Has India’s internet user base surpassed 950 million in 2025?
Synopsis
The digital landscape in India is evolving rapidly, with internet users exceeding 950 million in 2025. This growth is largely attributed to rural connectivity, rising short video consumption, and artificial intelligence integration. Discover how these trends shape India's future as a digital powerhouse.
Key Takeaways
India's internet user base surpassed 950 million in 2025.
Rural connectivity is a major growth driver.
Over 57% of users are from rural areas.
AI features are being widely adopted by internet users.
Short video content is highly popular, with 61% of users engaging with it.
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) India’s internet user base has officially exceeded 950 million in 2025, primarily fueled by a surge in rural connectivity, the increasing consumption of short videos, and a rise in the utilization of artificial intelligence, as revealed in a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) released on Thursday.
The ‘Internet in India Report 2025’, collaboratively prepared by IAMAI and Kantar, indicates that the nation now boasts approximately 958 million active internet users, marking a year-on-year growth of about 8 percent.
Consequently, India maintains its position as one of the largest and fastest-expanding digital markets globally.
This report was unveiled at the India Digital Summit with the presence of Manjula N, the Secretary to the Government, Department of Electronics, IT/BT and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.
A significant finding from the report is the crucial role of rural India in accelerating internet growth. Rural areas now contribute to nearly 57 percent of India’s active internet users, amounting to around 548 million individuals.
The report highlights that internet adoption in rural regions is advancing almost four times faster than in urban locales, indicating a significant transformation in the digital usage landscape of the country.
Furthermore, the study revealed that artificial intelligence has become mainstream in India, with approximately 44 percent of internet users utilizing AI-driven features such as voice search, image-based search, chatbots, and AI filters.
Usage of AI is notably prevalent among younger demographics, with 57 percent of individuals aged 15 to 24 years and 52 percent of those aged 25 to 44 years reporting engagement with AI features in the past year.
Short-video content has emerged as a significant catalyst for internet activity. In 2025, around 588 million internet users, representing 61 percent of the total user base, engaged in short video consumption.
Interestingly, rural users have slightly surpassed urban users in their consumption of short videos, with the highest adoption rates among younger audiences, according to the report.
Point of View
It is evident that India's digital growth is not just impressive but transformative. The rapid rise in internet users, particularly from rural areas, signifies a shift towards inclusivity in the digital realm. This evolution, coupled with the integration of AI and the popularity of short videos, positions India as a global leader in digital innovation. It's a crucial time for stakeholders to harness this momentum for broader societal benefits.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current internet user base in India?
As of 2025, India has approximately 958 million active internet users.
How much has the internet user base grown year-on-year?
The internet user base has grown by about 8 percent year-on-year.
What percentage of internet users are from rural areas?
Nearly 57 percent of India's active internet users are from rural regions.
What role does artificial intelligence play in internet usage?
Approximately 44 percent of internet users have engaged with AI features such as voice search and chatbots.
How many users are consuming short video content?
In 2025, around 588 million internet users, or 61 percent of the total user base, consumed short videos.
