iWorld
Yahoo Messenger to shut operations from 17 July
MUMBAI: The emergence of new messenger apps in the smartphone era has brought down the closure of decades-old instant messaging application, Yahoo Messenger. Verizon subsidiary Oath, operator of Yahoo, recently announced the wrap up of Yahoo Messenger with its services coming to an end on 17 July.
One of the earliest messaging app, it started its journey in 1998. Yahoo Messenger, once a very popular player witnessed its declining user base eventually due to several new services including smartphone chat apps such as Whatsapp, Skype, Facebook Messenger among others. Existing users now have six months in hand to download their chat history before the service becomes unavailable.
In a statement issued on Friday, Yahoo said, “There currently isn’t a replacement product available for Yahoo Messenger. However, we are constantly experimenting with new services and apps, one of which is an invite-only group messaging app called ‘Yahoo Squirrel’ which is currently in beta form.”
While avoiding any specific reason behind the shut down of the Messenger, Yahoo said, “As the communications landscape continues to change over, we’re focusing on building and introducing new, exciting communications tools that better fit consumer needs.”
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iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
