Short-form video is not the future, it’s the present: Gaurav Jain

ShareChat and Moj are continually redefining the digital content landscape in India with a language-first approach to short-form video and social media. Owned by Bengaluru-based Mohalla Tech, these platforms empower users in urban spaces and the heartlands to connect, create and express themselves in their preferred Indian languages. With tech-centred innovation at their core, ShareChat and Moj are fast-becoming hubs for creativity and authentic storytelling in India. Gaurav Jain, the Chief Business Officer at ShareChat & Moj, believes 2025 will be an exciting year of unparalleled growth and innovation at the company. 

“With newer technology and machine learning making recommendation engines faster and smarter and creators getting more creative, the boundary line between consumer and creator is fast blurring,” Jain says, emphasising that short-form video’s growth will only accelerate in the future — with no signs of slowing down.

While global players customise their offerings to fit the needs of users who prefer to create and consume content in regional languages, ShareChat and Moj are committed to building for India. “The fun of working in the technology sector is that you get to do something, at scale, that has never been done before,” Jain shares, adding that it’s where the regional language advantage comes in. He believes there is still a lot of work to be done in the space.  

Talking about the gaps in how advertisers view short-form videos, Jain points out that corporate professionals need to embrace this change and make this format a go-to medium for connecting with both prospective and existing consumers. He highlights that short-form videos are no longer just an emerging trend but a powerful tool for storytelling and engagement, capable of capturing attention in seconds — and advertisers are increasingly leveraging it.

“The world is changing at such a fast pace, sometimes the consumers are leading the change and the corporates are following it up,” Jain says. He adds that India’s smartest marketers today are closely analysing data, but some are going a step further by spotting early trends and positioning themselves as trendsetters. They’re not waiting for data to confirm the spike, because by the time it does, the window for a first mover advantage would already be gone, Jain explains. He credits this proactive approach to a combination of experience and a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, allowing marketers to act swiftly.

Looking forward to 2025, Jain shares that the company is ready to go back to ‘build mode’ and come up with exciting innovations for both, consumers and advertisers.