In an era where capturing audience attention is increasingly challenging, Onmanorama has introduced an innovative AI-driven video series that blends journalism, technology, and storytelling to engage younger audiences.

The vertical video series How Many of You Know reimagines history for the digital age by using generative AI to bring lesser-known Malayali stories and personalities to life.

Developed as a short-form, high-engagement format, the project is designed to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences across platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts.

Onmanorama, the online English news portal of the Malayala Manorama group, one of India’s prominent media houses, has built a strong reputation for combining credible journalism with digital innovation. The new series further reinforces its position as a leading digital news brand experimenting with emerging technologies.

A format built for the attention economy

The core idea behind How Many of You Know is to ensure significant historical milestones and personalities are not lost in today’s fast-scrolling digital environment. The series transforms archival material into immersive, under-90-second videos that are both informative and engaging.

Drawing from the extensive archives of Malayala Manorama, the project identifies iconic figures whose stories lack visual documentation. Through AI-assisted visualisation, these personalities are given a face and voice, making history more relatable for younger viewers.

Despite its experimental format, the editorial foundation remains rooted in verified research, ensuring accuracy and journalistic integrity.

AI-powered storytelling

At the heart of the project is a hybrid production model that combines traditional reporting with advanced AI tools.

The workflow includes generating historically accurate imagery where archives are incomplete, animating static portraits to create a “living history” effect, and using synthesised narration to deliver crisp, high-energy storytelling suited for social media consumption.

The format also enables visual reconstruction of moments that were never captured on camera, offering audiences a new way to experience history.

Driving engagement and cultural connection

Designed specifically for mobile-first platforms, the series uses fast-paced editing and concise narratives to maximise retention among younger audiences. By keeping videos under 90 seconds, the project has achieved strong completion rates, particularly among viewers aged 13 to 25.

Beyond metrics, the series has sparked meaningful engagement. It has encouraged cross-generational interaction, with younger users sharing content widely while older audiences contribute context and insights in the comments, effectively turning discussions into a living archive of Malayali heritage.

The series covers a wide range of themes, from social justice and pop culture to science and global impact.

Episodes have highlighted figures such as Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in India’s Constituent Assembly, and Bhaskar Menon, a global music executive with roots in Kerala. It has also explored scientific achievements, such as the discovery of the Hamza River by a Malayali researcher.

How Many of You Know demonstrates how AI can be used not just for efficiency but for deeper storytelling and audience connection. By merging archival journalism with cutting-edge technology, Onmanorama has created a format that is both innovative and culturally resonant.

As digital audiences continue to evolve, the series stands as an example of how news organisations can adapt, making heritage accessible, engaging, and relevant in the modern media landscape.

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