MUMBAI: Viacom18's International entertainment channel Vh1 has clocked a record 500,000 members on its Facebook page, which it claims is a first for any niche channel in the country.

The broadcaster says that the content on the page helps get 30 per cent of the fan base to engage with the brand every month with an average of 11 million impressions every week.

Vh1 India also conducts contests giving away merchandise and "life-changing opportunities" to winners. The 'Ticket to Ride' contests have culminated in winners attending the Grammy Awards, watching Shakira Live at the GrandPrix in Singapore, partying Vh1 style at The Playboy Mansion in LA with over 1000 playmates.

Some winners also get concert tickets, meet and greet opportunities with international artistes amongst other merchandise like guitars, t-shirts and lots more. The Facebook page was also the first medium in the country to launch Coldplay's latest album Mylo Xyloto way before the album hit stores, thus giving members an exclusive sneak-peak to the new release.

Vh1 India channel head Ferzad Palia said, "Getting half a million hits on our Facebook page speaks a lot about the brand and its pioneering initiatives in the social media domain in this genre. The youth today has moved to an evolved lifestyle and Vh1 India re-affirms the endeavour to provide its fans with cult entertainment of their choice, which is latest and in keeping with the times. To give you a number, the average weekly reach of the page is over 390,000 unique users and I am delighted by the support we have got from our Facebook fans. This just goes to prove that Vh1 does have a vibrant parallel universe beyond television. A big Thank You to all our fans… Keep clicking!"

Through its Facebook fan page Vh1 aims to also entice members to participate with mediums such as the 'Make your Mix tab with Manchester United'. This tab gives Vh1 fans a chance to showcase their bartending skills and make drinks for their friends and loved ones. Apart from providing activities and celeb web chats with the likes of stand-up comedian Russell Peters and Canadian band Simple Plan, Vh1 drove their entire pro-socio campaign 'Vh1 Spread the Music' through Facebook. Through this application, fans can help underprivileged children experience the joy of learning music.

Vh1 India's Facebook Page has marked the beginning of its ambitious plans by revolving around its fan's passion points and penetrating into various facets of 'music'. This goes to show India's youth moving towards a global, evolved lifestyle.