India’s FMCG sector, traditionally dominated by television ads, has decisively shifted online. According to the dentsu-e4m Digital Advertising Report 2026, FMCG’s digital allocation rose from 53% in 2024 to 64% in 2025, overtaking TV. This marks a structural transformation in how India’s biggest advertisers build and sustain brands.
India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, the country’s largest advertising category, has undergone a digital reset. Between 2024 and 2025, FMCG brands significantly increased their digital ad spend, crossing the threshold where online now dominates over television.
This shift reflects more than a media mix adjustment—it signals a deeper recalibration of brand-building strategies in a mobile-first market. With consumers spending more time on smartphones and social platforms, FMCG advertisers are prioritizing measurable, targeted, and interactive campaigns over traditional mass TV ads.
Industry experts highlight that this transformation is driven by rising domestic demand, digital commerce integration, and policy accelerators like MSME digitalisation and Make in India.
Major Takeaways
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FMCG digital ad spend rose from 53% in 2024 to 64% in 2025
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Digital decisively overtook television advertising for FMCG brands
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Reflects structural transformation in brand-building strategies
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Driven by mobile-first consumer behavior and measurable ROI
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Supported by policy initiatives and digital commerce growth
Conclusion
India’s FMCG sector has entered a digital-first era, reshaping advertising strategies for the country’s biggest brands. With online platforms offering precision, scale, and interactivity, FMCG advertisers are redefining luxury and necessity in marketing—cementing digital as the future of consumer engagement.
Sources: dentsu-e4m Digital Advertising Report 2026, Exchange4Media, Impact Team Analysis