Why is India a top country for app downloads but not spending?

India leads in app downloads due to a large user base and accessibility, but lags in spending possibly due to lower average revenue per user or different monetization strategies.

What are microdrama apps and why are they growing in India?

Microdrama apps offer short-form video content, appealing to users' shorter attention spans and on-the-go lifestyles, leading to rapid growth in India.

How has AI impacted app usage time in India?

AI assistants and related apps have significantly increased the time spent by Indian users on their devices, reflecting a global trend.

Home / Technology / India Leads Global App Downloads, But Not Spending

India Leads Global App Downloads, But Not Spending

21 Jan

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Summary

India tops global app downloads but lags in consumer spending.
App usage time increased significantly in 2025 due to AI.
Short drama and AI assistant apps saw massive download growth.

India Leads Global App Downloads, But Not Spending

India has once again demonstrated its prowess in app downloads, securing the top position globally. In 2025, the country recorded 25.5 billion app downloads, marking a notable recovery from a slight dip in 2024. This surge in user engagement is further highlighted by a significant increase in time spent within apps, which rose from 1.13 trillion hours in 2024 to 1.23 trillion hours in 2025.

The growth in app usage is largely attributed to emerging categories such as AI assistants and microdrama apps. Generative AI app downloads alone jumped from 198 million in 2024 to 602 million in 2025, driven by new AI model launches and strategic free premium offerings from companies like OpenAI and Google. ChatGPT emerged as the leading generative AI app in terms of downloads.

Microdrama apps also experienced a substantial rise, with users downloading more short drama apps than traditional OTT streaming services in the latter half of 2025. Platforms like Kuku TV and QuickTV are at the forefront of this trend, with industry experts predicting the microdrama market in India could reach tens of billions of dollars by 2030.