The social commerce market in India is expected to grow by 17.2% on annual basis to reach US$8.42 billion in 2025.
The social commerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2021-2024, achieving a CAGR of 25.2%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% during 2025-2030. By the end of 2030, the social commerce sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 7.18 billion to approximately USD 13.76 billion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the social commerce sector in India, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 50+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.
It breaks down market opportunities in the social commerce sector by type of domestic vs cross-border, type of social platform, type of payment method, business model, end-use consumer segment, and type of city. In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and retail spending dynamics. KPIs in both value and volume terms help in getting an in-depth understanding of end market dynamics.
The research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Over the next 2-4 years, social commerce will continue to gain momentum, with livestream shopping and influencer-driven marketing playing a more significant role in purchasing decisions. Businesses must refine their marketing strategies, leveraging micro-influencers and data-driven engagement tactics to build authenticity and trust. As platforms integrate new shopping features and consumers become more comfortable with in-app purchasing, social commerce will solidify its position as a major retail channel in India’s digital economy.
The regulatory landscape is evolving, with new guidelines for influencers and e-commerce policy changes aimed at transparency and consumer protection. Businesses must adapt to these regulatory shifts while fostering innovation to remain competitive. As the sector matures, partnerships, acquisitions, and emerging technologies will shape India's evolving social commerce ecosystem, making it a key driver of digital retail growth.
The social commerce market in the country experienced robust growth during 2021-2024, achieving a CAGR of 25.2%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% during 2025-2030. By the end of 2030, the social commerce sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 7.18 billion to approximately USD 13.76 billion.
This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the social commerce sector in India, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of retail categories. With over 50+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of social commerce market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.
It breaks down market opportunities in the social commerce sector by type of domestic vs cross-border, type of social platform, type of payment method, business model, end-use consumer segment, and type of city. In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and retail spending dynamics. KPIs in both value and volume terms help in getting an in-depth understanding of end market dynamics.
The research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.
Key Insights
India's social commerce market is expanding rapidly, driven by increased smartphone penetration, platform integrations, and changing consumer behavior. Firms are investing in digital storefronts and engagement strategies to capitalize on this shift. Retailers' adoption of livestream shopping events, such as Meesho’s interactive live sessions, is enhancing consumer engagement and trust, making real-time shopping a key component of e-commerce strategies.Over the next 2-4 years, social commerce will continue to gain momentum, with livestream shopping and influencer-driven marketing playing a more significant role in purchasing decisions. Businesses must refine their marketing strategies, leveraging micro-influencers and data-driven engagement tactics to build authenticity and trust. As platforms integrate new shopping features and consumers become more comfortable with in-app purchasing, social commerce will solidify its position as a major retail channel in India’s digital economy.
Rapid Growth of Social Commerce Platforms
- India's social commerce is evolving as an alternative to traditional e-commerce, allowing brands to connect directly with their audiences through integrated shopping experiences on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
- The rise in smartphone penetration and internet accessibility has made social media a primary tool for consumer engagement and online shopping. Instagram and Facebook platforms continuously integrate AI-driven recommendations, influencer collaborations, and interactive shopping tools to enhance the shopping experience.
- Over the next 2-4 years, businesses will increasingly invest in optimizing their social commerce strategies, leveraging personalized content, influencer partnerships, and social storefronts. As consumer trust in digital transactions grows, social commerce will become a more established and preferred retail channel. The increasing adoption of interactive shopping experiences and the integration of fintech solutions for frictionless payments are expected to further accelerate growth and solidify India’s position as a major social commerce hub.
Emergence of Livestream Shopping Events
- Livestream shopping is gaining traction in India, with retailers leveraging real-time video interactions to enhance consumer engagement. Platforms such as Meesho have successfully integrated live shopping sessions, enabling sellers to showcase products while answering customer queries instantly. This format bridges the gap between physical and digital retail, offering an interactive, immersive experience that encourages impulsive buying decisions.
- The interactive nature of livestream shopping builds consumer trust, as shoppers can see product demonstrations, ask questions, and receive immediate responses before purchasing. This removes uncertainties in online shopping, particularly for fashion, beauty, and electronics segments where product details matter significantly. As Indian consumers increasingly seek authentic and engaging shopping experiences, brands partner with influencers and content creators to host live commerce sessions, further driving adoption.
- Over the next 2-4 years, livestream shopping is expected to become a mainstream retail strategy, with more brands, marketplaces, and independent sellers adopting this model. As consumers become more comfortable with this format, social commerce platforms will enhance their live shopping features with better personalization, AI-driven recommendations, and integrated payment solutions. This shift will reshape online retail strategies, making real-time engagement a crucial factor in driving digital sales in India.
Influence of Social Media on Consumer Purchasing Decisions
- Social media platforms have become integral to consumer purchasing decisions in India, acting as primary channels for product discovery and brand engagement. Consumers increasingly rely on content from influencers, peers, and brands to make informed buying choices. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube facilitate seamless shopping experiences by integrating product links, live reviews, and interactive content influencing purchasing behavior.
- The authenticity of influencer-driven content plays a significant role in consumer decision-making. Consumers trust recommendations from influencers who provide real-world usage experiences, making them more likely to engage with and purchase products. Social media's interactive nature, with features such as comments, likes, and shares, fosters peer validation, further driving engagement and brand credibility. As a result, brands are increasingly leveraging influencer collaborations to enhance their social commerce strategies.
- Over the next 2-4 years, influencer marketing in India is expected to become more data-driven and performance-oriented, focusing more on micro-influencers who maintain higher engagement rates and niche audience trust. Businesses will fine-tune their influencer strategies, prioritizing authenticity and personalized engagement to maintain consumer confidence. As the social commerce ecosystem matures, influencer partnerships will evolve beyond promotions into integrated shopping experiences, further strengthening social media’s role in driving e-commerce growth in India.
Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Developments in India's Social Commerce Market
India's social commerce sector is growing, fueled by widespread smartphone adoption, increasing internet penetration, and platform-led innovations. The entry of major players such as Meesho, Flipkart, and Myntra highlights the competitive intensity of the market. Additionally, strategic acquisitions such as Amazon’s purchase of GlowRoad indicate the increasing importance of social commerce as a core retail channel. As a result, businesses are prioritizing digital storefronts, influencer collaborations, and in-app shopping features to capture the growing consumer demand.The regulatory landscape is evolving, with new guidelines for influencers and e-commerce policy changes aimed at transparency and consumer protection. Businesses must adapt to these regulatory shifts while fostering innovation to remain competitive. As the sector matures, partnerships, acquisitions, and emerging technologies will shape India's evolving social commerce ecosystem, making it a key driver of digital retail growth.
Current State of the Social Commerce Market
- India’s social commerce market is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by increasing digital adoption and the growing influence of social media on consumer behavior. This expansion is fueled by a surge in smartphone penetration, greater internet accessibility, and the rise of influencer-driven marketing, which have made social platforms essential to online shopping.
- Major platforms leverage AI-driven recommendations, integrated payment solutions, and community-driven shopping experiences to enhance consumer engagement. As the sector grows, businesses are expected to prioritize digital storefronts and interactive shopping formats, positioning social commerce as a dominant force in India’s digital retail ecosystem.
Key Players and New Entrants
The competitive landscape features a mix of established e-commerce platforms and emerging social commerce entities:
- Meesho: A prominent social commerce platform enabling individuals to start online businesses by reselling products through social networks.
- Flipkart: Originally an e-commerce giant, Flipkart has ventured into social commerce by integrating social features to enhance user engagement.
- Myntra: Known for fashion e-commerce, Myntra has incorporated social commerce elements, allowing users to shop based on influencer recommendations.
- ShopClues: An online marketplace that has embraced social commerce strategies to reach a broader audience.
- The Souled Store: A platform focusing on pop culture merchandise, leveraging social media to drive sales.
Recent Launches, Mergers, and Acquisitions
- The social commerce sector in India is witnessing increasing strategic activity, with global and domestic players making key investments and acquisitions. Amazon's acquisition of GlowRoad for USD 75 million highlights its intent to strengthen its presence in India's growing social commerce landscape. Similarly, Reliance Industries’ investment of over USD 90 million in Saavn Media underscores its commitment to expanding digital commerce and content-driven retail experiences.
- These developments reflect the growing importance of social commerce in India’s evolving retail ecosystem. As competition intensifies, leading players are expected to pursue mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to enhance market reach and technological capabilities. Such investments will likely accelerate innovation in influencer-driven commerce, social shopping platforms, and AI-powered consumer engagement strategies over the next few years.
Outlook
- India’s social commerce increasing integration of AI-driven shopping experiences, influencer partnerships, and interactive commerce formats will shape the industry’s trajectory. As competition intensifies, companies will focus on innovation, customer engagement, and personalization to differentiate their offerings and capture a larger share of this evolving market.
- In the coming years, strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions will play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape, with businesses leveraging partnerships to expand market reach and enhance technological capabilities. Additionally, firms must adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance while maintaining innovation. With strong consumer adoption and continued investments in digital commerce infrastructure, India’s social commerce sector is expected to become an integral part of the country’s e-commerce ecosystem.
Regulatory Changes
- The Indian government has introduced new regulations to enhance transparency, consumer protection, and fair competition in the social commerce sector. In late 2024, guidelines were implemented requiring social media influencers, including virtual ones, to disclose any material benefits received from brands for promoting products and services. This regulation aims to increase accountability in influencer marketing and provide consumers with clearer insights into paid promotions, ensuring greater trust and authenticity in digital advertising.
- Additionally, proposed amendments to India’s e-commerce policy include mandatory registration of e-commerce entities, the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism, and restrictions on manipulative sales practices. These changes are designed to curb misleading advertisements, enhance consumer rights, and regulate marketplace operations more effectively. As India’s social commerce market expands, businesses must adapt to these evolving regulations while ensuring compliance and maintaining innovation in customer engagement strategies.
Scope
This report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of social commerce in India. Below is a summary of key market segments.India Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators, 2021-2030
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Retail Product Categories, 2021-2030
- Clothing & Footwear
- Beauty and Personal Care
- Food & Grocery
- Appliances and Electronics
- Home Improvement
- Travel
- Hospitality
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment, 2021-2030
- B2B
- B2C
- C2C
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device, 2021-2030
- Mobile
- Desktop
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2021-2030
- Domestic
- Cross Border
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location, 2021-2030
- Tier-1 Cities
- Tier-2 Cities
- Tier-3 Cities
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method, 2021-2030
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Bank Transfer
- Prepaid Card
- Digital & Mobile Wallet
- Other Digital Payment
- Cash
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms
- Video Commerce
- Social Network-Led Commerce
- Social Reselling
- Group Buying
- Product Review Platforms
India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour, 2024
- By Age
- By Income Level
- By Gender
India Social Commerce Market Share by Key Players, 2024
Reasons to buy
- Insights on Strategy & Innovation: Navigate through future direction of the social commerce industry market by understanding strategic initiatives taken by key players to gain market share and innovation.
- In-depth Understanding of Social Commerce Market Dynamics in India: Understand emerging opportunities and future direction of the social commerce market, key drivers, and trends. Benefit from a detailed market segmentation with 50+ KPIs.
- Value and Volume KPIs for Accurate Understanding: Value and volume key performance indicators (KPIs) help in developing an accurate understanding of market dynamics.
- Gain comprehensive insights with this report, featuring India’s detailed report encompassing 44 tables and 57 charts, providing in-depth country-level analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Competitive Landscape: Get a snapshot of competitive landscape in social commerce sector with key players and market share in India. Formulate your strategy by gaining insights into the current structure of the market.
- Develop Strategies to Gain Market Share: Create and fine tune your targeting strategy in the social commerce sector, identify growth categories and target specific segments across the value chain; evaluate important trends and risks unique to your market.
- Deeper Understanding of Consumer Behaviour: Increase ROI by understanding how consumer attitudes and behaviours are evolving. Get a detailed view on retail spending dynamics across consumer segments in social commerce sector.
Table of Contents
1. About this Report
2. India Ecommerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators
3. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators
4. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Location
5. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Product Categories
6. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Consumer Segment
7. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by End Use Device
8. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Cities
9. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Payment Method
10. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Platforms
11. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Contents
12. India Social Commerce Industry Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour
13. Further Reading
List of Figures
List of Tables
Companies Mentioned
- Meesho
- Shopsy
