Why poorly translated regional ads are costing brands their audience
In India's hyper-diverse linguistic landscape, brands are scrambling to connect with regional audiences. The logic sounds simple-speak their language, win their hearts. But here's the kick speaking the language poorly can do way more harm than good.
And surprisingly, many big q-commerce players keep tripping over this basic step.
Lost in translation
Imagine seeing an ad written in Bangla for a quick service delivery app that's so bizzare you can't even tell what it means. That's exactly what happens when brands rely solely on Google Translation. Ads littered with awkward phrasing and outright grammatical errors that no native speaker would write. As a result, instead of feeling welcomed or engaged, the audience feels irritated.
It's the marketing equivalent of someone butchering your mother tongue in front of you just annoying.
Why does this keep happening?
Big brands can afford eye-catching billboards, prime TV spots, and expensive digital campaigns. But somehow, they skimp on the one thing that matters most for regional campaigns: hiring writers who actually speak and understand the language.It's fundamental. Otherwise, the campaign looks lazy and disconnected.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar!
Zumbido no ouvido
Undo
The
social media backlash
Instead of driving brand love or sales, these ads spark eye-rolls, mockery, and social media jokes. Platforms light up with screenshots and memes mocking the awkward translations. Comments range from mild amusement to outright frustration, with many calling out brands for disrespecting their language and culture. A Bengali content creator recently called out a quick service ad on social media, which was flooded with trolls and critical comments directed at the brand.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Luka Doncic was shocked to see LeBron James arrive 10 hours before a game: 'I have never played with a guy like this'
Image credit: Mind The Game Luka Doncic has revealed how he was left in shock—or say awe—when he found out LeBron James hits the venue ten hours before the game. The two Los Angeles Lakers stars gave their fans something to munch on during the offseason as they united on Mind The Game podcast on Sunday. During the heartwarming chat, Doncic revealed what he learnt from senior player James on the court and much more. Luka Doncic shares his experience of playing with LeBron James Luka Doncic minced no words as he went on to share his experience of joining LeBron James on the court after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers in a shocking trade. When host Steve Nash asked Doncic about playing with James, Doncic said on Mind The Game podcast, "It's great, I've never played with a guy like this. Being traded to L.A., it was different, but to be able to play with guys like him, it's unbelievable. I can learn so much stuff, first of all off the court, all the things he does to be ready for the game. And obviously on the court everybody knows what kind of player he is." The Luka Dončić Interview (Part 1) | LeBron James & Steve Nash | MIND THE GAME When Nash asked Doncic if there was something specific about James that surprised him, Doncic revealed, "First of all he shows up like 10 hours before the game. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That was really the main thing, like I was like, 'What?' I came to the arena and he was already done working out." Lakers fans were blessed to watch the two together after such a long time. Reacting to the podcast, a fan wrote, 'I wish these two guys wins championships together.' Another said, 'How blessed are we to be able to listen to these three brilliant basketball minds talk basketball. This Sunday afternoon got a lot better.' One more said, 'Iconic! Good to see Luka on the pod.' A fan also joked, 'Here to watch Micheal Finley walk in & take Luka's glass of wine. (Joking) This cool to see these three talk about the game.' Also Read: LeBron James talks Luka Doncic's impact as Los Angeles Lakers stars unite on Mind The Game podcast LeBron James is currently at home with his family and is yet to share anything about his future plans. Luka Doncic is also at home but not in the mood to sit idle. His fans noticed he was looking a lot slimmer when he was recently spotted at a Real Madrid game in Spain. He will also be playing for his home team to make good use of the offseason.
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Patla Foundation an example of success, says Edneer pontiff
Mangaluru: Edneer Mutt pontiff Sri Sachidananda Bharati Swami said Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation is an example of what an organisation can achieve for society in a decade. He was speaking at the Yakshadhruva Patla Decennial Celebration 2025 and National Art Conference held under the auspices of the Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation Trust at Adyar Garden on Sunday. "It is a magical surprise for all art lovers. This was made possible by the trust's founder president Patla Satish Shetty. The trust provides healthcare to artistes from various fields in the district, homes for shelter to poor artistes, and support, which is a matter of pride. The decennial celebration is happening today with innovative and unique programmes, fostering social harmony. I extend special congratulations to the trust officials and donors on this occasion," the Pontiff said. The Yaksha Dhruva Maha Poshaka Award 2025 was presented to the Federation of World Bunts Associations president, Aikala Harish Shetty and his wife Chandrika Harish Shetty on the occasion. Accepting the honour, Aikala Harish Shetty said, "Patla Satish Shetty is a great devotee of Kateel Durgaparameshwari. We see Yakshagana artistes working for six months a year and struggling for a livelihood in the remaining six months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wärmepumpe 2025: Technikwunder stellt den Heizungsmarkt auf den Kopf thermondo Undo Patla Foundation was established to support such artists and has helped thousands. I will be with this organisation for life. The love behind the honour is what matters. May all religions coexist peacefully in Tulunadu. Patla is a force, and I urge the youth to come forward to strengthen it." K Prakash Shetty, CMD of MRG Group, said, "For Patla Satish Shetty, his voice is his god, but for Yakshagana artistes, he is their god. Yakshagana artistes entertain people despite their hardships and never beg before anyone." G Shankar Family Trust founder G Shankar said, "For the past 10 years, Patla Foundation Trust has been doing commendable work. The current generation does not have much interest in Yakshagana art, but Patla's achievements have brought Yakshagana closer to young minds. Our trust in Udupi will also join hands with Patla. This is a good initiative. When everyone works together with Patla, the lives of artistes will flourish. " Patla Satish Shetty said in his keynote address that the Patla Foundation can serve society more effectively, which is possible only with everyone's unity. Yakshadhruva Patla Foundation honorary president Kanyana Sadashiva Shetty, and Decennial Celebration president Baroda Shashidhar Shetty, among others, were present.
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Legal experts warn of increasing IP infringement as AI and digital platforms proliferate
With the Delhi High Court granting interim protection to the intellectual property rights of the 1994 Hindi filmAndaz Apna Apnato prevent the unauthorised use of its characters, title, dialogues and artistic elements, entertainment industry experts say there is gradual recognition of the increasing threat to intellectual property (IP) ownership, especially with the proliferation of digital platforms and AI technologies. These rights are being infringed upon in new and sophisticated ways, particularly in the case of older, iconic films through unauthorised use in derivative works, stage plays, YouTube series, or even web content that tries to bank on the popularity of the original. The emergence of social media has led to a surge in clipped movie scenes, fan edits, dubbed Reels, and remixed dialogues, often circulated for ad revenue or to boost influencer engagement. Legal experts say these practices frequently border on or cross into infringement, especially when the content is monetised. As AI technologies make unauthorised use more rampant and accessible, filmmakers who may have earlier relied on reputation or informal industry norms to protect their work are now formally enforcing their rights through innovative legal means. Also Read: How Zakir Khan, Bhuvan Bam and Kusha Kapila hit the big time Last month, the Delhi High Court restrained over 30 individuals and entities from "reproducing, using, or commercially exploiting content related to the film (Andaz Apna Apna) without permission." Vinay Pictures, represented by Shanti Vinaykumar Sinha, the legal heir of the film's late producer, Vinay Sinha, filed the lawsuit. 'Popular films from the past are often commercially exploited without authorisation. Iconic dialogues are printed on merchandise, clips are used in YouTube compilations and social media Reels, and songs are reused in digital content without proper licensing," Aishwarya Kaushiq, partner, disputes practice, BTG Advaya, said. Securing sequels, remakes In some cases, creators produce remakes, sequels, or adaptations—both online and offline—without acquiring rights. AI tools are increasingly used to recreate well-known characters or scenes, and mobile games often incorporate elements that resemble those from classic films, all of which infringe on the original IP, she added. On the monetisation aspect, the apparent objective here is to capitalise on the nostalgia and enduring popularity of these films. By leveraging recognisable characters, quotes, or visuals, infringers aim to drive engagement, boost product sales, or increase views—without sharing revenue with the rightful IP holders. Gaurav Sahay, founder partner, Arthashastra Legal pointed out that AI has further complicated this by enabling the recreation of actors' faces, voices, and iconic scenes, which can then be used in spoof videos, tribute content, or even digital advertising, all without needing any actual footage or consent from the rights holders. 'AI tools can produce content that closely mimics or even recreates the original work, often without needing access to the actual source files, with startling accuracy. The low barrier to entry has democratised creativity, but it has also opened the floodgates to infringement," Sahay said. Also Read: Independent producers, boutique studios veer towards regional cinema for big gains He added that such content spreads rapidly across digital platforms, from YouTube to Instagram, generating views, engagement, and even revenue for creators who have not contributed to the original work. In many cases, viewers may not even realise that what they are watching is AI-generated, blurring the line between original creation and synthetic imitation. AI has accelerated and anonymised the infringement process. It has empowered a new class of content creators who may not fully understand or respect IP boundaries. Enforcing rights 'The use of Gen AI for infringing copyright is a significant legal issue and will only grow with time. It is being used to duplicate film characters and music by amateurs as well as increasingly by businesses in the context of product or business endorsements on social media. This is seen generally in moment marketing campaigns conducted by many brands despite the legal risk associated with such unlicensed or unauthorised use," Ameet Datta, founder and managing counsel, ADP Law Offices, said. To be sure, filmmakers who may have earlier relied on reputation or informal industry norms to protect their work are now formally enforcing their rights. Sahay said proactive IP audits are conducted to identify and consolidate ownership over various elements of films to ensure they have a legally enforceable foundation in place. Where a single viral clip or AI-generated parody can damage or dilute a brand, filmmakers are recognising the need to future-proof their IP through vigilant legal oversight, contracts that reflect modern realities, and timely enforcement when their rights are breached. Filmmakers are now assigning digital rights for their past works or negotiating new licensing deals with OTT platforms and music streaming services, ensuring they maintain control over how their content is distributed and reused. Changing clauses Many are now amending clauses in their existing contracts that account for newer forms of exploitation, including AI-generated adaptations, derivative content, or non-fungible token (NFT) usage. There is also an emphasis on digital watermarking and blockchain-based copyright tracking, which allows filmmakers to prove ownership in cases of online infringement. Also Read: Old hits and IPL screenings offer buzz, but not cash for cinemas 'We're seeing a clear shift in how filmmakers, including veterans, are approaching IP protection. Many are now taking proactive legal steps to not just seek registration of their IP but also seek enforcement of copyright, trademarks, and moral rights," Essenese Obhan, managing partner, Obhan & Associates, said. 'Legal teams are also being engaged for continuous monitoring, takedown requests, and litigation wherever needed," Obhan said, adding that the recent interim stay in theAndaz Apna Apnacase signals an encouraging trend of courts recognising and enforcing these rights, despite the complexities introduced by new technologies.
