Instagram’s 2024 Recap: How Global Creators Fell in Love with Indian Trends in 2024

India’s cultural wealth has always been a source of inspiration, but in 2024, it broke barriers, reaching audiences far beyond its borders. From Bollywood-inspired reels to regional music dominating everywhere, Indian trends became a global phenomenon on Instagram. 2024 was indeed a landmark year for India on Instagram, as the platform witnessed an unprecedented surge in creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange that put Indian trends at the center of a global stage. Unveiled at the vibrant Meta Festival in Mumbai, Instagram’s 2024 Year-in-Review showcased how India’s artistic pulse resonated with creators worldwide.

The World Embraces India’s Desi Vibes

The year 2024 witnessed a surge in collaborations between Indian and international Instagram influencers, bridging cultures and creating viral content. From fashion to music, these partnerships showcased the global appeal of Indian aesthetics while blending it with worldwide trends. 

Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh teamed up with American rapper Saweetie for the electrifying track Khutti, blending hip-hop swagger with Punjabi beats. Similarly, Indian pop star King made waves with Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife), a soulful duet with Nick Jonas that melted hearts across continents. Meanwhile, Harsh Likhari’s fiery track Customs, created with Canadian rapper Connor Price, became an anthem for cultural fusion.

And it wasn’t just music. The world embraced the Asoka makeup trend—a bold, warrior-inspired aesthetic—with creators from Slovakia to Nigeria adding their own unique twists. In Japan, TikTokers lip-synced to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham dialogues, while creators like Drew Hicks and Agu Stanley captivated audiences with their content in fluent Hindi and Tamil. The universal embrace of Indian culture felt stronger than ever.

Regional Music: A Creative Powerhouse

Bollywood’s magnetic appeal has dominated Instagram’s dance challenges every year. Popular tracks from Hindi cinema—both classic and contemporary—spark viral trends time and again, with creators adding their unique twists. Moves from songs like Naatu Naatu and Tum Tum were reimagined in diverse settings, from Brazilian beaches to Parisian streets. But 2024 was different because it saw regional music transcending borders and inspiring millions of reels. Tracks that began in local Indian languages soon became global sensations, driving a creative explosion on Instagram.

• The Haryanvi track Jale 2 led the pack with 9.7 million reels.
• Punjabi hit Ve Haaniyaan followed with 3.9 million reels.
• Marathi favorite Gulabi Sadi enchanted audiences with 3.8 million reels.
• Tamil gem Aasa Kooda and Bhojpuri banger Bandookk kept the groove alive with 1.8 million and 1.7 million reels, respectively.

Not to be outdone, Bollywood’s hottest songs like Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz, Aaj Ki Raat from Stree 2, and Akshath Acharya’s soulful Nadaaniyan garnered millions of reels and proved why Indian music remains an unstoppable force.

Nostalgia Meets New Blockbusters

Entertainment in 2024 was a delightful blend of cherished memories and fresh storytelling. Classic movies like Rockstar and Laila Majnu made triumphant reappearances on the big screen, giving fans a nostalgic rush. Adding to the sentiment, fans worldwide celebrated the 30th anniversary of the sitcom FRIENDS, while Hera Pheri memes continued their reign as the internet’s favorite comic relief.

On the new releases front, the third seasons of Mirzapur and Panchayat enthralled audiences with gripping narratives, while Laapataa Ladies, India’s official Oscar entry, cemented itself as a cinematic triumph.

A Sporting Year to Remember

India’s passion for sports reached fever pitch in 2024. The Indian cricket team’s thrilling T20 World Cup run unified the nation, while Olympians like Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra brought glory in shooting and athletics. Another historic milestone came with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lifting the trophy in the inaugural Women’s Premier League, inspiring millions of young girls to dream big.

The Breakout Stars of 2024

Every year brings fresh faces to the forefront, and 2024 was no exception. Among the breakout stars who captivated audiences this year were:

• Hanumankind, the genre-smashing rapper from Kerala whose latest song ‘Big Dawgs’ became a global sensation.
• Nancy Tyagi, a Delhi-based fashion influencer who stunned Cannes 2024 in self-made gown
• Dolly Chai Wala, who became famous for his unique tea-making style and flamboyant personality.
• The Vada Pao Girl, who became a part of the controversial reality show Bigg Boss OTT 3. 

A Year of Desi Pride

Instagram’s 2024 Year-in-Review stood as a testament to India’s creativity and cultural magnetism. From viral makeup trends to chart-topping tracks and groundbreaking cinematic achievements, this was the year the world embraced India, and India embraced the world right back.

With such vibrant exchanges, 2024 proved that art, music, and stories truly transcend boundaries, and Instagram remains the stage where this magic unfolds.

As 2025 approaches, it’s clear that India’s cultural influence will only continue to grow. With Instagram serving as a melting pot of creativity, Indian trends are poised to inspire even more global content in the coming year. Whether it’s fashion, food, dance, or wellness, the world seems ready to embrace the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture.

In the end, 2024 wasn’t just about trends; it was about storytelling. And Indian creators, with their rich heritage and modern sensibilities, proved to be some of the most compelling storytellers on Instagram this year.