Connected TV penetration India 2022-2025
As of 2023, the number of households in India that owned connected TV sets amounted to 32 million. An increase from the previous year, the trend was projected to continue until 2025. Connected TV or CTV refers to a television or device directly connected to the internet and can stream content, such as smart TVs, streaming media player devices, gaming consoles, and internet-enabled set-top-boxes.
What is Connected TV?
A connected TV refers to any television set that can connect to the internet, enabling users to stream content from various online platforms and services. There are two main types of connected TVs: smart TVs and TVs with external streaming devices. Smart TVs come with built-in internet connectivity and pre-installed apps, allowing users to access streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube directly, without the need for any additional devices. In contrast, TVs with external streaming devices are standard televisions that connect to the internet through external devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, which provide access to streaming services and applications.
Shifting television landscape
The number of households with internet access has increased significantly over the years and is expected to continue rising. Correspondingly, the number of households with connected TVs in India has also increased. This increase in connected TV households coincides with a decline in traditional pay TV subscriptions. In 2023, cable television subscriptions dropped to 62 million, and direct-to-home services also saw a slight decrease. This shift can be attributed to viewers transitioning to free TV options, digital streaming platforms, and connected TVs. Additionally, smart TVs were the most commonly used devices for consuming television content in India as of 2023.