India is on the brink of a digital revolution as its internet user base is expected to cross the 900 million mark by 2025, according to the “Internet in India Report 2024,” jointly compiled by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar. The dramatic growth, driven by regional language content and expanding rural connectivity, highlights the country’s evolving digital landscape.
The report reveals that India had 886 million active internet users in 2024, showcasing an impressive 8% year-on-year growth. This surge is largely attributed to rural areas, which account for 488 million users a significant 55% of the total user base. The increasing adoption of Indic languages for digital content consumption has been a key driver of this trend.
Indic language content has transformed internet usage patterns in India. Nearly 98% of users accessed content in regional languages, with Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam emerging as the most popular. In urban areas, over 57% of internet users prefer regional language content, underscoring the growing demand for localized digital platforms.
“AI has emerged as a significant game changer over the past year,” remarked Biswapriya Bhattacharya, Director of B2B and Technology at Kantar Insights, South Asia. According to the report, nine out of ten internet users have interacted with apps featuring embedded AI capabilities. Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of ethical and accurate AI-driven solutions to sustain this momentum.
The report also highlights progress in bridging the digital gender gap. Women now constitute 47% of all internet users in India, marking the highest representation to date. In rural areas, shared device usage has increased, with 58% of users accessing the internet through shared devices. This demonstrates significant strides toward inclusive digital access.
India’s adoption of non-traditional devices, such as smart TVs and smart speakers, has further accelerated. These devices registered a remarkable 54% growth between 2023 and 2024, reflecting changing consumption habits and an expanding digital ecosystem.
The rise in internet users is reshaping how businesses and platforms cater to diverse audiences. Digital companies are increasingly incorporating regional languages and AI technologies into their offerings to meet the demands of a multilingual and tech-savvy population.
This growth story is not without challenges. Ensuring equitable digital access, particularly for marginalized communities, remains critical. As the internet becomes a cornerstone of India’s socio-economic fabric, efforts to enhance infrastructure and digital literacy will play a crucial role in sustaining growth.
India’s digital journey underscores its potential as a global leader in technology and innovation. The combination of regional language adoption, AI integration, and inclusive policies positions the country as a vibrant and dynamic digital economy.
With over 900 million users expected by 2025, India’s internet landscape is poised for unprecedented transformation. Policymakers, businesses, and innovators must continue to work together to ensure that this growth benefits all segments of society.