Integration with technology and expansion beyond metros identified as key areas for accelerating growth of OOH industry
Marketers and outdoor agency representatives spoke about marrying outdoor with digital technologies and moving beyond select outdoor locations in a few metro cities to take the OOH industry ahead

While outdoor remains a favourite medium for many in the advertising fraternity, the OOH industry has not been enjoying rich dividends. Speaking at the seventh edition of exchange4media’s NEONS OOH Awards, Anurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of BW Businessworld and exchange4media Group, highlighted the lack of annual growth in the OOH industry when it came to attracting advertising money. “In the outdoor industry, what is worrying today is that the size of the outdoor industry is not growing. It’s less than Rs 3,000 crore. There is still no measurement mechanism in outdoor,” said Batra.
Shortly after Batra called for the industry to target Rs 5,000 crore annually in terms of advertising spends, leading marketers and outdoor professionals held a panel discussion on turning OOH into a primary medium for marketing. The engagement resulted in an overwhelming support for marrying outdoor with digital technologies and moving beyond select outdoor locations in a few metro cities.
What sets outdoor apart
Initiating the discussion, moderator Pawan Bansal admitted that OOH has somehow not undergone the kind of growth that it should have. According to Bansal, on an average basis, the OOH medium globally commands 7% of the annual advertising pie but its share in India is close to only 5.5% at the moment.
“Today, we are at Rs 3,000 crore. We should have been close to Rs 4,500 crore,” said Bansal, COO, Jagran Engage. Highlighting the differences between outdoor and other mediums such as digital, print and television, he noted that they were all “content-driven” whereas outdoor was primarily “location driven.”
Glorifying the unparallel influence of the medium, he added, “When we talk in this age about consumption of media through mobile handsets, television or print, nothing can beat a 40x20 billboard in terms of the impact which it creates in the consumer’s mind.”
Referring to a report published in The Times of India, Ola Cabs’ Media Director Ashish Bajaj emphasised that a huge amount of time is spent by people in traffic jams. “The average speed of cars in metros is only 11 kilometres per hour. That opens up a lot of opportunity for all of marketers,” he said.
Identifying OOH as an “always-on medium” for Ola Cabs, he argued that it has helped them immensely since their target audience and drivers are always on the road. At a time when people are spending as much as one hour and thirty minutes daily in braving the traffic scenario, he spoke of the impossibility of missing a 40x20 billboard.
Moving beyond metro cities
Lamenting that OOH has been treated as “a stepson of media”, Alok Gupta simultaneously criticised the mindset of certain agencies and clients which cause outdoor locations to be concentrated only around places like Ring Road and central or south Delhi. He hit out at those for whom outdoor was an “ego trip” meant simply to please promoters or higher management by showcasing outdoor advertisements on the route from their residence to the office.
“When you are planning a television campaign or a digital campaign or a radio campaign, it happens all over India but why not outdoor,” he asked. Comparing the difference in outdoor advertising between Mumbai and Delhi, he claimed that Mumbai must be having three times the number of campaigns in Delhi.
As per Graphisads Director, Gupta, the discrepancy of restricting outdoor advertising in Delhi to solely DMRC or select locations had to be done away with. He opined that FMCG products and automobiles were being sold all over the place and consumers came from different locations, therefore, OOH had to be broad-based in terms of locations.
Quoting the Prime Minister, he added, “When Mr Modi was elected in 2014, he announced grandly that for India to prosper, the government has to move out of Delhi. I honestly feel that if outdoor has to prosper then offices have to move out of Mumbai.” On the other hand, commending the efforts of the Union Government to build 100 smart cities across the country, Bansal described it as a “huge opportunity” to expand OOH media. He also held the construction of new airports as a positive indicator for OOH players.
Building a relationship between outdoor and technology
Rajneesh Bahl, Founder & Director of Grey Media took the attention of the gathering towards the ironical relationship between technology and the outdoor industry. “Today, every hand has a screen but till date, there are very few agencies that have started investing into integration,” he stated. Hailing integration with technology as a great enabler, Bahl argued that it was essential for pushing forth OOH’s expansion.
In his opinion, most OOH agencies considered themselves to be a part of local media. Bahl insisted that it was high time that they went hyper-local with technology being the crucial difference maker. “We have developed certain applications wherein we recommend to our client how we can use digital and OOH together and give you hyper-local solution than only giving you a local solution,” he said.
Reebok India’s Kanika Mittal came out as the strongest proponent of technological integration on the panel. “When we speak about integrating digital and technology with outdoor, I think one of the key aspects of that would be now to develop tools that help a lot more in data analysis that can be churned out from an outdoor standpoint,” said Mittal, Director Brand Marketing & Communications at Reebok India.
According to Mittal, the focus should be on bringing together a client’s sales or consumer data with the available outdoor locations through technological tools so as to enable them to reach out to consumers in a more efficient manner. “Maybe we will see that the outdoor campaigns that come up are not just Ring Road-centric or not just western highway-centric but probably more relevant to the consumer as well as the sales potential,” she explained.
Despite 80% of the marketing spends going waste as a matter of principle, she argued that metrics at least ensured that the marketing spends were guided by “algorithms” premised on “historical data” thereby making the investment “solid” and “fool-proof”. With advertising revenues shifting from print and television to digital, she called for turning OOH from a static into an interactive medium wherein a consumer through a text message or tweet could enforce some kind of a change in a billboard which could be in the form of a new image or an updated number.
Taking outdoor campaigns to other mediums
Encouraging the OOH industry to think beyond traditional boundaries, Mittal urged them to invest into nurturing creative teams. “Outdoor agencies can really benefit from having small but really powerful creative teams that actually develop creative for outdoor campaigns and not just campaigns adapted to outdoor,” she said.
Supporting her suggestion, Bahl was quick to point out that OOH agencies need to gradually move from implementation based-OOH business to campaign-led OOH business. Recalling the words of a client, he stated that this particular person had succeeded in taking a digital campaign to other platforms.
He stressed that OOH should take a cue from digital campaigns which “run on print and television” and get ambitious in their pursuit of an implementation-led business model. Another idea that was brought to the table by Gupta was to the take the addictive influence of the outdoor media to young students. At present, Gupta found media schools lacking in course curriculum on OOH. “One of the major things that we can do, maybe media owners can come together and do, is get some curriculum onboard which can actually train new students and develop skills for them in the OOH segment,” he said.
e4m NEONS OOH Awards 2017 was sponsored by Capital Group, Times OOH, Laqshya Solutions, Graphisads, Orienta Cine Advertising, Alakh and 24 Frames Digital.
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Xperia Group launches Xperia Alive Media
The property has been launched in collaboration with singer and story-teller Supratiek Shyamal Ghosh
By e4m Desk | Sep 5, 2023 10:24 AM | 1 min read
Xperia Group has launched Xperia Alive Media, which will be serving unique experiential media advertising across touch points in OOH advertising and reach target audiences with music.
‘Gift a music’ is one of the new mediums introduced by the organisation to serve different categories of the brand.
“Tech integrations with sounds at the right touchpoints engages GenZ easily and therefore XPERIA ALIVE has a wide bouquet of music tech integration solutions to offer different brands,” said Saibal Gupta, Managing Partner & CEO of Xperia Group.
The initiative is being launched in collaboration with singer and story-teller Supratiek Shyamal Ghosh - SG, who is known for the band Aurko and its organisation ALIVE MEDIA & ALIVE STUDIO.
Ghosh started his career with Selvel and has been associated with the OOH industry for the last three decades.
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Pamela Anderson asks arriving G20 world leaders to go vegan to combat climate catastrophe
The billboard has been put up by PETA at Indira Gandhi International Airport
By e4m Desk | Sep 4, 2023 7:05 PM | 2 min read
“Too Hot?” says Hollywood hottie Pamela Anderson on a billboard that no one arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport can miss – courtesy of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India – drawing attention to the role of animal agriculture in the global climate catastrophe marked by high temperatures, droughts, and floods, among other disasters and advising them that going vegan is the answer. In recent months, Delhi has experienced unusually high temperatures, nearing 50°C.
"The facts are in: the production of meat and dairy, including curd and cheese, accounts for about 60% of all food-related greenhouse gas emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change. Scientists agree with the Hollywood star (who once appeared on Big Boss) that going vegan is the single most effective thing anyone can do to help save the planet – and world leaders should be leading the change. Anderson and PETA India hope G20 member countries will commit to fighting climate change with diet change by urging their residents to eat responsibly by eating vegan," read a press release.
"Researchers at the University of Oxford found that not consuming meat and dairy can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73% and that a global switch to vegan eating could save up to 8 million human lives by 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two-thirds, and lead to healthcare-related savings. Researchers have estimated that it could also avoid climate-related damages of US$1.5 trillion.
Eating vegan spares animals immense suffering, including in the dairy industry, in which calves are torn away from their beloved mother cows so that the milk meant for them can be sold to humans, and such cruelty is the norm – even in India, land of ahimsa.
Globally, an estimated 92.2 billion land animals alone are slaughtered every year, and most of them are raised in severe confinement. Chickens exploited for their eggs are kept in cages so small they can’t spread their wings, male piglets and others are castrated without painkillers, and fish are yanked out of the water and crushed, suffocated, or cut open and gutted, all while they’re fully conscious," the release added.
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Welspun launches national 3D campaign for its quick-dry range of towels
The campaign has been launched across various out-of-home media outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin and other metro cities
By e4m Desk | Sep 4, 2023 10:24 AM | 2 min read
Welspun has launched a fresh and innovative national 3D campaign for its new Quick Dry Towels. The collection has the tagline - Jaldi Sukhe, Jaldi Sukhaye - and is aimed at today's aspiring Indians seeking value and quality. The national campaign has been launched across various out-of-home media outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin and other metro cities.
The creative 3D by OAP highlights the quick and efficient drying process by positioning a fan behind the towels to attract the attention of the 'on-the-go' consumer. Welspun, known for its inventive thinking, highlights numerous crucial components through its 3D visualizations. Instead of the traditional drying procedure of being placed either indoors or outdoors, the creative showcases the blue backdrop rays emerging from the fan to create an efficient drying process. The branding 'quick dry' is applied on the fan, aesthetically illustrating the underlying technology. Heat waves connected on both sides of the fan are additional features to demonstrate how quickly the towel material dries.
Manjari Upadhye, CEO, Welspun Domestic Business said, “Quick Dry is a unique feature that Welspun towels offer, and it was important that the outdoor creative brought alive that benefit in a simple and attention-catching way. OAP has brought this alive well, and we believe this campaign would make the brand memorable in the consumers’ minds”
Finally, James Varghese, COO-BTL, OAP, India’s leading out of Home Media Specialist stated, "The idea behind the campaign was to push our creative boundaries and bring out choice and value. The innovative phrase 'Jaldi Sukhe..Jaldi Sukhaye' caters to today's consumers searching for quick cures even in home décor, and we want to carve out a position in that competitive field."
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Myntra launches outdoor campaign for FWD with tongue-in-cheek campaign
The campaign has been conceptualised by Ideas Farm
By e4m Desk | Aug 30, 2023 1:12 PM | 1 min read
Myntra has unveiled its outdoor campaign #SpotItGetIt in collaboration with Ideas Farm to celebrate FWD.
This strategic initiative builds upon the recent film starring Myntra's brand ambassadors, Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina.
Jetesh Menon, Creative Head, Ideas Farm, said, "We wanted the OOH to be unconventional, just like the film. To put the spotlight solely on the fashion available on the platform, we added a playful twist. The outdoor campaign therefore has an irreverent tone to get the audience's attention. It coaxes them to get the trends available on the app and evokes a sense of curiosity with the copy and visual treatment."
Priyanka Dey, Business & Strategy Head at Ideas Farm, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Myntra for the #SpotItGetIt campaign transcends conventional marketing. It's about crafting an experience, igniting conversations, and inspiring fashion enthusiasts to embrace the styles they adore."
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Sony Marathi partners with Posterscope India for new show
The campaign, conceptualized and executed by Posterscope, leverages Kaali-Peeli autos to promote ‘Rani Mi Honar’
By e4m Desk | Aug 30, 2023 12:33 PM | 2 min read
Sony Marathi has partnered with Posterscope to launch a campaign for its latest show titled ‘Rani Mi Honar’. The campaign aims to create awareness around the show using unconventional methods.
The campaign conceptualized and executed by Posterscope, the OOH specialist agency from dentsu India, employed a captivating yet impactful strategy that leverages the iconic Kaali Peeli autos. These autos, painted in a vibrant Rani pink hue, took to the streets of Thane in Mumbai, marking the commencement of the show's launch. However, the true showstopper was not just the colour itself; the auto was adorned with a larger-than-life tiara. The campaign also saw the participation of female auto drivers from Thane, adding a unique twist to this transit-based promotion.
The pink autos offered complimentary rides to women across the city, tirelessly operating for 21 hours and traversing approximately 425km. High-traffic areas in Thane and target-centric locations such as Viviana Mall, Lodha Paradise, Ram Maruti Road, Upvan Ganesh Mandir, Talao Paali, Majhiwada, Panch Pakhadi, and more, were skillfully covered, effectively generating buzz and piquing the curiosity of onlookers.
The campaign captivated the audience, encouraging them to actively engage and share images on their social media platforms. Participants who engaged were treated to complimentary nail art services, effectively promoting the show's theme and the role of the lead actor. Additionally, they were presented with branded bindi packs, an accessory that enhances a woman's beauty. The show's cast members also joined the procession, taking rides in the pink autos, which further fueled online discussions. Moreover, numerous influencers and digital content creators in Thane enthusiastically contributed to the amplification of the campaign's impact.
Commenting on the campaign, Sainath Pai, Marketing Head, Sony Marathi said, “Our fictional narratives are characterized by their uniqueness and progressiveness. Similarly, we are committed to conveying our messages to viewers through unforgettable and delightful methods in our launch marketing campaigns. The goal was to rekindle the aspirations of countless women commuters, making them feel exceptional and empowering them to reclaim their own lives. This sentiment deeply aligns with the essence of our show 'Rani Mi Honar'.”
Imtiyaz Vilatra, Managing Director, Posterscope added, "In an era where grabbing attention is a challenge, embracing innovation becomes the key to breaking free from the ordinary and capturing the spotlight. At Posterscope, our objective is to infuse campaigns with remarkable innovative elements, ensuring they remain etched in the memory of both the brand and its audience. I firmly affirm that Sony Marathi's 'Rikshaw Rani' campaign painted the city with an aura of excitement."
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Dentsu India lauds ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 success with DOOH campaign
The hoardings have been strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai -- Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar
By e4m Desk | Aug 28, 2023 2:20 PM | 1 min read
Dentsu India congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.
To mark this unanimous victory, the network launched a DOOH (Digital-Out-Of-Home) campaign across Mumbai, expressing its heartfelt respect and support for ISRO.
Chandrayaan-3's spectacular landing marks a significant milestone for India's space program, showcasing the country's technological prowess and determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. Designed and executed by Posterscope India - dentsu’s OOH specialist agency, each digital hoarding carried a congratulatory note from dentsu to celebrate this humungous success.
The hoardings, strategically located across five key locations in Mumbai (Juhu, Bandra, Worli, Lower Parel & Dadar), featured striking visuals to capture the essence of Chandrayaan-3's mission and landing - allowing Mumbaikars to share in the joy of ISRO's accomplishment while passing through the bustling cityscape
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LED installations at 13 Mumbai local railway stations light up OOH media
The installations have been put up on the Western line
By Tanzila Shaikh | Aug 18, 2023 7:43 PM | 3 min read
Every marketer wants his campaign to reach as many consumers as possible. And in Mumbai, local railway stations are undoubtedly one of the best places to connect with lakhs of people who commute every day using trains. In an attempt to make the most of these thriving spots with the help of newer technologies, as many as 27 LED OOH installations have been put up across 13 stations on the Western line.
The installations have been put up by M&A Innovation. Talking about the project, directors of the company Anuj Kanakia and Mustafa Patanwala said they wanted to do something different with OOH so came up with the project.
“Even though OOH has existed for so many years, there had been nothing that made it different. The first thought was how do we make it different and how do we bring in the differentiation… so we thought about the LED.”
“With this, advertisers will be able to make targeted campaigns. For example, during the timings of ladies’ special trains, they can play women-centric campaigns. Similarly, there are hours when college students commute, or working professionals travel. Also, cricket world cup is around the corner and we are trying to get the live match telecasted which will eventually help advertisers to gain a wider audience,” said Kanakia.
Speaking about the technology which will enable the OOH to be visible in day time also, he shared, “We have used P3 modules, which have been used for the first time in India in OOH. OOH industry has used beyond P4 to P10 and P3 has got the highest brightness in the daytime also.”
The installations have started functioning from July 1, 2023. As of now, the installation runs ads for six brands for 60 seconds for a span of 14 hours in a day, totalling up to 840 slots a day, per ad.
“An average person spends around 3-5 minutes on the station while waiting for the train and no other medium guarantees such undivided attention. Amazon Mini TV, Kotak Bank, Bandhan Mutual Funds and Burger King are the brands that have already collaborated. Some start-ups have also come onboard,” Kanakia shared.
The agency had to apply for railway tenders for the installations and the cost of the entire project is between Rs 1 Cr and Rs 3 Cr.
Asked about covering more stations, he said, “We are trying to be at the places where the popular trains will come. One of our clients is planning to collaborate with us to expand in the northern region.”
When asked about the measurement and the impact of this media vehicle, Kanakia said, “This is the first time that we are using a CCTV wherein it is monitored. It enables us to gauge the impact to see how people are really behaving with the unit.” He added that it will be easier and transparent for the advertiser and they will experiment with the medium.
Speaking about the future of OOH, Kanakia said, “In future, everyone will be adapting to digital. But it will be helpful depending on how impactful or relevant it is for the brand.”
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