India is reinforcing its position as one of the world’s fastest-expanding entertainment and media (E&M) markets, fueled by swift digital transformation and a surging internet advertising sector, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025–2029.
India’s entertainment and media sector is poised for a strong 7.5 percent CAGR through 2029, more than double the global pace of 3.7percent, with internet advertising emerging as the primary growth engine, projected to surge at 15.9 percent and solidify its role at the heart of the country’s digital media landscape.
Fueled by 5G expansion, growing internet access, and surging short-form video and social media consumption, India is fast becoming a major force in global E&M growth, part of a broader shift where emerging markets like China and Indonesia are outpacing the slower, steadier growth of mature economies like the US.
The global entertainment and media industry is set to grow from just under $3 trillion in 2024 to $3.5 trillion by 2029, driven largely by advertising, expected to grow at 6.1% CAGR, nearly triple consumer revenue growth.
Retail media and social video ads are growing at 15 percent CAGR, with connected TV in-stream ads at 14 percent. Fueled by AI and digital platforms, digital ads will make up 80 percent of total ad revenue by 2029, up from 72 percent in 2024.
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Connectivity will lead with $1.3 trillion in revenues by 2029, but rapid digital ad growth is narrowing the gap. With AI revolutionizing connected TV, retail search, and gaming ads, India’s digital-first population is poised to lead this transformation.
