India’s Paid Music Subscribers Could Hit 30 Million by 2028, EY-IMI Report Finds
India’s paid music streaming subscriber base could grow to between 28 million and 30 million by 2028, up from an estimated 14 million as of December 2025, according to the EY and the Indian Music Industry (IMI) “How India Listens, Streams and Pays for Music” report, released Frid
The projected growth of India's paid music subscribers to 28-30 million by 2028 is a significant indicator of the country's evolving music consumption habits. This represents a substantial increase from the estimated 14 million subscribers as of December 2025, suggesting that more Indians are willing to pay for premium music experiences. This growth is likely driven by the increasing popularity of music streaming services, improved digital infrastructure, and a growing middle class with disposable income.
The EY-IMI report highlights the potential of India's music market, which has been gaining traction in recent years. The country's music industry has been witnessing a shift from piracy to paid subscriptions, driven by the rise of affordable data plans and smartphones. Major music streaming players such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Gaana have been actively expanding their presence in India, offering a vast music library, personalized playlists, and exclusive content to attract subscribers.
As the Indian music market continues to grow, it's essential to watch how streaming services adapt to the country's unique needs and preferences. Key areas to monitor include the expansion of regional content offerings, the development of local language support, and innovative pricing strategies to make paid subscriptions more accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, the impact of emerging technologies like 5G and voice assistants on music consumption habits will be crucial to track in the coming years.
Originally reported by variety.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.