Instagram Reels Views Surpass TV in India: Report 

Instagram has transformed the way people consume video content in India. According to a recent Meta report, Instagram Reels India has overtaken traditional TV in terms of daily viewership. This shift highlights the growing popularity of short-form videos and the way digital platforms are revolutionizing entertainment in the country.

The results come from a poll done by Meta and the market research company Ipsos. It comprised 3,500 people from 33 cities in India. The survey was conducted to mark five years since Instagram launched the Reels tab, celebrating its growth as a leading platform for short-video content.

Instagram Reels Becomes India’s Favorite Short Video Platform

The Meta report Reels claims that Instagram Reels India has become the preferred platform for short-form video consumption. About 92 percent of respondents said they watch Reels more than any other short-video platform. The survey did not explicitly name competitors, but the results indicate a strong preference for Instagram’s Reels over other apps.

Meta also found that 97 percent of people watch short-form videos at least once a day. Compared to this, 83 percent reported watching TV daily. This data confirms that Instagram Reels views have not only grown rapidly but are now surpassing traditional TV viewership in India.

This trend shows a clear shift in content consumption habits. Users, especially younger audiences, are spending more time on Reels for entertainment, information, and trends, rather than sticking to conventional TV or OTT platforms.

Engagement on Instagram Reels India

Creators on Instagram Reels India are seeing higher engagement compared to other short-video platforms. Meta’s report highlights that Reels generates 33 percent more engagement. Categories such as fashion, beauty, music, and movies experience even higher viewership.

For example:

• Fashion and trends content sees a 40 percent higher consumption rate.
• Beauty and makeup content has 20 percent more viewers.
• Music and movie topics show a 16 percent increase in consumption.

This surge in engagement also influences brand discovery. Meta’s report states that 80 percent of respondents discover new brands on Reels. Businesses and creators now rely heavily on Reels for marketing, audience engagement, and reaching potential customers.

Instagram Reels vs TV: A Changing Media Landscape

The comparison between Instagram Reels views and TV consumption highlights how digital platforms are dominating the entertainment landscape in India. While 97 percent of people watch short-form videos daily, only 83 percent watch TV. OTT platforms lag even further behind, with 43 percent daily viewership.

Short-form videos, such as Reels, offer quick and engaging content, making them ideal for today’s fast-paced lifestyles. Users can scroll through multiple videos in a few minutes, discover trends, and interact directly with creators—something traditional TV cannot provide.

This trend also suggests a shift in advertising strategies. Brands now prioritize Reels over TV ads due to higher engagement and direct audience interaction. Influencers and content creators are also seeing better opportunities for growth on Reels, as viewership and reach continue to increase.

Why Instagram Reels Views Are Surging in India

Several factors contribute to the rise in Instagram Reels views in India:

1. Short and engaging content – Reels videos are typically 15–60 seconds long, making them easy to watch and share.
2. AI-powered recommendations – Instagram’s algorithms suggest content tailored to user interests, increasing viewership.
3. A variety of topics – from comedy and music to fashion and cooking - Reels cover a wide range of interests.
4. Creator opportunities – Reels provide monetization options for influencers and small businesses, attracting more content creators.
5. Social interaction – Users can like, comment, share, and remix Reels, enhancing engagement.

These elements make Instagram Reels India the go-to platform for entertainment and trends, explaining why it has surpassed TV in daily viewership.

Conclusion

The rise of Instagram Reels India highlights a major shift in content consumption habits. The Meta report Reels clearly shows that short-form videos are now preferred over traditional TV, thanks to engaging formats, personalized recommendations, and diverse content.

For creators, businesses, and marketers, this is an opportunity to reach a vast audience, drive engagement, and discover new trends. The popularity of Reels also indicates the future of entertainment in India, where digital platforms are expected to continue dominating over conventional media.

FAQs

1. Are Instagram Reels views higher than TV in India?

Yes, according to the Meta report, Reels ' daily viewership (97%) is higher than TV's (83%).

2. Why are people watching Instagram Reels more than TV?

Reels offer short, engaging, and personalized content, making it easier for users to consume videos at any time and from anywhere.

3. Which topics are most popular on Instagram Reels India?

Fashion, beauty, music, and movies are among the most-watched categories, with engagement significantly higher than on other platforms.

4. Can brands benefit from Instagram Reels?

Yes, 80 percent of users discover new brands on Reels, making it a powerful platform for marketing and promotions.

5. How does Instagram Reels compare with OTT platforms?

Reels has a higher daily viewership (97%) compared to OTT platforms (43%), showing the popularity of short-form videos in India.

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