In the bustling landscape of India's digital revolution, mobile usage has become synonymous with connectivity and convenience.
According to a report by Statista, there are now over 1 billion smartphone users in the country. In 2021, India Times also shared that Indians are spending around 5 hours daily on their mobile device, or over 655 billion hours in total.
Because of this, India ranked fifth when it comes to the countries that spend the most time on their mobile phones. So yes, the era of "there's an app for that" has transformed how people shop, socialize, and entertain themselves.
Why Are People Going Online to Do Everything?
The answer is simple. People today have the desire for efficiency, accessibility, and an ever-expanding array of choices. This is why many prefer shopping for essentials, seeking entertainment, and even socializing online.
There’s also this new phenomenon called the “Online Disinhibition Effect.” This psychological concept suggests that individuals often feel a sense of freedom and reduced inhibition in the virtual realm.
Going online simply leads to more open and uninhibited expressions compared to face-to-face interactions. This newfound freedom also contributes to the growing popularity of online activities as people can explore various aspects of their lives with a sense of liberation.
India’s Popular Apps For Different Categories
So, which mobile apps are now popular in India? Let’s have a closer look at them:
WhatsApp Messenger
With over 400 million users, WhatsApp stands as the undisputed champion of messaging apps in India. Its intuitive design, ease of use, and widespread adoption make it an integral part of daily communication for individuals and businesses alike.
WhatsApp is popular with both Android and iOS users. Besides this messaging app, Indians are also fond of other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, and Telegram.
YouTube
Boasting a staggering 325 million monthly active users, YouTube has evolved beyond a video-sharing platform. It has become a dynamic space for creators and consumers alike as it offers a vast array of content spanning various genres and interests.
But in terms of other streaming services, other industry giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, ALT Balaji, and Zee5 are also popular in India. Disney+ Hotstar is more so an app for sports fans, especially when it comes to cricket.
Flipkart
Flipkart is a popular online shopping app that allows users to buy and sell products. With over 500 million downloads, Flipkart is one of the most popular online shopping apps in India.
It’s a one-stop shopping app since it has a vast selection of categories like Home and Kitchen, Fashion and Apparel, Electronics, and Beauty & Health Products. Aside from Flipkart, other popular shopping apps in India are Meesho, amazon India, Myntra, and Nykaa.
Facebook remains a social media giant that connects people in the country. According to recent statistics, over 315 million Indians are using this platform. But aside from Facebook, Indians are also fond of other social media apps like Instagram.
These social media platforms also double as great messaging apps to many. However, they’re usually used to connect with friends and family.
Spotify
When it comes to music, Spotify has emerged as the preferred choice for many Indian users. This app holds a significant market share in the country of around 26%. Understandable since it provides a vast library of songs and personalized playlists catering to diverse musical tastes.
Aside from Spotify, Indians are also fond of other music streaming services online like JioSaavn, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Gaana, and Amazon Prime Music. All these are downloadable from both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Ludo King
Mobile gaming has also seen significant growth in the country. One particular gaming app that’s pretty much all the rage in India right now is Ludo King. It has a 4.2 average rating on Google Play Store and has been downloaded 100 million times.
Now, the popularity of the game Ludo has also reached the real money gaming scene. There are now apps and sites where Indians can play this to win real money like 10CRIC. The 10CRIC betting app download for Android and iOS users is available on their official site.
Conclusion
Many now see smartphones as an extension of themselves. Some would also say it’s their second brain, and India’s most popular apps surely contribute to this human and machine relationship.
In a world where time is of the essence, mobile devices and the apps you can download stand as indispensable tools that help us navigate life much better.