India’s App Downloads Rebounded to 25.5 Billion in 2025, Fueled By AI Assistants and Microdrama Boom
India app downloads hit 25.5B in 2025, driven by AI assistants and microdrama apps—here’s what’s fueling the boom.
Matilda
India’s App Downloads Rebounded to 25.5 Billion in 2025, Fueled By AI Assistants and Microdrama Boom
India App Downloads Surge on AI Assistants, Microdramas India reclaimed its crown as the world’s top market for mobile app downloads in 2025—with 25.5 billion installs—thanks to a perfect storm of generative AI adoption and the explosive rise of microdrama content. After a slight dip in 2024, downloads rebounded sharply, fueled by free AI tools, hyperlocal short-form storytelling, and ultra-fast delivery apps. But while Indians are downloading more than ever, they’re still spending far less than users in other major markets—a paradox that defines the country’s digital economy. Credit: Google According to Sensor Tower’s latest market intelligence report, India was one of only two countries in the global top 10 (alongside Pakistan) to see year-over-year growth in app downloads last year. More strikingly, user engagement surged too: total time spent in apps jumped from 1.13 trillion hours in 2024 to 1.23 trillion in 2025. The drivers? AI assistants and microdrama platforms aren’t just trend…