India’s Creator Economy Booms with INR 8,600 Cr Govt’s New Fund, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

The government has initiated major initiatives, including a $1 billion (INR 8,600 crore) fund and INR 391 crore for a new Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT). These measures boost the sector by offering financial aid, skill development, and global opportunities. The World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, set for May 1-4 in Mumbai, will elevate India’s creator ecosystem globally.

$1 Billion Fund to Fuel Digital Creators

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced a $1 billion fund to support digital creators. The fund, operating as a public-private partnership (PPP), will help creators enhance production quality, adopt new tech, and expand globally.

“A $1 billion fund will be created for the creator economy to help our energetic digital talents scale up, upgrade their skills, and tap into global markets,” said Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The fund is expected to boost social media influencers, digital entrepreneurs, and video content creators, making India a major exporter of creative content.

Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) to Train Future Digital Stars

In addition to the fund, the government has sanctioned INR 391 crore to establish the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai’s Film City, Goregaon. Modelled after the IITs and IIMs, this institute will focus on digital media, content production, and creative technology training.

The goal is to develop top-tier professionals who can compete internationally in animation, gaming, filmmaking, and digital storytelling.

Why is India Betting Big on the Creator Economy?

India’s $30 billion creator economy contributes 2.5% to GDP and employs 8% of the workforce. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says cities like Guwahati, Kochi, and Indore are emerging as creative hubs, decentralizing digital content.

The influencer marketing sector is worth INR 3,375 crore, and 4 million creators shape India’s global presence. A Quoruz report predicts that 86% of Indian influencers will see higher earnings in two years as brands boost digital marketing investments.

Also Read: Qoruz Report shows 322% Growth in India’s Influencer Economy

Rapid Growth of India’s Influencer Ecosystem

A report by Qoruz highlights the rapid expansion of India’s influencer market, which grew by 322% from 2020 to 2024.

• Gaming: 213% growth, reaching 467,000 influencers by 2024.
• Travel: 212% surge post-pandemic.
• Parenting: Increased from 87,000 in 2020 to 362,000 in 2024.
• Fashion: The top-performing category with 470,000 influencers.
• Infotainment: Grew by 126%, reaching 203,000 influencers.
• Finance: Expanded by 91%, reaching 232,000 influencers.

By the end of 2025, Fashion, Arts & Entertainment, and Gaming are expected to dominate the influencer space.

India’s Vision is to Become a Global Content Leader

The government aspires to make India a content exporter, with initiatives like WAVES Bazaar opening global markets for creators. In December 2024, PM Modi highlighted the creator economy’s role in India’s $5 trillion goal in one of the Mann ki Baat episodes.

With platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and short-video apps gaining massive traction, brands across fashion, beauty, tech, and FMCG are heavily investing in digital creators. Even Amazon and Meta have launched programs like Creator University and Creator Connect to support Indian influencers.

India lays the foundation for a globally competitive creator economy with the INR 8,600 crore fund, IICT, and WAVES 2025. The initiatives will boost digital talent and open new revenue streams for content creators, positioning India as a global powerhouse in media and entertainment.