Tag: Content creation

United States – Brightcove has announced the launch of its AI Content Suite, which ntroduces a range of AI-powered tools to increase the impact of video content while also improving business productivity, making it a seamless and easy experience for content creators to get more from their content and drive greater engagement across their audiences.

The Brightcove AI Content Suite includes three AI-powered capabilities – content creation, metadata optimisation, and translation – which simplify video content production by automating the creation and optimisation processes.

The AI Content Suite empowers companies to fully utilise their video content by offering a range of advanced features. It enables the rapid and automated transformation of long-form videos into engaging short-form clips, highlight reels, and theme-based chapters, optimizing content for maximum reach across multiple channels. 

Additionally, it converts horizontal video formats into vertical layouts, enhancing engagement with mobile audiences and improving visibility on social media platforms. To further increase discoverability, the suite automatically generates metadata, including titles, tags, and descriptions, ensuring that relevant content reaches the right audience. Moreover, its upcoming universal translation capabilities will support dozens of languages, making content more accessible and expanding global reach.

The Brightcove AI Content Suite is part of Brightcove’s broader AI product strategy and roadmap. It was built in close collaboration with customers across various industries to create solutions that address their business needs, such as deepening audience engagement and improving efficiencies in creating, editing and distributing video content.

The Brightcove AI Suite will continue to launch new products based on customer feedback. These include the addition of text-to-video capabilities and AI-powered automated video interactivity, personalization, and recommendations to engage audiences and build loyalty.

Scott Levine, chief product officer at Brightcove, said, “The AI Content Suite is a force multiplier for anyone looking to expand the impact of their video content without increasing their workload. Embedded within our video platform, the AI Content Suite easily and quickly enables a video creation multiplier effect without going to other tools and platforms. This allows our customers to maximize their content reach and engagement.”

Singapore – Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG) has unveiled a refreshed identity for Strategic DigitaLab (SDL), its dedicated creative services and digital content creation arm. SDL’s new identity reflects SPRG’s commitment to improving the integration of the group’s creative and digital services and sharing capabilities across markets to ensure a more seamless and cohesive regional delivery.

The year 2025 marks SPRG’s 30th anniversary, with the agency reflecting on how it built its success and reputation on the provision of strategic counsel and crafting compelling narratives in APAC. 

Looking ahead, SPRG stated that they remain passionate about expanding its creative and digital resources to maintain a competitive edge and attract top talent across the region.

Richard Tsang, founder and chairman of SPRG, said, “SDL will enhance SPRG’s offering by not only producing captivating stories, but also amplifying them across multiple platforms. This will enable our clients to effectively engage, inspire and educate their audiences through efficient and scalable content creation.”

He added, “By sharing our creative and digital capabilities, we are positioning ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and deliver more dynamic, integrated campaigns that meet the changing needs of our clients across the region.”

SDL was established in 2016 to provide dynamic, multimedia-driven campaigns that span the full spectrum of digital and creative services, including branding, creative production, digital marketing, content development, social media communications and video production.

SDL enables SPRG to maintain its trajectory by combining creative strengths of the offices with digital expertise. 

Singapore – Reinforcing its commitment to building brands from within culture, VIRTUE has announced the appointments of Clive Sin as senior content creator and Marie Lee as senior strategist.

With extensive background in creative development, content creation, and production, Sin brings a multi-disciplinary approach to his work. His previous roles include positions at RAPP Singapore, Studio 155, Socialyse, and Havas.

In his new appointment, Sin will play a key role in VIRTUE’s content and entertainment studio, which offers end-to-end services including content strategy, creative development, production, and measurement. He will leverage the agency’s entertainment-driven ethos to create high-quality, engaging content for clients and support VIRTUE’s growth and continued success.

Meanwhile, Lee joins VIRTUE from VaynerMedia, where she spent over two years in a senior strategy role. With a robust background in documentary research and prior experience at Culture Group, she has developed strong skills in cultural prediction, strategy, and social insights.

As the new senior strategist, Lee will oversee VIRTUE’s strategy for the global social retainer of prestige beauty brand Clé de Peau Beauté. She will also drive the agency’s cultural foresight and prediction capabilities—a proprietary model designed to help brands assess cultural capital and identify key networks and communities for growth, offering deeper insights into culture and global context.

Both Sin and Lee represent VIRTUE’s commitment to embracing unconventional talent, going against traditional silos to create the agency of tomorrow.

Lesley John, managing director at VIRTUE APAC, said, “We pride ourselves on attracting talent that is fearless in pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and has the ability to think beyond conventional career paths. Clive and Marie are perfect examples of the new generation of creatives and strategists who are reshaping our industry. Their unique perspectives and fluid approaches to how they work will further elevate our ability to create culturally resonant and impactful work for our brands.”

Commenting on his appointment, Sin said, “VIRTUE has a strong reputation for embracing experimentation and innovation, and I’m excited to bring my experience to the agency. I look forward to collaborating with a team that values diversity of thought and is committed to building brands that resonate with culture.”

Lee added, “VIRTUE’s approach to strategy is refreshingly aligned with my own philosophy of immersing myself in culture to inform and inspire. I’m excited to bring my passion for pop culture and brand building to a place that truly values non-conventional thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration.”

Singapore – Gushcloud International has expanded its Southeast Asian creator roster by signing 27 new exclusive talents in the first half of 2024, strengthening its position in the regional influencer market.

The expanded regional talent roster now includes 10 creators from Indonesia, 9 from the Philippines, 3 each from Singapore and Thailand, and 2 from Malaysia. These influencers, active across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), offer a diverse array of content spanning lifestyle, fashion, comedy, food, travel, and advocacy.

The latest additions to the Gushcloud International talent roster include:

INDONESIA

  • Belvadera (@beldavevara): Beauty and fashion influencer
  • Marcell Darwin (@marcelldarwin): Actor
  • Ricko Putra Ramli (@rickoramli): Fitness enthusiast
  • Florean Augustina (@florean_augustina): Content creator
  • Jason Lie (@jason_lie): Lifestyle influencer
  • Jonathan Lie (@jonathan_lie): Digital content creator
  • Abun Sungkar (@abunsungkar): Fashion and lifestyle influencer
  • Xaviera Putri (@xavieraputri): Beauty influencer
  • Dita Kerang (@ditakerang): Fashion enthusiast
  • Sephora (@sephora): Content creator

MALAYSIA

  • Natasya Nazreen (@natasya_nazreen): Fashion and beauty influencer
  • Khairul Hakimin (@khairulhakimin): Lifestyle and food content creator

PHILIPPINES

  • Apple David (@apppledavid): Host and sportscaster
  • Rio Mizu (@riomizu): Beauty and fashion influencer
  • Pattie Paraiso (@pattieparaiso): Lifestyle content creator and Gamer
  • Keona Lozada (@keonalozada_): Fashion and beauty influencer
  • Will Devaughn (@willdevaughn): Actor and content creator
  • Vanessa Lavadia (Bunny) (@alwaysthefunnygirl): Comedian and lifestyle influencer
  • Katrice Kierulf (@katricekierulf): Fitness enthusiast and model
  • Angel Grace America (@angelgrace.america): Beauty and fashion influencer
  • Hannah Maxine Cruz (@hannahmaxinecruz): History buff and host

SINGAPORE

  • Esther Rachel Lai (@estherrachel_lai): Lifestyle and travel enthusiast
  • Yan Kay Kay (@yankaykay): Content creator and beauty influencer
  • Cheryl Chin (@cheryl_chin): Lifestyle and fashion influencer

THAILAND

  • Tarnutsuda (@tarnutsuda): Beauty and lifestyle influencer
  • Nnanaeeee (@nnanaeeee): Comedian and content creator
  • Poonchuu (@poonchuuu): Fashion and lifestyle influencer

Nirote (May) Chaweewannakorn, head of talent in Southeast Asia and country director of Thailand at Gushcloud International, said, “We are excited to officially welcome the new members to our Gushcloud Talent Agency family. These young creators are brimming with creativity, collaboration, and energy. More importantly, they harness their influence to drive positive change within their social media fans, which perfectly aligns with Gushcloud’s mission of creating positive influence for future generations. We are thankful for their trust in Gushcloud and we can’t wait to start developing content and securing brand deals for them.” 

Earlier this year, Gushcloud International announced the signing of 14 new creators from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Additionally, the company has expanded its global presence by opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Singapore – SOOP, a new live-streaming platform, officially launched its global beta on June 5, 2024, for web and mobile app experiences.

Following the launch, the platform has quickly attracted streamers broadcasting a wide variety of content, ranging from popular esports and multiplayer titles and ‘Let’s Play’ single player gaming sessions, to virtual avatar and ‘IRL’ streamers.

With its launch, SOOP has developed strategic partnerships with game publishers, tournament organisers, and leading entertainment providers to host unique and exclusive content.

In terms of partnerships, SOOP has partnered with Riot Games to broadcast esports tournaments in games such as VALORANT and League of Legends, as well as partnerships with broadcasters or RTS and FGC tournaments in games like StarCraft and Tekken.

Beyond esports, users are provided with a world of sports and entertainment content to explore with access to broadcasts of Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League and Union Mondiale de Billard (UMB) matches, while viewers seeking reality entertainment can enjoy live streams of sensations like K-pop contest, U2U: Up To You, hilarious physical challenges like Special Fox, and other original content series.

Furthermore, SOOP is currently running a three-month-long promotion that allows users to monetise their channels by streaming for just one hour until the end August 2024, lowering the barrier of entry for aspiring streamers, while encouraging exploration of the numerous content avenues that are available to users to kickstart their content creation journey.

The platform categorises streamers into three tiers namely ‘Rookie’, ‘Affiliate’ and ‘Partner’ with varying requirements and benefits. During the promotional period, users are eligible to become Affiliate streamers after achieving just one hour of cumulative streaming, enabling monetisation and access to the SOOP Revenue Program. This allows content creators of any size to seize the moment and start earning from live streaming on SOOP.

Users in the SOOP Revenue Program will initially benefit from two monetisation methods such as gems that users can give to streamers and subscriptions that grant users special access to a streamer’s exclusive features and content, providing an avenue to support their favourite streamers on an individual or recurring basis while enjoying personalised perks.

In addition to gems and subscriptions, advertising revenue share solutions are in development for future release to further grow streamers’ monetisation opportunities, alongside in-game drops and game account integration to enhance interactivity for viewers.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Project Kavvaii, the VTuber arm of airasia, has announced that its remaining VTuber talents, Airi Gwynevere and Mikazuki Mai, will be retiring their online activities on March 31. The announcement was made officially via the VTuber project’s official X (Twitter) account.

According to the announcement, both talents will effectively strop streaming content by April 1, with their respective YouTube memberships and Streamlabs pages closed immediately as well. It is also worth noting however that their recently-released webtoon series titled “Lunetide Bewitched” will continue to release new episodes up until it is finished by end of season.

In an exclusive conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Project Kavvaii said that the decision was made by airasia to not renew the talent’s contracts due to changes in the company’s direction.

“The team will continue with other IP development projects. However, Project Kavvaii will not be so active, and we do not foresee taking in any additional talents anytime soon,” Project Kavvaii stated.

Despite the departure of the talents behind these VTubers, the agency said that their IP will remain in the Project Kavvaii ecosystem. Its team will continue working on projects outside of the VTuber project initiative, hinting that the initiative will not shut down completely.

With this, airasia’s Project Kavvaii would no longer have active VTuber talents in its roster. Its first-ever talent, Aozora Kurumi, ceased her VTubing activities in August 2022. Airi Gwynevere and Mikazuki Mai debuted as part of the agency’s Lunetide generation in April 2022.

The recent announcement is a far cry from the optimism airasia had back then when they started the Project Kavvaii initiative. In an exclusive interview with then-chief brand officer Rudy Khaw, he stated how VTubers had allowed them to tap into a new demographic that could potentially be new customers.

“As a digital company, the constant change in the way people consume online content drives us to explore cross-industry innovations with Project Kavvaii to stay relevant and ahead of trends,” Khaw stated back then.

Moreover, this new update comes in line with significant changes in the airasia ecosystem, with its airasia MOVE offering now offering a rebranded look, as well as its low-cost airline company Capital A announcing a business combination agreement with Aetherium Acquisition to enter listing in the United States.

Manila, Philippines – Local livestreaming platform Kumu and Google Cloud have announced a partnership in order to build AI tools to assist content creators in terms of entertainment, education, and customer service.

This collaboration between Kumu and Google Cloud aims to encourage more startups and enterprises alike to embrace the power of generative AI and to understand how this technology can best complement and strengthen their businesses. 

At a showcase event at the Google office in the Philippines, Rexy Dorado, co-founder and president at Kumu, showcased a live demo of “Crisostomo A.I. Barra”, Kumu’s first AI streamer who can respond to questions about Philippine history (even beyond what’s written in “Noli Me Tangere”, the novel that his character and personality was based on), the Kumu app, and general pop culture. Dorado also gave the attendees a sneak peek into other AI avatars in the pipeline: AI game show hosts, fortune tellers, tutors, tour guides, and customer support agents. 

An early adopter of Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities for businesses, Kumu has been building its AI streamer and other AI avatars using Google Cloud’s PaLM 2 for Text and Chat first-party models, Embeddings for text and images, and Generative AI Studio – all of which can be accessed through the Vertex AI platform.

For the company, it has always sought ways to make Filipino content more fun and engaging with innovative technology. They added that as soon as generative AI started gaining traction, Kumu looked to an AI-first company like Google Cloud to explore how the technology could be applied to enhance its live content experiences.

Mumbai, India – Software as a service (SaaS) company CleverTap has announced the integration of OpenAI with the CleverTap platform and the launch of its AI-generated content creator Scribe. This can generate campaign creatives, analyse emotions, and rewrite them keeping in mind a specific emotion that resonates with the brands’ users. 

The AI assistant can likewise interpret the emotion of messages and suggest the best alternative that users are more likely to engage with. Through Scribe, growth marketers can also auto-generate emotionally relevant copies and expedite content development by using just a few keywords. 

The technology also aims to enable brands and marketers to automatically determine the tone of their messages and leverage user engagement data based on emotion analysis to develop hyper-personalised content that is consistent with the brand and also resonates with the user. 

“Studies show that marketers only have 2 seconds to capture users’ attention in the digital realm. This gives marketers a very brief window to engage their users by tapping into the right emotions and AI enables brands to build these customized campaigns. These advancements in AI will open up the next frontier for marketers and bring back the ‘tech’ in MarTech,” said Jacob Joseph, vice president of data science at CleverTap.

He added, “We’re excited to launch Scribe – our very own OpenAI powered AI content creator to help our customers generate personalized, emotionally relevant messaging to stay connected with users and strengthen digital relationships.”

Scribe is currently available to CleverTap Enterprise Customers on an invite basis and will be rolled out to customers in April.

Previously, CleverTap has also launched CleverTap for Startups (C4S) that offers a full-stack retention platform to all smaller digital-native businesses that could assist in personalising and optimising all customer touchpoints.

Australia – Global content management system (CMS) company Storyblok has announced the launch of ‘Creator Fund’, which invites content creators globally to submit ideas for content related to CMS topics for a chance to receive US$5k to work on the project.

The ‘Creator Fund’ is open to any creator-driven media and has previously collaborated with a diverse community of creators; including bloggers, podcasters, live streamers, social media influencers, amongst others.

This was not the first time Storyblok has put its focus to content creation, as it has sponsored 231 creators in 2022 in their projects. For the company, working with the creator community to raise awareness of the benefits of headless content management has always been a priority.

Thomas Peham, VP of marketing at Storyblok, said, “Whether they’re new or established creators, we find the best content ideas to promote headless architecture come from the community. Through our new Creator Fund, not only will more businesses learn about the future of content management, but we’ll also help creators get more attention for their great work and creativity.”

The new Storyblok initiative comes after a recent partnership with Mindvalley to develop the brand’s digital experience. In said partnership, Storyblok has helped the self-help digital platform deliver such experience with a 50% cut in development time as well as a 2x faster time to market in 8 languages.

Moreover, a recent study by Forrester found out that Storyblok was able to provide its customers with high return on investment (ROI) once they modernise their content operation, as high as 582%, over a three-year period and paid for itself in less than six months.

Singapore – Video streaming platform YouTube has partnered with comedy brand Ministry of Funny to launch a series of workshops, aimed at helping interfaith groups and religious organisations create quality online content and meaningful discourse around the emerging issues of online extremism and hate. 

Titled ‘Tribe Talkin’: How to Start Conversations on Difficult Topics’, the first part of this collaboration will consist of a series of three 6-hour workshops. Participants from various interfaith groups will learn to strategise, plan, and execute impactful content using comprehensive training materials. They will also learn the basics of video production, data analytics, and best practices for channel optimisation and sustained engagement on YouTube. 

These action-oriented workshops are part of an ongoing collaboration between YouTube and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) to counter violent extremism on online platforms, and were announced with Minister of State Alvin Tan as the Guest-of-Honour in attendance. At the end of the workshops, religious and interfaith groups will be better equipped with the knowledge and confidence to address such sensitive issues online.

Ben King, Google’s country managing director for Singapore, shared that with increased accessibility to content creation, more voices are finding their way onto online platforms, including those of bad actors, and with this, it is crucial that the platform empower interfaith and religious community builders to step up and strengthen their social fabric with helpful content. 

“As part of our responsibility efforts, YouTube has invested in policies, products and people to protect the YouTube community while preserving its positive impact. This collaboration with the Ministry of Funny and local YouTube creators with the support of MCCY continues our longstanding efforts to amplify positive voices against threat vectors in this region,” said King.

Meanwhile, Terence Chia, co-founder of Ministry of Funny, said that the brand has been creating comedy content addressing sensitive topics like stereotypes, religion, and online extremist behaviour for over a decade now, and while it has managed to reach a large audience via its YouTube channel as well as its Yah Lah BUT podcast, it is also important that it enables more local voices to join the conversation and raise awareness on such critical topics.

“This partnership with YouTube is in line with our mission to give back to the community, and we are excited to work with other local creators to empower a new generation of content creators on YouTube,” added Chia.

In the final session, participants will use their learnings to develop a video concept pitch, where the winning group will bag a $10,000 grant, which will be equally shared amongst the four organisations they represent. Additionally, each of these four organisations will also receive a short-term mentorship led by YouTube content creators, Our Grandfather Story, The Daily Ketchup Podcast, itsclarityco, and Overthink, to help expand their content creation efforts for their respective organisations.

Alvin Tan, minister of state for MCCY and Ministry of Trade and Industry, also commented, “Today’s workshop by Google and Ministry of Funny shows us how we can use tech to create content and conversations that build trust and understanding amongst our many communities in Singapore.”