India’s Digital Ad Market to outpace TV & Print with 20.2% growth

India’s digital advertising market is projected to grow 20.2% in 2025, reaching ₹59,200 crore by year-end, according to the latest Dentsu Digital Advertising Report. The sector will continue its rapid expansion at a CAGR of 19.09%, hitting ₹69,856 crore by 2026 and surpassing TV and print to account for 61% of total ad spend in the country.

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India’s digital advertising market is set for another year of remarkable growth, projected to expand by 20.2% in 2025 to reach ₹59,200 crore, according to the latest Dentsu Digital Advertising Report released on Monday. The sector is on track to continue its rapid expansion at a CAGR of 19.09%, hitting ₹69,856 crore by 2026, solidifying its dominance over traditional media formats like television and print.

In 2024, India’s total advertising industry grew 6.3%, reaching ₹1,01,084 crore, despite economic challenges. The sector is expected to reach ₹1,07,664 crore in 2025 and cross ₹1,15,000 crore by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.87%.

Digital advertising has outpaced all other media formats, growing at 21.1% in 2024 and reaching ₹49,251 crore. This accounted for 49% of the total ad market, with social media leading digital ad spends at ₹14,480 crore (29%). Television and print still hold significant shares at 28% and 17%, respectively.

Key Sectors Driving Growth

The top five advertising categories in India remain:

• FMCG (31%)
• E-commerce (15%)
• Consumer Durables (7%)
• Automobiles (6%)
• Government (5%)

These industries continue to invest heavily in digital marketing, leveraging new-age platforms for consumer engagement and brand positioning.

Forces Reshaping the Advertising Landscape

The report highlights three major trends that are transforming India’s ad industry:

1. E-commerce as a Full-Funnel Marketing Channel
   • E-commerce is no longer just a point of transaction but a comprehensive advertising platform, integrating product discovery, engagement, and sales.
2. The Hybrid Marketing Revolution
   • The line between online and offline advertising is blurring, leading to an integrated marketing ecosystem. Brands now focus on omnichannel strategies to connect with consumers seamlessly.
3. AI-Driven Personalization at Scale
   • Artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer engagement through hyper-personalized, real-time marketing. Advertisers must embrace AI-powered strategies to stay competitive.

Despite the rapid growth of digital, traditional media—TV, radio, and print—will continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace. The report suggests that India’s marketing landscape will remain a blend of conventional and digital media, catering to a diverse consumer base.

With digital leading the charge, India’s advertising sector is undergoing a historic transformation, offering brands unparalleled opportunities to engage audiences in the evolving digital-first world.