Think of Pune and what comes to your mind first? Most of you will think of Pune’s historic landmarks, its university, and of course, the relatively new IT hubs.
However, is that it? Is that everything the city offers?
No. Lately, Pune has evolved into something much different than its traditional identities.
For example, the city has morphed into a significant beta testing hub of the country. Whether it is the smartly woven metro network or the skyscrapers of Kalyani Nagar that breathe business every moment, Pune continues to transform at a pace faster than ever.
Nevertheless, as Pune continues to change, so does the way brands interact with their target customers. From AI-powered ads to interactive advertising, every year, we see new trends emerge. The year 2026 is projected to be an equally exciting year in terms of trends. So, let’s look at eight advertising trends every brand should watch in 2026.
- AI-Driven Advertising
AI-based advertising is the most obvious trend on this list. That’s because AI is everywhere. So, how can advertising remain aloof? Therefore, the presence of AI in advertising won’t surprise many. It is its transformation of role that will intrigue most.
A few years ago, AI was a helpful tool. Humans would do most of the heavy-lifting then. But lately, the picture has changed. AI has now become the core ad engine fueling everything, including conceptualization, creativity, and execution.
Therefore, many brands have already started using AI and its capabilities, such as predictive targeting, dynamic bidding, and content generation. They are outperforming competitor manual campaigns and even their own, driving much better outcomes.
- Hyper-Personalization
Mass marketing worked once. But it is gradually fading away. And why is that? The answer is a new approach taking over the advertising landscape – hyper-personalization.
Thanks to AI, which brought this trend and strengthened it. AI enables one-to-one messaging that adapts to user behavior, location, device, and real-time context.
Today, consumers expect highly tailored content, whether they are interacting with landing pages or looking at video ads. Personalization is the need of the hour. Consumers want content that directly talks to them.
Generic advertising refers to casting a wide net in the ocean. But hyper-personalization resembles spear-fishing – targeted, accurate, and therefore, more effective.
- Regional and Vernacular Content
Advertising in India has always been challenging for advertising agencies. No. Not because the market is competitive. That’s deemed to be there. But it is the country’s complex and diverse linguistic base. India is home to several hundred languages. Catering to each is necessary for every brand looking to target a nationwide audience.
Pune, which has lately become a cosmopolitan city, doesn’t have a different story. Opportunities in IT, manufacturing, and other sectors have drawn people to Pune. Thus, unilingual ads no longer work. You need ads that speak the target audience’s language.
Marathi is the native language of Pune and is also the most widely spoken. So, creating Marathi ads is evident. But the style and vocabulary vary from locality to locality. For instance, the Marathi spoken in the Peth areas of Pune is slightly different from that spoken in Baner or Bavdhan, at least in terms of the words used, tone, and style.
Now, what should brands do, given these variations? They must tailor their content and communication strategies to cater to the linguistic nuances of Pune’s diverse audiences to connect with them. Those personalizing their communication strategies, specifically based on the target audiences, are more likely to engage and grow.
- AR-Enabled Shopping Experiences
Advertising isn’t merely about learning anymore. It is about experiencing. Today, brands just don’t want to show their offerings. They want people to experience them before they buy them. This is where Augmented Reality (AR)-enabled shopping experiences step in.
Brands with stores in malls use AR to let people try outfits or visualize furniture in their premium Wakad flat before they buy it. This refers to a blend of physical and digital (phygital) that enhances a customer’s experience and helps them make quicker, more informed buying decisions. Of course, it involves a significant budget. However, as the bigger brands gradually realize their outcomes, the smaller ones may follow suit.
- Voice Search and Conversational Commerce
Typing is slowly fading away. It is because voice search is replacing it. Many Punekars, particularly those who drive modern cars and have voice assistants, use voice search to search for something. But it isn’t just English in which they speak. Many of them also talk in Marathi because they feel comfortable interacting in their mother tongue.
Brands must be conscious about this shift. Accordingly, they must optimize their offerings for near me queries and natural language conversations. For example, it must make it easier for someone searching for the best Vada Pav center near me.
- Smart Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising in Pune will no longer remain static. The city’s bus stops, streets, and public areas will see data-driven outdoor advertising. This advertising type adjusts creative content based on the time of day, weather, events, or even audience demographics. Therefore, such a tech-powered way of advertising caters to two things: first, it achieves the broad visibility of billboards, and second, it leverages the intelligence of digital platforms. So, brands using them achieve the best of both worlds!
- Social Commerce and Influencer Evolution
Platforms like Instagram have already become giants in the social media and commerce space. But brands are now diversifying into community-first platforms such as Threads and Reddit. It is because Pune has an active tech and student community on Reddit. Brands that answer people’s questions rather than just sell, sell, and sell are winning people’s hearts. Such people are less likely to go to any other brand.
- Sustainable and Meaningful Storytelling
Pune’s discerning consumers are also eco-conscious. So, if customers value sustainability, why shouldn’t brands? This is where sustainable storytelling steps in.
Advertising in 2026 will not be just about the product. Instead, it will also focus on a brand’s footprint. Campaigns that go beyond a brand’s offerings and highlight its sustainability initiatives will gain more prominence.
So, whether it is using recycled water or powering the office with solar energy, brands must tell them loudly and proudly to connect with the eco-friendly customers.
Want to Leverage Trend-Driven, Smarter Advertising in 2026?
Prajapati Advertising is here to help. We are an experienced ad agency in Pune with multi-domain expertise. As advertising professionals, we specialize in each form of advertising, including outdoor and digital. Our experts are more than just advertising specialists but growth strategists. They understand your vision and identify the right advertising medium to help you not just reach but connect with your target audiences.
New-age advertising is here, and brands are already harnessing its power. Partner with Prajapati and join the new advertising revolution where strategy, technology, execution, and meaningful storytelling meld together. To explore more and get an advertising roadmap for your brand, call us at +91 99 22 138 138.