Who would have thought there would be a world where language would no longer be a barrier to accessing news and entertainment? That’s exactly what Dailyhunt, India’s leading content aggregator app promises.
Whether you’re in a bustling metro or a remote village, this app ensures that news, updates, and stories in your language reach your fingertips.
But have you ever wondered how Dailyhunt operates and what makes it tick?
Let’s explore the Dailyhunt business model step by step to decode their success story!
The Birth of a Vision: How Dailyhunt Started?
Dailyhunt wasn’t born overnight. It was initially called Newshunt, created by two former Nokia employees, Umesh Kulkarni and Chandrashekar Sohoni, in 2009.
The goal?
To make news accessible to Indians, irrespective of the mobile device they used.
But it wasn’t until Virendra Gupta, the founder of Verse Innovation, took over in 2011 that Newshunt truly transformed.
Renamed Dailyhunt in 2015, the app evolved into a platform focused on delivering content in India’s many regional languages. Gupta believed India’s 70% non-English-speaking population deserved better representation. His vision was clear- build a platform that’s as diverse as India itself.
Working Strategies of Dailyhunt Business Model
Dailyhunt’s success lies in its razor-sharp focus on accessibility, personalization, and regional content. Here’s how it operates-
- Local Language Focus: While most platforms focus on English or Hindi, Dailyhunt caters to 14 Indian languages, including Tamil, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi. This inclusivity bridges the gap between urban and rural audiences. With 70% of India’s population being non-English speakers, Dailyhunt targets regional users by offering news and videos in vernacular languages. This sets it apart from competitors like Instagram and Facebook, which focus on English content.
- Target Audience: Dailyhunt primarily targets millennials (aged 25-34), but its regional content ensures even older generations and rural users find value in it. Unlike global platforms like Facebook or Instagram, Dailyhunt connects with India’s heartland.
- Multifaceted Offerings: Dailyhunt is more than news. It aggregates content from over 100,000 partners, including platforms like OneIndia, Boldsky, and Gizbot. It even entered the short-video market with Josh, a TikTok-like platform available in 12 languages.
- Personalized Content: Using AI and machine learning, Dailyhunt tailors news and stories based on your preferences. It’s like having a personal news curator in your pocket.
- Content Aggregation: Dailyhunt aggregates content from over 100,000 content partners, including newspapers, digital media outlets, magazines, blogs, and independent creators. It delivers more than 250,000 pieces of news daily, offering a rich variety in 14 languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Dailyhunt is available on Android, iOS, and even older operating systems like Symbian, ensuring it reaches users across devices.
- Video and Audio Integration: Besides articles, Dailyhunt features ideo content and podcasts, keeping pace with modern consumption trends.
- Localized Platforms: Dailyhunt has expanded its offerings with platforms like Josh and Greynium Technologies.
- Josh: A short-video app similar to TikTok, available in 12 regional languages.
- Greynium Technologies: Includes sites like OneIndia, Gizbot, and Boldsky for niche content.
Revenue Sources: How Dailyhunt Earns Money?
Now comes the interesting part. How does Dailyhunt, which offers free news, generate revenue? The secret lies in its advertising-driven model.
Advertisements
The primary revenue driver is advertising, which includes-
- Static Ads: Banner ads displayed on the app.
- Video Ads: Brands run targeted video campaigns, leveraging Dailyhunt’s user data.
- Direct Partnerships: Instead of relying solely on third-party networks, Dailyhunt collaborates directly with brands for tailored campaigns.
Subscription and Paid Content
While the app’s news is free, e-books and magazines require a small payment. This adds another revenue stream.
Funding
Dailyhunt has raised over $540 million to date. In 2020, it joined the elite unicorn club, with a valuation of over $1 billion. Its investors include big names like Google, Microsoft, Falcon Edge, and Sofina Group.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Dailyhunt’s funding journey–
| Year | Funding Round | Amount Raised | Key Investors |
| 2014 | Series A | $18 million | Matrix Partners, Sequoia |
| 2020 | Series H | $207 million | Falcon Edge, Sofina |
| Total | – | $540 million | – |
Note: We have explained the financials of Dailyhunt here- Financial Aspects of Dailyhunt. Go through the article for detailed information.
Partnerships
Dailyhunt collaborates with platforms like Twitter and brands like Star Sports and Snapdeal, expanding its revenue streams through sponsorships and exclusive content.
Marketing Strategies
To stay ahead in a competitive market, Dailyhunt employs innovative marketing techniques-
- Localized Campaigns: By tailoring campaigns to regional audiences, Dailyhunt strengthens its connection with diverse demographics. Some of its famous campaigns are- Aur Kya Chal Raha Hai; News ka Daily Dose; #HarBhashaEqual; #KhudKiSochBanao; #DailyhuntHaiNa; etc.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with brands like Twitter (for “Twitter Moments India”) and Star Sports during IPL boost visibility and user engagement.
- Content Promotions: Leveraging Josh, Dailyhunt promotes trending topics through short videos, making content more appealing to younger audiences.
- Influencer Marketing: Regional influencers and content creators help Dailyhunt expand its reach in rural and semi-urban areas.
- AI-Powered Retargeting: Dailyhunt uses AI to retarget users with ads based on their browsing history, increasing ad effectiveness.
How Dailyhunt became successful?
Dailyhunt isn’t just another news aggregator; it’s a game-changer. Here’s what sets it apart-
- Hyperlocal Focus: Dailyhunt doesn’t try to compete with global giants like Facebook or Twitter. Instead, it focuses on India, understanding that regional content is where the real power lies.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Dailyhunt has collaborated with over 600 publishers to ensure a steady flow of quality content. Some of these include partnerships with Snapdeal, Star Sports (for IPL 2020), and Twitter (for Twitter Moments).
- Josh: With India banning TikTok, Dailyhunt quickly launched Josh, catering to users hungry for short, engaging videos. By doing this, it captured a significant chunk of the market.
- AI-Driven Personalization: From suggesting news stories to predicting trending topics, Dailyhunt uses AI to keep users engaged and advertisers happy.
- Vernacular Content: Dailyhunt’s decision to prioritize regional languages sets it apart. With over 70% of Indians not fluent in English, this strategy taps into a massive audience base.
- User-Friendly Interface: Whether you’re tech-savvy or a first-time smartphone user, Dailyhunt’s intuitive design ensures smooth navigation.
- Offline Reading: Dailyhunt allows users to download articles for offline reading, catering to those with limited internet access.
- Short Video Revolution: Through Josh, Dailyhunt captures the short video trend, competing directly with apps like Instagram Reels and Moj.
Challenges and How Dailyhunt Overcomes Them?
- Competition: Global giants like Google News, Inshorts, and Flipboard pose stiff competition. However, Dailyhunt’s regional focus keeps its user base loyal.
- Content Authenticity: Managing fake news is a challenge for any aggregator. Dailyhunt tackles this through partnerships with verified publishers and advanced AI tools for content vetting.
- Revenue Diversification: While advertising dominates its revenue model, Dailyhunt is gradually exploring new income streams like paid subscriptions to reduce dependency on ads.
- Maintaining Quality: Aggregating content from thousands of sources can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in quality.
- User Retention: While the app has millions of users, keeping them engaged amidst rising competition is a continuous challenge.
Opportunities for Dailyhunt
- Expanding Regional Content: With more Indians going online, there’s immense potential in creating content for untapped regional languages.
- International Markets: If Dailyhunt can replicate its regional model in countries with diverse languages, it could become a global player.
- Innovative Features: From podcasts to interactive videos, there’s room for adding new features to attract users.
The Impact of Dailyhunt
Dailyhunt’s mission goes beyond business. It’s about empowering a billion Indians. Here’s how-
- Cultural Representation: By promoting local languages, Dailyhunt preserves India’s linguistic heritage.
- Employment Opportunities: The platform supports content creators, journalists, and tech professionals, contributing to India’s digital economy.
- Access to Information: In remote areas where traditional media struggles to reach, Dailyhunt bridges the information gap, fostering awareness and education.
Why should you care about Dailyhunt Business Model?
Dailyhunt’s success story isn’t just about an app; it’s about understanding the pulse of a country. By focusing on regional languages and offering personalized content, it shows how businesses can thrive by being inclusive and innovative.
Key Takeaways
- Dailyhunt’s strength lies in its regional focus, catering to an underserved audience.
- Its revenue model heavily relies on advertising and premium content.
- With Josh, it has tapped into the short video craze, keeping its offering dynamic and relevant.
Final Thoughts
The Dailyhunt business model is a testament to what happens when you truly understand your audience. It’s not just about technology or content; it’s about building a connection with users, one language at a time.
So, the next time you open Dailyhunt to read news, know that you’re part of a revolution where language is no longer a barrier, and information is truly democratic.
In a world dominated by global giants, Dailyhunt proves that local players can not only survive but thrive. And that’s a story worth celebrating!
The post Dailyhunt Business Model: How it Became Successful? appeared first on The Business Rule.