Entrepreneur Stories
Most Followed Influencer Accounts On Instagram
Published
5 years agoon
With the advent of smartphones coupled with the internet, it is quite easy to create an account on any of the famous social networking platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. What began as a simple tool for posting pictures or connecting with old friends or new people slowly grew into something larger. Corporations and brands realised the power of these tools and figured out the quickest and best way to garner the necessary outreach for their brand is to have an official social media account. This slowly gave rise to a set of people called ‘influencers.’ An influencer is a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media. Apart from Facebook, Instagram is the most preferred influencial platform due to the personal feel and the simple aesthetic of the social platform.
Let us take a look at some of the most followed influencer accounts on Instagram!
Instagram sits at the top of the list with a mind boggling 334 million followers. However this comes as no surprise considering that it is common sense to portray the brand by having an account itself. Instagram’s outreach allows it to showcase unique social media accounts about people who do innovative things, draw notice to social problems and solutions and spread all things good about this world.
Christiano Ronaldo
Christiano Ronaldo is perhaps the world’s most famous athlete to have ever lived and his 205 million followers are testimony to the fact. Ronaldo is a footballer who currently plays for Juventus football club. Christiano Ronaldo uses his account to post personal, sport related and paid partnership posts.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is an actress, singer, philanthropist and songwriter. Ariana Grande has been singing since she was a child and gained a loyal fan base over the years. Ariana Grande is known to use her account to engage and interact with her fandom. Ariana Grande has 176 million followers
Dwayne Johnson
It is hard to find a person who does not know Dwayne Johnson, also known by his stage name ‘The Rock.’ The actor began his career as a wrestler but changed careers to acting and is one of the most charismatic individuals of the world. Dwayne Johnson uses his account to promote the brands he endorses like Under Armour, Voss, his own brand of tequila ‘Teremana’ and his movies. Dwayne Johnson is also an entrepreneur and has 172 million followers.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is another singer, songwriter and actress who currently has 169 million followers on Instagram. Selena Gomez first appeared on Disney’s television series Barney And Friends. Selena became famous when she played the role of Alex Russo on The Wizards Of Waverly Place. Since then the singer/actress did not look back and went on a steady rise in popularity. Selene Gomez uses her account to share things she is passionate about.
Notable Mention- National Geographic
National Geographic is an official magazine of the National Geographic Society. Children who grew up in the ‘90s and early 2000s will fondly remember the channel by the same name which used to air some amazing content related to all things environmental and ecology. Ever since National Geographic got an Instagram handle, it became wildly popular and uses it to bring notice to some of the most immediate problems that threaten the existence of animals and plants on Earth like climate change, pollution and deforestation among others. National Geographic posts stunning images of nature in its full glory and all their images tell a story about the stark contrast between our urban lives and nature. National Geographic currently has 131 million followers.
These are some of the most followed influencer accounts on Instagram but there are many influencer accounts on Instagram which use their following to spread some good in the world.
You may like
Entrepreneur Stories
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode to Web Users!
Published
3 weeks agoon
November 21, 2024OpenAI has introduced its Advanced Voice mode for ChatGPT on the web, extending the feature that was previously available only on iOS and Android apps. This announcement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), signifies a significant expansion of the conversational capabilities of ChatGPT to desktop users.
Enhancing User Interaction
The Advanced Voice mode aims to make interactions with ChatGPT more natural and conversational. The feature is being rolled out this week to subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, Teams, and Edu. Free-tier users will have to wait a few weeks to access the feature as part of a limited monthly preview.
How to Use Advanced Voice Mode on the Web
Activating the voice feature on the web is straightforward. Users simply need to click the Voice icon in the prompt window’s bottom-right corner and grant their browser permission to access their microphone. Once activated, a blue orb at the center of the screen indicates that voice chat is active.
The voice feature offers nine output voices with unique tones and personalities. OpenAI has introduced five new voices—Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce, and Vale—in addition to existing options like Breeze, Juniper, Cove, and Ember. These voices are designed to create a lifelike and engaging dialogue experience, each with distinct emotional tones and the ability to emphasize certain words for more natural interaction.
For instance:
- Arbor is described as “easygoing and versatile.”
- Ember conveys a “confident and optimistic” tone.
This nature-inspired naming reflects OpenAI’s focus on making AI interactions feel smoother and more relatable.
Usage Limits for Subscribers
While paying users gain early access to this feature, there are daily usage limits in place. Plus and Teams subscribers will receive notifications when they have 15 minutes of voice usage left for the day. Free users will receive limited monthly access to test the feature.
Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s Chief Product Officer, noted that these measures are necessary to manage resource availability as the feature scales up.
A Controversial Missing Voice
One notable absence is the previously available “Sky” voice, which was removed following legal and ethical controversies. Critics alleged that Sky bore a striking resemblance to Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson’s voice, leading to backlash and a lawsuit against OpenAI. Johansson’s legal representatives claimed that the company lacked permission to use a voice that closely mimicked her own. In response, OpenAI suspended this feature in May 2024.
OpenAI stated that any resemblance was unintentional, but internal comments referencing the film Her, where Johansson voiced an AI assistant, added fuel to the controversy. The company has since refrained from including voices that could lead to similar disputes.
What’s Next for Advanced Voice Mode
With this introduction of Advanced Voice mode on the web, OpenAI is taking another step toward making AI interactions feel more personal and accessible. The feature promises to transform user experiences by combining natural dialogue capabilities with versatile voice options.
As the rollout continues, OpenAI is expected to refine this feature further, eventually extending it to all ChatGPT users while addressing concerns around voice replication and ethical usage.
Future Enhancements
OpenAI plans ongoing improvements based on user feedback and technological advancements. The goal is not only to enhance user experience but also to ensure compliance with legal standards regarding voice replication.
In summary, with Advanced Voice mode now available on web platforms, OpenAI reinforces its commitment to creating engaging AI experiences that cater to diverse user preferences while navigating complex ethical landscapes associated with voice technology.
Entrepreneur Stories
Zepto Secures $300 Million, Doubling Its Funding Target Amid Quick Commerce Battle!
Published
4 weeks agoon
November 17, 2024Quick commerce startup Zepto is gearing up to raise $300 million from domestic investors, doubling its initial funding target, according to a report by The Economic Times. This latest funding round underscores Zepto’s growing influence in the competitive quick commerce sector, where it competes against Zomato’s Blinkit and Swiggy’s Instamart.
Overwhelming Investor Interest
The funding round has reportedly been oversubscribed, attracting prominent Indian family offices and ultra-high net worth individuals (ultra-HNIs). This reflects strong confidence in the sector and Zepto’s potential. The company has previously raised $1 billion and continues to position itself as a leading player in the booming quick commerce market.
Previous Funding Rounds
Zepto’s recent fundraising efforts have been impressive. In June, the company raised $665 million at a valuation of $3.6 billion, marking one of the largest financing rounds in the quick commerce space this year. The Series F round was co-led by existing investors such as StepStone Group, Nexus Venture Partners, and Glade Brook Capital, with new investors like Avenir Growth and Lightspeed Venture Partners joining in.
Increased Indian Ownership
Following this round, Indian ownership in Zepto is expected to surge to approximately 35%, which includes stakes held by its founders, Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra. Sources revealed that the founders have been granted an additional 1% equity for achieving key performance milestones.
Strategic Focus on Domestic Investors
Zepto’s strategy emphasizes building a strong base of Indian investors ahead of its anticipated IPO. The company aims to deepen relationships with high-quality domestic investors as part of its preparations for going public.
Celebrity and Corporate Participation
The funding round has attracted high-profile backers, including Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting the optimism surrounding Zepto’s growth. Prominent investors such as the Ravi Jaipuria-led RJ Corp, Harsh Goenka’s RPG group, and the Motilal Oswal group have also committed significant funds. Notably, Motilal Oswal reportedly increased its commitment from $40 million to over $60 million.
Diverse Investor Base
Additionally, participation from other notable figures like Ranjan Pai of the Manipal Group and Ramesh and Rajeev Juneja of Mankind Pharma further solidifies Zepto’s support from domestic heavyweights.
Valuation and Stake Sale
Zepto is reportedly selling a 6% stake at a valuation of $5 billion, reflecting its growing dominance in the quick commerce space. A source familiar with the development stated, “The round was oversubscribed, prompting Zepto to increase the total offering.”
Focus on Growth and Innovation
With 1 million daily orders, Zepto has emerged as the only large private player in the quick commerce sector, distinguishing itself from publicly listed competitors like Swiggy and Blinkit. The company plans to expand its operations significantly over the next year by opening new dark stores—mini warehouses for rapid delivery—in various cities across India.
Expansion Plans
Zepto aims to increase its number of dark stores from around 350 to 700 by March 2025. This expansion is crucial as it seeks to enhance delivery speed and efficiency while meeting rising consumer demand for quick commerce solutions.
A Bright Future Ahead
Zepto’s ability to attract significant domestic investment and its strategic focus on Indian ownership signal its readiness to scale further in the competitive quick commerce market. This funding round positions Zepto for robust growth as it prepares for its next big milestone: going public.
Market Dynamics
As competition intensifies in India’s quick commerce sector, Zepto’s aggressive expansion strategy and strong financial backing will be critical in maintaining its market leadership against rivals like Zomato’s Blinkit and Swiggy’s Instamart.
Conclusion
With a successful track record of fundraising and an ambitious growth strategy, Zepto is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for quick commerce services in India. The recent funding initiatives not only reflect investor confidence but also underscore Zepto’s commitment to enhancing customer experience through innovation and operational excellence.
As it gears up for an IPO, Zepto’s focus on building a robust foundation with domestic investors will play a pivotal role in its long-term success in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.
Entrepreneur Stories
Reliance, Viacom18, and Disney Complete Merger to Form ₹70,352 Crore Joint Venture!
Published
4 weeks agoon
November 17, 2024The much-anticipated merger of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom18, and The Walt Disney Company’s media and digital assets has officially taken shape, creating a joint venture (JV) valued at ₹70,352 crore (approximately $8.5 billion). This transformative partnership brings together some of India’s most iconic television and digital brands, including Star, Colors, JioCinema, and Hotstar, into a single entity poised to dominate the media and entertainment landscape.
Regulatory Approvals and Details of the Merger
The merger received approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and other regulatory authorities. The JV excludes anticipated synergies in its valuation and marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s media sector. The transaction is seen as a strategic move to consolidate resources and enhance content offerings in a highly competitive market.
Investment and Ownership Structure
Reliance Industries Limited invested ₹11,500 crore (~$1.4 billion) into the JV to drive growth and innovation. The post-merger ownership structure stands as follows:
- RIL: 16.34%
- Viacom18: 46.82%
- Disney: 36.84%
Additionally, RIL acquired Paramount Global’s 13.01% stake in Viacom18 for ₹4,286 crore, restructuring ownership within Viacom18 to:
- RIL: 70.49%
- Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.: 13.54%
- Bodhi Tree Systems: 15.97% (fully diluted).
A Media and Entertainment Powerhouse
The newly formed JV will operate over 100 television channels, producing an annual output of more than 30,000 hours of content. Its digital platforms, JioCinema and Hotstar, collectively boast a subscriber base exceeding 50 million. The JV also holds an impressive portfolio of sports broadcasting rights, covering cricket, football, and other major events.
Content Strategy
By combining resources from both Viacom18 and Disney, the JV aims to enhance its content library significantly. This includes leveraging popular franchises and exclusive sports rights to attract a broader audience across various demographics.
Leadership and Vision
Nita M. Ambani will serve as Chairperson of the JV, with Uday Shankar as Vice Chairperson, providing strategic guidance. Other key leaders include:
- Kevin Vaz (Entertainment)
- Kiran Mani (Digital Operations)
- Sanjog Gupta (Sports)
The JV’s pro forma combined revenue for FY 2023-24 is estimated at approximately ₹26,000 crore (~$3.1 billion), cementing its position as one of India’s largest media and entertainment companies.
Leadership Insights
Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, called the merger a “transformational era” for Indian media. He stated, “Our collaboration with Disney and deep understanding of Indian audiences will provide unparalleled content choices at affordable prices.”
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, expressed enthusiasm for expanding in India’s critical media market: “This JV will offer a robust portfolio of entertainment, sports content, and digital services, benefiting millions of viewers.”
Global and Local Impacts
The JV’s global significance is underscored by approvals from antitrust authorities in the EU, China, Turkey, South Korea, and Ukraine, alongside India’s CCI. This extensive regulatory approval reflects the merger’s strategic importance on both local and international fronts.
A Transformative Future
The merger not only reshapes the Indian media industry but also strengthens the global footprint of the entities involved. With strong leadership, a massive content portfolio, and innovative strategies, the JV is set to revolutionize entertainment in India and beyond.
Future Challenges
While the merger presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, it also poses challenges related to integrating two distinct corporate cultures and managing overlapping content strategies effectively.
Conclusion
The completion of this monumental merger between Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom18, and Disney marks a new chapter in India’s media landscape. By combining their strengths and resources into a single powerhouse entity, they aim to redefine entertainment consumption in India while expanding their influence globally.
As this joint venture progresses, it will be closely watched by industry stakeholders for its impact on content diversity, viewer engagement strategies, and overall market dynamics in the rapidly evolving media sector.
Recent Posts
- Mahanagar Gas Partners with Nawgati to Boost CNG Adoption!
- Nazara and Lysto Partner to Launch Blockchain-Based Marketing Platform!
- Swiggy Instamart Aims to Boost Sales per Order!
- Google’s Veo AI: A New Era of Video Creation!
- Tata Emerges as a Key Player in Apple’s Supply Chain!
- OpenAI’s 12 Days of Christmas: A Festive Feast of AI Innovations!
- Spotify Hits India: Celebrating Creative Excellence in Advertising!
- CRED Expands Beyond App: Users Can Now Use CRED Coins Offline and Online!
- Freshworks Appoints Srinivasan Raghavan as Chief Product Officer!
- Flipkart to Revolutionize Medicine Delivery with 10-Minute Service!
- DeepMind’s Genie 2: A Leap into Infinite 3D Worlds!
- Nykaa Fashion CEO Nihir Parikh Resigns, Abhijeet Dabas Appointed as New Business Head!
- PhonePe’s Share.Market Unveils “Sheets”: A Game Changer for Stock Trading!!
- Google Extends Software Support for Pixel 6, 7 Series!
- OpenAI Explores Advertising as Revenue Stream Grows!
- Uber Takes to the Waters: Launches Boat-Hailing Service on Kashmir’s Dal Lake!
- Amagi Acquires Argoid AI to Power AI-Driven Innovation in M&E!
- Allen Career Institute Eyes Unacademy Acquisition in $800 Million Deal!
- OpenAI Faces Allegations of Accidental Data Deletion in NY Times Copyright Case!
- Flipkart Black Friday Sale: Discounts on iPhone 15, Galaxy S24, Moto G85, and More!