Archive · 23 Dec 2025
India's Digital Marketing Shift in 2026
In India, especially in Delhi, digital marketing is growing very fast.
More companies are using AI for advertising, but many professionals lack the skills to use these tools effectively.
The government and private companies are investing in better infrastructure and training to help people learn these new skills.
Mobile advertising is the biggest part of digital marketing, and brands are focusing on AI-managed media buying, regional ad optimisation, and short-form video ROI.
While Delhi has a strong foundation for digital marketing, there is still a big gap between the skills people have and the skills they need.
To keep up with these changes, companies and schools need to work together to teach practical, hands-on skills.
Digital ad spends in India are projected to grow by 15% to ₹56,400 crore in FY2026, representing 46% of total ad spend.
Mobile platforms dominate digital ad spends with a 78% share, reflecting a mobile-first consumer behavior.
AI adoption in marketing is accelerating, with 79% of marketers planning to expand AI usage, but only 46% feeling confident in their teams' ability to apply it effectively.
Delhi is positioned for significant digital marketing growth in 2026, but there is a critical skills gap, with many professionals lacking practical, hands-on experience.
Brands are shifting towards AI-managed media buying, regional ad optimisation, retail media automation, and short-form video ROI, requiring new skills from marketers.
- Who
- Indian marketers, digital marketing professionals, brands, educational institutions
- What
- Shift towards digital marketing and AI adoption in India, with a focus on Delhi
- When
- 2025-2026
- Where
- India, with a specific focus on Delhi
- Why
- Rapid technological change, increasing demand for digital skills, and the need for practical, outcome-focused learning
- Digital Ad Spend Growth
- 15% to ₹56,400 crore in FY2026
- Percentage of Total Ad Spend
- 46%
- Mobile Platforms' Share
- 78% of total digital ad spends
- AI Adoption in Marketing
- 79% of marketers plan to expand AI usage
- Confidence in AI Application
- 46% feel confident in their teams' ability to apply AI effectively
- Top AI Applications
- Content creation (40%), marketing optimisation (38%), social media management (38%)
- Digital Marketing Courses Search
- 12,100+ monthly searches for 'digital marketing courses in Delhi'
- Skills Gap Challenge
- 69% of marketers identify lack of expertise as top challenge for AI adoption
Sources
Mint Explainer | India’s advertising pivot: What changed in the past year
Is Delhi Ready for Digital Marketing in 2026? Here’s What the Data Shows
Jobs In 2026: Emerging Skills Indian Employers Will Focus On
India’s podcasting paradox: rapid listener growth fails to yield ad bounty as YouTube takes over
India’s creator economy to drive over $1 trillion in annual consumer spending by 2030
