The Great Shift in Marketing: India’s Journey Toward Digital First Consumer Connections

India is witnessing a historic transformation in its marketing ecosystem as digital platforms become the dominant force. By 2026, digital advertising is expected to account for 61% of total ad spend, reflecting the country’s rapid embrace of mobile first consumption and regional diversity. Brands are rethinking strategies to connect with a hyper connected, multilingual audience.

Key Highlights

• Market Growth: Advertising expenditure projected at ₹1,476 billion by 2026, with digital leading the surge.
• Digital Dominance: Digital ad spend forecast to reach ₹69,856 crore, representing 61% of total advertising.
• Short-Form Video: Emerges as the primary content format, reshaping consumer engagement.
• Vernacular Content: Regional languages drive deeper connections in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• AI & Personalisation: Hyper-targeted campaigns powered by automation and data analytics.
• Influencer Marketing: Collaborations with local creators enhance authenticity and reach.
• Voice Search: Adoption rising by 30%, reshaping SEO and content strategies.

Sources: India Digital Advertising, LinkedIn Trends 2026, IIDE Blog