In a significant revelation, a recent report by Public First, a consultancy specializing in economics, policy, and opinion research, highlights the remarkable impact of Google Play and Android on India’s economy. The report estimates that these platforms generated an impressive Rs 4 lakh crore in revenue for app publishers and the broader Indian economy in 2024.
Digital Economy Transformation
India’s digital economy is not just one of the largest but also among the fastest-growing globally. This growth is driven by a confluence of factors, including the rapid adoption of smartphones, the availability of affordable data, and a vibrant ecosystem of developers and entrepreneurs. The report underscores how this digital revolution is reshaping the way millions engage with the modern economy.
Android, recognized as the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, plays a pivotal role in this transformation. It powers a diverse array of devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and various smart technologies produced by numerous manufacturers. Complementing Android, Google Play serves as the official app store and digital distribution service, facilitating access to a plethora of applications.
The report further details that in 2024, the combined ecosystem of Google Play and Android not only generated substantial revenue but also contributed to job creation. Over 35 lakh jobs—encompassing direct, indirect, and spillover employment opportunities—were attributed to the app ecosystem. This statistic illustrates the profound influence of these platforms on the job market.
India stands out as the country with the second-largest number of active developers registered on Google Play, boasting over 10 lakh developer jobs. Interestingly, nearly 79% of Indian app developers cater to overseas users, highlighting the global reach of their innovations.
In terms of app engagement, the report reveals that Indian developers achieved a staggering total of 720 crore app downloads from the Play Store. This figure includes 600 crore downloads from domestic users and 120 crore from international users, showcasing the robust demand for Indian-developed applications both at home and abroad.
