India is one of the fastest growing country on YouTube: Google

With affordable data costs, increasing penetration of smartphones and an ever-growing availability of great content, 80 percent of internet users across all age groups in the country are watching content on YouTube, according to a study by Google.

The study said that YouTube today has become a gateway to a world of information for India's growing base of Internet users. Reaching 225 million monthly active users on mobile alone, India, today is one of the fastest growing country for YouTube.

"YouTube has become a powerful platform for users, content creators, and advertisers alike. Huge variety of premium content combined with the growing base and popularity of our creator community - truly differentiates YouTube from all other platforms. For brands, YouTube is now an end to end platform and as per the Dec 2017 ComScore Video Metrix Multi-Platform it reaches 85 percent of all highly engaged Internet users, in the 18 years and above age-group, across India," Rajan Anandan, VP South East Asia, and India, Google said.

We now have more than 300 channels with over a million subscribers, from just 16 channels in 2014. We will continue to invest in programmes to support creators, and encourage more diversity and distribution of their content," said Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer, YouTube.

"Brands now have an incredible opportunity to drive material results with constant ads innovation on the YouTube platform," added Kyncl.

The total number of online video consumers is expected to reach 500 million by 2020, the company said citing a report by FICCI-EY.

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Talking about the powerful impact of video and YouTube in shaping culture, and shifting mindsets, Sapna Chadha, Director Marketing, South East Asia and India, Google said, "The reason behind YouTube's influence in shaping culture comes back to its engaged audience. In India, YouTube is seeing incredible growth across all age groups, even amongst the 55+ audience, our reach stands at over 80 percent. From millennials to parents to working professionals - they all go to YouTube with a strong intent to learn and explore something new. It represents an incredible opportunity for brands to use that Intent to connect with their audience in a meaningful way and drive significant business results."