India’s paid music-streaming subscriber base could double to 28–30 million by 2028, from about 14 million in December 2025, according to an EY and Indian Music Industry report. The projection matters because music consumption is widespread in India but payment remains comparatively limited, constraining income for creators, labels and rights holders.

The study surveyed more than 15,000 smartphone owners and found that 96% consume music, while 80% listen for over an hour daily; however, only 38% have ever paid for music streaming, including bundled plans, compared with 86% for video streaming. Digital music services are used by 60% of respondents, YouTube by 32%, and India’s paid base remains below Brazil’s 30 million-plus, the US’s 106 million and China’s 171 million-plus subscribers.