India is poised to become one of the world’s top 10 advertising markets by 2026, with total AdEx expected to touch INR 1476 billion, according to the Magna Global Advertising Forecast – June 2025 Update.

Advertising revenues in 2025 are projected to grow by 7.8% to INR 1371 billion (USD 15.9 billion), with a further 7.7% expansion anticipated in 2026.

The upbeat forecast is set against a broader backdrop of India’s economic rise, which is projected to overtake Japan to become the 4th largest global economy in 2025 and surpass Germany by 2028.

With the International Monetary Fund projecting India’s GDP growth at 6.2% in 2025 and 6.3% in 2026, the nation is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, buoyed by strong domestic demand, government spending, and a growing services sector.

Digital advertising, which claimed a majority share in 2024, is set to rise 12% in 2025 to INR 728 billion (USD 8.4 billion), while traditional media revenues will see a modest growth of 3.4% to INR 643 billion (USD 7.5 billion). Video, social, and retail media will continue to drive digital momentum, with social advertising projected to overtake television as the largest format in the next five years.

Long-form video content alone is growing at over 25% and now accounts for 6% of total video ad spend - a share expected to enter double digits in the next three years.

India’s cautious but robust approach to global trade turbulence also features prominently in Magna’s outlook. The country’s low export dependency and internal growth levers position it well against potential headwinds impacting key sectors like CPG, auto, textiles, electronics, and tech.

Monetary policy easing is contributing to optimism, with inflation cooling from 4.7% in 2024 to an estimated 4.2% in 2025. The central bank’s proactive rate cuts and liquidity infusion signal firm support for growth revival.

The media owners’ revenue outlook remains positive across linear and digital platforms. The first half of 2025 is forecast to grow by 6%, followed by a 9% increase in the latter half, despite possible trade-related impacts emerging in H2.

In terms of format-specific performance:

• Digital Pure Play formats are set to grow 11.4% to INR 680 billion (USD 7.9 billion)
• Video advertising will reach INR 413 billion (USD 4.8 billion), growing at 4% overall, with digital video up 17%
• Publishing will increase 3.5% to INR 205 billion (USD 2.4 billion), with digital versions growing twice as fast
• Audio and Experiential media will expand by 5.9% and 12.9% respectively, though they form a smaller 5% share of total AdEx

With India’s advertising economy scaling new heights, Magna’s latest update signals confidence in the country's digital-first, domestically driven growth model - one that continues to attract global attention.

Hema Malik, chief investment officer, IPG Mediabrands India, said, "Magna predicts above average ad spend resilience in 2025 neutralising the impact of ad spend on cyclical events in 2024 led by National Elections and T20 World Cup. In 2025, Magna expects dynamic ad spend in finance, media, pharma, technology, gaming and retail, while automotive and electronics might lag. The trio of video, social and retail will once again lead the AdEx growth. Live sports, which were the only linear TV mainstays, have been upended with more people streaming sports content. Ad-supported streaming experience rapid growth in access, consumption, and advertising sales, as nearly all streaming TV platforms offer more affordable ad-supported plans. Long-form video is growing at a blistering pace of over +25% and is 6% of the total video forecast, estimated to gain double-digit share in the next three years."