In 2024 there were 886 million people online in India. For comparison there were 324 million internet users in the USA, with 337 million forecast for 2029

India is poised to exceed 900 million internet users this year, with substantial growth stemming from rural areas. This milestone presents an unparalleled opportunity for the publishing industry to expand its reach and engage with new audiences through digital formats.

In 2024 there were 886 million people online in India. For comparison there were 324 million internet users in the USA, with 337 million forecast for 2029. The latest US population figure, for 2024, is 324 million. India starts 2025 with 1.45 billion people, so plenty of room for further internet expansion.

The burgeoning internet connectivity in rural regions is creating a new demographic of potential book buyers who previously had limited access to physical bookstores. The TNPS take is that this development is expected to spur interest in print editions, while also opening doors for the digital publishing market.

Key Opportunities:

Ebooks and Digital Audio: The increasing internet penetration provides a fertile ground for the growth of ebooks and digital audio formats. Publishers can leverage this to cater to the diverse and dispersed population across India.

Audiobooks: Given India’s rich oral storytelling traditions, audiobooks are likely to resonate well with the audience. AI-assisted narration and translation into the myriad languages spoken in India can further enhance accessibility and appeal while keeping prices affordable.

Expanding Markets: The shift towards digital consumption allows publishers within India and worldwide to tap into the vast potential of the Indian market. This growth can significantly boost the industry’s revenue streams.

The anticipated increase in internet users heralds a promising future for the publishing industry, enabling it to reach millions of new readers and listeners, both within India and globally.

As I say say so often here at TNPS, India is the most exciting publishing prospect on the planet.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.