Ola News Network was launched as Ola’s news vertical to deliver hyperlocal news. With the motto ‘#NewsYouCanUse’, Ola News Network was announced as a news platform where Ola’s 1 million driver partners, across 110 cities, would double up as on-ground reporters, sharing local city developments in real-time! The concept was launched with a short teaser, microsite, and an introduction video, detailing out the specifics of Ola News Network.
Hitting the bullseye, Ola News Network’s crisp teaser and launch video created ripples all across the media landscape. The campaign created a stir on social media and attracted a lot of news and chatter from the who’s-who of the country’s social circle.
Vishal Kaul, COO at Ola said, “Planning and executing April Fool’s pranks has become a tradition-of-sorts at Ola and we are thrilled to see that our latest one too, has received such a warm reception from our users. News consumption pattern has undergone a significant change and today, people want to stay informed through updates that come to them in a quick, easy-to-use, and understandable format; and hence, Ola News Network struck the right chord among the audience. The fact that Ola’s wide network of driver partners, who are covering the length and breadth of the country everyday, will bring the correct and the most useful pieces of news to the public, made a lot of consumers believe it instantly.” He further added, “It is also great to see that people not only liked Ola News Network as a concept but also took the prank in the right spirit. It is this appreciation that inspires us to think out-of-the-box and launch unconventional campaigns every year.”
Ola’s April Fool’s pranks have always been successful in making the right kind of noise in the industry. Over the years, Ola has played various pranks like Ola Rooms, Ola Air, Ola Wheels; launching them in innovative manner through videos, blogs, and social media banter. Ola News Network nailed the April Fool’s fervour, engaging as many as 17.5 million users and received over 108 million impressions on social media.