Most Watched Indian Ads on YouTube in May 2019

The nation raced faster in news and narratives this May.

Right from the controversial issues running quick out of our television sets to the most trivial trends getting hashtagged on social media, it was a perpetually exciting and happening month.

The country had many trending events like the IPL, the Lok Sabha general election 2019 and popular #JCBkikhudai posts. People navigated through social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter and Instagram to stay well informed and entertained. Meanwhile, companies like Samsung India, Dove and Airtel tried breaking glasses with their unique scripts and ad content.

Here are the top Indian advertisements that got maximum viewership in the month of May, 2019.

Note:

Subrat Kar

• Only advertisements launched on YouTube in May 2019 are considered.

• The list does not include ads (about the video content) by other content provider platforms like Netflix India, Amazon Prime Video and Hotstar.

• The overall audience sentiment that is mentioned below each advertisement is based on the number of views, likes, dislikes, watch time, and comments.

• All ads are as per the tracking done through Vidooly's advertisement search engine.

• All the stats here are updated on June 1, 2019.

1. India, Ready, Action! By Samsung India

Strong messages, along with brilliant shots and breaking age-old stereotypes themes made the advertisement a super hit. The ad begins with some general statements that define India to most people abroad.

The Taj Mahal and the Ganges are considered the only attraction in India while there still lies the idea that Indian cuisine is all about curries. Such approaches are not fact-based and there are so much more than just temples, tombs and tapestries. The idea of instilling non-Indian minds with the true colours of the country is depicted in the 1-minute 34-second ad.

This advertisement has received the maximum views from all the Indian ads at 97 million+ and counting. It has an encouraging context that can motivate both the young and the old.

2. Samsung Smart TV or Personal Computer?

The advertisement shows a group of youngsters dancing to a rhythm playing on their smart TV when one of them gets a reminder from his boss who requires some urgent work done. As the protagonist seems to be in despair, his friend helps him by turning the Samsung smart TV into a personal computer. The video features the punch line "unbox the magic".

This advertisement has received over 50 million+ views and stands second on the list. The 30-second video aims at branding the idea of smart devices that ease everyday life.

3. Samsung Smart TV or Music System?

A Samsung smart TV that can turn into a music system and help people party right in the comfort of their homes is the basic idea here. The 30-second video shows a bunch of youngsters coming over to their friend's house who is injured and cannot go out. They plan a party that upsets their injured friend, which makes them "unbox the magic". The group is then seen dancing to music and partying.

With over 50 million+ views, this advertisement stands at the third spot on the list. It has a clear message and content that is conveyed to viewers.

4. Robert Downey Jr presents the OnePlus 7 Pro

"Discipline creates greatness; it's a simple concept" goes the narration as Iron Man aka Robert Downey Jr is seen making smooth wavelike gestures. The ad features the popular actor who has a large fan following. The OnePlus 7 Pro is presented with grace and the "never settle" punch line.

The 32-second video has received 46 million+ views and most engagements reveal that it made it large with their main casting. Content, creation and casting added value to the advertisement and launch for the OnePlus 7 Pro.

5. #RedmiNote7Pro | Dur Se Dekha Toh | #RanveerSingh

This hilarious ad features Indian actor Ranveer Singh with his usual humour and antics. It begins with two friends watching someone drying their hair in the distance. They assume it's a young woman, but thanks to Ranveer and his Redmi Note 7 Pro, they discover that it is, in fact, a man with long hair.

The simple script is direct and transparent with its message to viewers. The 48 megapixels, AI dual camera, is designed to capture distant objects with apparent precision. This is the main feature of the Xiomi handset.

With 44 million+ views, the ad is the fifth most-viewed advertisement targeted at the Indian market.

6. Apple iPhone XR - Battery Life - Game Over

Apple uploaded the ad that features a woman comfortably sleeping on a couch. She has the iPhone XR on and a mobile game is running. In the background, a track depicts her sleeping and the game sounds present the message to the viewers.

The main agenda is to promote the message that this is "the longest battery life in an iPhone ever." The ad shows that even after you have lost your energy and are fast asleep while gaming, the XR will continue until the game is over.

This smart and minimal 40-second ad has 37 million+ views and 89,918+ likes and engagements.

7. realme C2: Desh Ka Real Choice

The budget realme phone is advertised with simple graphics and informative text. The background music is a peppy tune and the ad describes the best features of the handset.

The economical price that accommodates good battery backup, a dual AI camera set up, three card slots, a smart processor, and an edgy design is clearly shown. This 30-second ad, with a decent jingle, has garnered 34 million views and 81,023+ likes from Indian viewers.

8. Dove | Project #ShowUs | Shattering Beauty Stereotypes

Dove has created a rather staggering and unique advertisement. Nothing can be more empowering than telling people it's okay to be who they are. The initiative is aimed at women and the way they are judged on their appearance. It shows how every woman is beautiful even if no brand or media ever advertised them that way.

Dove appreciates all sizes, shapes, skin colour, hair textures, and different physical attributes of women. This ad features some brave, confident women who shatter stereotype while setting an example for young girls and children all over.

The 2-minute 8-second ad has got over 33 million+ views and is trending with the tag #ShowUs where women from all walks of life tell a tale different from what the world moves on with.

9. #airtelThanks | Rewards, perks, privileges and a lot more

The ad promotes the Airtel Thanks app, which has launched services like movies, books, songs etc. The jingle features groups of people in a restaurant tapping to an upbeat tune on the tables. The app's features are flashed in the video.

The app provides services specially designed as a form of gratitude to Airtel customers. This 1-minute 30-second clip has over 32 million+ views and is ninth on the chart.

10. #GalaxyA70 with Triple Camera for Ultra Wide Video

The 15-second video features top Mumbai Indians players including Hardik Pandya and Yuvraj Singh amongst other popular faces. The ad directly conveys information about the handset's triple camera ultra-wide-angle video feature.

The ad shows the players dancing to a catchy tune while the A70 captures their video and viewers are shown how the camera accommodates the whole group in the frame.

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Samsung India has got 31 million+ views on this particular ad and it sits at the tenth spot on the list of most-viewed Indian ads.

(The author is co-founder and CEO at Vidooly, a YouTube audience development and analytics firm.)