In 2025, India saw app downloads rise to 25.5 billion, boosted by popular AI assistants and a surge in microdrama apps.
After downloads fell in 2024, users returned to their devices in 2025. Many people spent more time on apps, increasing their total hours from 1.13 trillion to 1.23 trillion. This rise showed how popular AI and short dramas have become.
AI assistants gained 346 million downloads, while short drama apps increased by over 350 million downloads. India also downloaded generative AI apps 602 million times in 2025, up from 198 million in 2024.
Some popular AI apps included ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Microdrama apps like Kuku TV and Story TV rose quickly in ranking, catching users’ attention.
Kuku TV, supported by $85 million in funding, drew over 40 million users. Experts predict India’s microdrama market could grow to be worth tens of billions by 2030.
The Indian app market is also seeing more local apps downloaded. The share of downloads from local players increased from 33.91% to 36.52%. However, this is likely linked to quick delivery services and government apps instead of entertainment.