In 2024, Indians spent a massive 1.1 trillion hours on their smartphones, a report by EY showed. With so much time dedicated to gaming, social media, and videos, digital platforms overtook traditional media like television in the entertainment industry for the first time. This shift is driven by India’s rising 5G adoption and affordable data plans, making the country the largest consumer of mobile data in the world.

On average, people in India spend five hours a day on their mobile phones, with 70% of this time focused on social media, gaming, and video streaming. Thanks to cheaper smartphones and low-cost internet, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix have become more accessible to millions across the country.

Ashish Pherwani, EY India’s media and entertainment leader, described this as a "digital inflection point," predicting more business partnerships, mergers, and innovations ahead.

Digital platforms are indeed booming. Mukesh Ambani’s JioHotstar, formed after the merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema, crossed 100 million paid subscribers within just two months of its February 14 launch. Initially starting with 50 million users, its rapid growth was fueled by telecom bundles and direct sign-ups.

India’s growing digital addiction is also helping content creators thrive. With faster and cheaper internet, lakhs of influencers and vloggers are sharing everything from morning routines to adventure trips. The government has even launched a $1 billion fund to support this booming creator economy.

As brands shift their advertising focus online, influencers have become key players in marketing campaigns. Meanwhile, online stores target smartphone users with endless sales and discounts, encouraging them to shop more.

India’s appetite for mobile data keeps growing. The Economic Survey noted that India now leads the world in mobile data usage per person, thanks to the low prices sparked by Mukesh Ambani’s telecom price war. In 2024, the average person in India used 27.5 GB of mobile data every month, and 5G traffic alone tripled within a year.

According to Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index report, 5G usage is expected to grow 2.65 times by 2027, with 770 million users. Currently, 40% of India’s population—about 562 million people—owns a smartphone, more than the combined populations of the US and Mexico.

India isn’t just consuming smartphones; it’s also making them. Government schemes have helped boost local production, turning India into a key hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports. In FY24, India’s smartphone production value reached Rs 4.1 lakh crore ($49.27 billion), up from just $3 billion in 2014-15.

Global brands like Apple and Xiaomi have ramped up production in India, while homegrown manufacturing now meets 97% of the country’s mobile phone demand. With around 650 million smartphone users and a penetration rate of 46%, India remains one of the most promising markets for the tech industry.

Traditional media like TV, print, and radio are losing ground as digital media gains dominance. The EY report noted that in 2024, digital media contributed 32% to India’s entertainment industry revenue, with live events like concerts and cricket matches also playing a big role.

You might also be interested in - More than 50% of Indians report sleep problems due to inconsistent bedtime routine: Survey