90 Crore Internet Users Expected in India by 2025, Says IAMAI-Kantar Report

India’s internet user base is expected to exceed 900 million (90 crores) this year, according to the “Internet in India Report 2024” by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Kantar.

The report shows that there were 886 million active internet users in India in 2024, growing at an annual rate of 8%. A major factor driving this growth is rural India, which makes up 488 million users, or 55% of the total.

While growth in cities has slowed, rural areas continue to grow at double the rate of urban regions, showing there is still a lot of potential in smaller towns and villages.

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According to the report- Kerala has the highest internet penetration at 72%, followed by Goa at 71% and Maharashtra at 70%. The states with the lowest internet penetration are Jharkhand (50%), Uttar Pradesh (46%) and Bihar (43%).

Rise of Regional Languages Online

The report highlights the growing importance of local languages, with nearly 98% of users consuming content in regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. In fact, 57% of urban internet users prefer accessing content in these languages, showing a clear shift toward local-language digital platforms.
As more first-time internet users come online, developers and content creators are focusing more on language localization and cultural relevance, making technology more accessible to a wider audience.

Closing the Digital Gender Gap

Women now make up 47% of India’s internet users, the highest share ever. In rural areas women account for 58% of shared device usage that showing improvements in digital inclusivity. This progress indicates that more women have access to mobile devices and affordable data plans, creating new opportunities for businesses and services focusing on female-centric products and educational resources.

New Technology Adoption Grows Rapidly

The report shows that the use of non-traditional devices like smart TVs and smart speakers grew by 54% between 2023 and 2024, especially in urban areas. Meanwhile, rural users are leading the way in activities like OTT video streaming, music, social media, and communication apps. In cities digital payments, online education and e-commerce are more widely adopted, highlighting the difference in how internet services are used across the country.

AI Gains Mainstream Popularity

Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also becoming more popular. The report reveals that nine out of ten internet users interact with AI-powered apps regularly. While this widespread acceptance is boosting interest in AI, experts emphasize the need for accuracy and ethical use.

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