Aaj Tak has introduced a vertical-format TV platform for the delivery of live news [1, 2].
The move represents a shift in broadcasting strategy as news organizations attempt to align live television with the vertical viewing habits of mobile users. By altering the traditional aspect ratio, the network aims to bridge the gap between legacy television and short-form social media consumption.
According to company reports, the initiative is intended to create a technological leap in live news delivery [1, 2]. The network said the platform is designed to re-imagine how news is produced, processed, and experienced on various devices [1, 2].
This format allows for a different visual hierarchy during live broadcasts. Rather than cropping horizontal footage, the vertical TV platform integrates a native vertical workflow into the live production cycle. This ensures that the visual composition remains optimized for smartphones and tablets—the primary screens for a growing segment of the Indian audience.
While traditional news broadcasting has relied on the 16:9 widescreen format for decades, the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has shifted consumer preferences. The adoption of a vertical live stream allows Aaj Tak to maintain its presence in the live news market while appealing to a demographic that rarely watches television in a traditional living room setting.
The launch positions the network as a first-of-its-kind adopter of this technology in the Indian market [2]. By integrating this format, the broadcaster seeks to optimize the delivery of breaking news and live updates to a mobile-first population.
“Aaj Tak has introduced a vertical-format TV platform for the delivery of live news.”
The transition to vertical live news signals a broader industry trend where legacy media outlets are no longer just adapting content for social media, but are rebuilding their core production pipelines to match mobile-first behavior. This shift suggests that the 'second screen' experience is becoming the primary experience for news consumption in emerging markets.
