India's Influencer Marketing Will Shoot Up To 34 Billion By 2026 According to a recent Ficci EY analysis, as businesses increasingly look to social-media influencers to increase sales and enhance brand engagement, India's influencer marketing industry is anticipated to grow to Rupees 34 billion by 2026, from Rupees 19 billion in 2023.

By Kavya Pillai

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Unsplash

According to a recent Ficci EY analysis, as businesses increasingly look to social-media influencers to increase sales and enhance brand engagement, India's influencer marketing industry is anticipated to grow to Rupees 34 billion by 2026, from Rupees 19 billion in 2023. Even while YouTube and Instagram are the most popular channels, smaller ones like Snapchat will also be utilized more frequently to connect with niche audiences.

A rise in Internet access, widespread digitalization, and widespread use of social media have all contributed to the growing inclination of consumers toward influencer marketing. However, the environment is set for these producers to start getting paid depending on how individual posts and videos promote particular outcomes, like, example, brand sales, thanks to the rise of regional and micro-influencers.

Compared to brand-led advertising, influencers are in a unique position to provide people exactly what they want. The realm of celebrity in the advertising and entertainment industries, which was once dominated by athletes, actors, models, artists, and so forth, has expanded to include those who began their careers as influencers and producers.

Planned Budgets

Influencer relationships are being enthusiastically embraced by brands and streaming services. They are affordable, connect with the appropriate audiences, and have a sincere sense, much like a friend's advice. Influencers are also skilled at telling tales that connect with readers and become viral, and marketers can quickly modify their approaches thanks to immediate feedback.

Influencers are already benefiting from social e-commerce, gifting, subscription-based content, and livestream shopping; however, offline communities that form as a result of online conversations may grow in number. Examples of these communities include fan events, health and fitness groups, influencer-created podcasts, closed group chats, and influencer podcasts.

Indeed, a number of specialized platforms are becoming more and more well-known in the Indian influencer industry, in addition to Instagram and YouTube. Due to its availability of augmented reality filters and short-form video content, apps such as Moj and Snapchat are becoming increasingly popular, particularly with younger audiences across many niches. According to industry experts, influencers are currently assessed by marketers using a number of important indicators, including as the demographics of the influencer's audience, views, average engagement rate, likes, and comments.

Kavya Pillai

Former Correspondent

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

'Boring' Businesses Are Making Millionaires — and You Can Borrow Their Strategies For Success

The silent growth strategy reveals how understated, steady businesses are quietly creating wealth for entrepreneurs in 2025. By focusing on long-term consistency and incremental progress, these "boring" industries are proving to be gold mines for those willing to embrace stability over hype.

Diversity

5 Ways You Can Create a More Inclusive Workplace Immediately -- and Why You Should

The more diversity you bring to your team, the greater your chances of finding groundbreaking insights and solutions.

News and Trends

How AI is Reshaping Work While Reinforcing the Need for Leadership, Empathy, and Creativity

The adoption of AI is not just a technological shift, it requires a cultural transformation—many organisations struggle with how to integrate AI tools while preserving human skills and creativity

News and Trends

goSTOPS Raises INR 35 Cr in Series A to Expand Youth Travel Hostel Network

goSTOPS will use the fresh funding to expand to 10,000 beds across 100 locations, enhance operations, upgrade technology, and improve social experiences, solidifying its position as a leading youth travel brand.

Business News

80% of Banks Admitted They Can't Keep Up With AI Scams Aimed at Draining Personal Accounts

A survey of global banks reveals that tech security professionals are deeply concerned about the rate at which AI is helping hackers carry out cyberattacks.