Internet access in parts of Africa used to be a luxury, but smartphone use on the continent has doubled in the past two years, thanks to more affordable devices. Now, people are turning to WhatsApp groups and other social platforms as their main source of news and entertainment alike.

Knowing that nearly 85% of South Africans use Whatsapp, insurance company Sanlam used the app to launch the country’s first branded drama. Periodically sending users media, the brand got its message about the importance of funeral planning across in an intimate and engaging way.

Young Russians have grown up in a political climate dominated by Vladimir Putin. But as the 2018 presidential election looms, anti-corruption candidate Alexei Navalny is challenging the status quo. How is his campaign using digital media to get the nation’s youth engaged both online and off?

Why do people spend hours on mobile games? What role does telly time play in modern relationships? How have once taboo topics found a mainstream audience? Do we really need so many streaming services? And how are media creators are blurring reality and make-believe?