Plus could turn everyday scrolling into a slightly more curated, and monetised, experience.
