Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India's Paid Music Subscriptions to Grow by 2028
India currently has about 14 million paid music subscriptions.
A report says this number could grow to 28–30 million by 2028.
This growth is expected because of new products, partnerships, and changing consumer habits.
Most smartphone users in India listen to music, but only a small number pay for music streaming.
Many people prefer free alternatives, which makes it hard for paid services to grow.
The report also found that 61% of people would pay for music if free options were not available and the price was fair.
However, 39% would still not pay and might use pirated sources.
The report suggests that India needs to move from just consuming music to actively supporting it to help Indian music go global and discover new talent.
India had 14 million paid music subscriptions in 2025, projected to reach 28–30 million by 2028.
Growth driven by product innovation, partnerships, and evolving consumer preferences.
96% of smartphone users listen to music, with 80% spending over an hour daily.
86% pay for video OTT services, but only 38% have paid for music streaming.
61% willing to pay for music if free alternatives disappear and pricing is reasonable.
- Who
- Indian Music Industry (IMI) and EY
- What
- Report on the growth of paid music subscriptions in India
- When
- Report released on Friday
- Where
- India
- Why
- Driven by product innovation, partnerships, and evolving consumer preferences
Pro-Subscription Growth
Anti-Subscription Growth
Consumer Willingness to Pay
Pro-Subscription Growth
61% of respondents are willing to pay for streaming music if free alternatives disappear and pricing is reasonable.
Anti-Subscription Growth
39% of respondents would not pay and would move to pirated or other sources of music.
Monetization Gap
Pro-Subscription Growth
Paid music subscriptions are expected to grow due to product innovation, partnerships, and evolving consumer preferences.
Anti-Subscription Growth
The widespread availability of free alternatives and limited differentiation between free and premium offerings hinder subscription adoption.
- Current Paid Subscriptions (2025)
- 14 million
- Projected Paid Subscriptions (2028)
- 28–30 million
- Smartphone Users Listening to Music
- 96%
- Daily Music Consumption
- More than one hour for 80% of listeners
- Paid Video OTT Users
- 86%
- Paid Music Streaming Users
- 38%
- Willingness to Pay for Music
- 61%
- Unwillingness to Pay for Music
- 39%
- Preferred Music Consumption Platforms
- 60% use digital service providers