Pioneers of Vernacular Content: The Visionaries Behind ShareChat – Ankush Sachdeva, Farid Ahsan, and Bhanu Pratap Singh

In the dynamic landscape of social media, where giants like Facebook and WhatsApp dominate the English-speaking market, ShareChat has emerged as a trailblazer in championing vernacular content. Founded in 2016 by Ankush Sachdeva, Farid Ahsan, and Bhanu Pratap Singh, ShareChat has carved a unique niche by addressing the need for a content ecosystem in regional Indian languages. Ankush Sachdeva, Farid Ahsan, and Bhanu Pratap Singh, the visionaries behind ShareChat, embarked on a journey to bridge the linguistic gap in India’s diverse social fabric. Recognizing the yearning for a platform that allows users to communicate in languages beyond Hindi and English, the founders set out to create a space where people across rural India could comfortably engage with their communities in their native languages.

Launched in 2016, ShareChat quickly gained traction by doubling down on vernacular content. The platform’s focus on languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada resonated with a vast audience that often felt underrepresented on mainstream social media. ShareChat became more than just an app; it became a digital haven where language was not a barrier but a bridge. Berges Y Malu, Director of ShareChat, highlights the pivotal role the platform plays in providing a solution for regional expression. With most users conversing in their native languages, ShareChat has become synonymous with cultural diversity and linguistic inclusivity. The app’s success is rooted in its commitment to addressing the specific needs of users who prefer vernacular languages.

One of ShareChat’s distinctive features is its deliberate avoidance of political content. While other social media platforms often grapple with the challenges of managing political discourse, ShareChat stands out as a space free from political clutter. This intentional move has contributed significantly to the app’s popularity, making it a refreshing alternative for users seeking a break from the politically charged environment prevalent on other platforms. ShareChat positions itself not as a competitor to industry giants like WhatsApp or Facebook but as a complementary platform. The app recognizes the prevalence of existing social media behemoths and focuses on facilitating quick and easy content sharing to these platforms. ShareChat seamlessly integrates into users’ daily social media routines, ensuring that it complements rather than competes with their preferred apps.

As of November 2020, ShareChat proudly reported crossing 160 million monthly active users, spanning across 15 Indian languages. This impressive user base is a testament to the platform’s success in meeting the unique demands of a diverse and multilingual population. ShareChat’s commitment to linguistic diversity has created a digital space where users feel heard and represented. In the context of the Indian government’s push towards a Digital India, ShareChat becomes a vital player in ensuring that this digital transformation is inclusive and accessible to all linguistic communities. By breaking language barriers, ShareChat contributes to the vision of a connected and empowered India where every individual can participate in the digital discourse.

Ankush Sachdeva, Farid Ahsan, and Bhanu Pratap Singh’s vision and dedication to linguistic diversity have shaped ShareChat into a social media phenomenon. Their commitment to providing a platform where regional languages take center stage has not only garnered millions of users but has also set a benchmark for inclusivity in the digital space. As ShareChat continues to grow, Ankush, Farid, and Bhanu’s legacy remains etched in the fabric of India’s evolving social media landscape.