India’s internet users to surpass 900 million by 2025, driven by Indic languages
Team Finance Saathi
17/Jan/2025
What's covered under the Article:
- India’s internet users to cross 900 million by 2025, driven by Indic languages and rural growth.
- Rural India leads with 488 million users, accounting for 55% of the total internet population.
- Digital gender gap narrows as women represent 47% of internet users, highest proportion ever.
India’s internet landscape is on the verge of a significant milestone, with its user base expected to exceed 900 million by 2025, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and KANTAR's 'Internet in India Report 2024'. This growth is primarily fueled by the increasing popularity of Indic languages, reflecting a major shift in digital content consumption patterns.
Rural India: Driving Internet Expansion
The report highlights that rural India, with 488 million users, leads the growth trajectory, comprising 55% of the nation’s internet population. This surge underscores the untapped potential in rural areas, where internet usage is growing at double the rate of urban regions. Indic languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam dominate rural content consumption, with 98% of users accessing regional language content.
Urban Areas: Innovating Digital Access
While rural areas lead in user base growth, urban India is embracing non-traditional digital devices like smart TVs and speakers, which recorded a 54% growth between 2023 and 2024. Urban users also exhibit a preference for net commerce, digital payments, and online education, making these areas hubs of innovation and adoption.
Indic Languages: Shaping the Digital Future
The proliferation of regional language content is a pivotal driver of India’s internet growth. Notably, 57% of urban internet users also prefer Indic language content, bridging cultural and digital divides. This trend signifies the increasing importance of multilingual digital ecosystems to cater to diverse audiences.
Bridging the Digital Gender Gap
One of the most encouraging findings is the narrowing digital gender gap, with women making up 47% of internet users, the highest proportion recorded so far. In rural areas, women represent 58% of shared device users, reflecting progress toward inclusive digital access and economic empowerment.
Mobile-First Internet Access
Across rural and urban demographics, mobile devices remain the dominant medium for internet access. These devices power activities ranging from OTT streaming and social media usage in rural India to digital transactions and e-learning in urban areas.
India’s internet growth story is not just about numbers but about transformative social and cultural shifts. As the country gears up for 2025, the emphasis on Indic languages, rural inclusion, and gender equality is paving the way for a digitally empowered nation.
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