Google’s Rs 4 Lakh Crore App Boom Powers India’s Digital Economy and Jobs Surge in 2024

 

India's thriving digital economy achieved another record in 2024, driven by Google Play and the Android ecosystem, which pushed app-related revenues to an estimated Rs 4 lakh crore and set the foundation for jobs growth and international acknowledgement of Indian developers.

 

Key Highlights from the Report

 

Google Play Store and Android-based operating systems together created Rs 4 lakh crore of economic value for app publishers and the overall Indian economy in 2024. The numbers account for both direct and indirect growth in app development, distribution, and adjacent services.

 

The ecosystem supported the generation of more than 35 lakh jobs in India, covering direct, indirect, and ancillary positions. These include software developers, UI/UX designers, quality analysts, digital marketers, and support personnel who are the lifeline of India's digital innovation movement.

 

India is now home to the second-largest number of active app developers on Google Play, with over 10 lakh (one million) developer positions created in 2024 alone. This is due to the nation's vibrant digital ecosystem, low-cost smartphones, and affordable data rates.

 

More than 7.2 billion downloads of apps by Indian developers were registered in the last year, with 6 billion being from Indian users and 1.2 billion from abroad, highlighting India's export prowess in digital goods.

 

The report also mentions that 79% of Indian app developers have users worldwide, pointing to the global demand and acceptance of India-made software.

 

Google's efforts in education, AI uptake, and outreach have also spurred entrepreneurial dynamism, allowing startups and independent developers to compete globally.

 

Impact and Outlook The sheer size of Google-enabled digital revenues and employment puts India at the center of the global app economy, empowering millions of young people, enabling technical innovation, and promoting economic inclusion. As the ecosystem evolves, it should power innovation, digital exports, and more inclusive growth.

 

Sources: Outlook Business, Business Standard