India’s internet scene is growing fast, thanks to more people using local languages online. A new report shows that by 2024, India will have 886 million internet users, which is expected to surpass 900 million by 2025. This growth is largely due to more people using local languages and new artificial intelligence (AI) tech.
Rural India is at the front of this growth. About 488 million internet users are from rural areas, which is 55% of all online users in India. This shows that more rural folks are getting access to online services and tools, which helps them connect better than before.
The report from IAMAI and Kantar says that almost all internet users (98%) are using content in local languages. Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam are the most popular local languages because they are widely available.
More people want to see content in their own languages. Over half (57%) of city internet users choose to watch or read digital content in their own language. This shows there is a big need for more varied local content, giving many chances for digital platforms to reach more people.
AI is changing the game in India’s online world. The report notes that 90% of internet users interacted with apps that have AI features in the last year. This excitement around AI is opening doors for digital companies to create new features and improve user satisfaction in India.
Biswapriya Bhattacharya, from Kantar Insights, said, “The way people are welcoming AI should inspire digital firms to add more AI options in India.”
One big change in India’s digital world is the closing gender gap. Women make up 47% of internet users now, showing that more women are engaging online. In rural regions, women represent 58% of users who share devices.
This shift shows that internet access is improving for everyone, which helps women participate more in the online economy.
Rural India is also leading in online activities like video streaming, music, social media, and online chats. These trends are ahead of what is being done in cities, showing that rural neighbourhoods are getting more into digital fun and ways to connect.
City folks also pick up smart gadgets like smart TVs and speakers. Between 2023 and 2024, use of these gadgets grew by 54%, as per the report. This points to a move towards new and varied ways to enjoy online content.
Though smart devices are rising in cities, mobile phones are still the top way to get on the internet in rural and urban areas. Mobiles are key in India’s digital growth, making it easier for all types of people to get online.
As more people go online in India, the need for local content and AI tools will keep changing the digital scene, helping India stand out as a lively internet market worldwide.
