Not very long ago, content creation and making videos online on social media platforms were seen as hobbies, often not acknowledged and frequently made fun of. However, today, as the economy advances, social media influencers are among the most successful and influential people in the country.
With millions of followers across the globe, these social media personalities not only have successful careers in content creation but are also business owners, faces of brands, and are often seen rubbing shoulders with influential personalities worldwide.
The Rise of the Creator Economy
The creator economy is rising multifold with each passing year. As per a 2025 report released by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, spending influenced by creators is likely to reach over $1 trillion by 2030, with more than $100 billion in ecosystem revenues.
At present, according to the BCG report, creators in India influence more than 30 per cent of consumers and approximately $350–400 billion in consumer spending. These numbers highlight how powerful the influence of these social media stars really is.
Contributing profoundly to the type of content we consume, creators often act as determinants of how demand and supply function in the economy. Today, content creators have moved beyond entertainment on screens and are reshaping brands, marketing strategies, and how money moves in the economy.
Most of these public figures have turned to brand endorsements, monetising their content, building production houses, running podcasts, and launching their own merchandise, thereby transforming content into scalable brands and businesses.
How Do Influencers Influence the Economy?
A report by Qoruz, an influencer marketing platform, highlights that India has over 4 million influencers. Among this growth, the top contributing categories include gaming, arts and entertainment, and fashion.
Aditya Gurwara, co-founder and Head of Brand Alliances at Qoruz, highlighted, “Over the years, we’ve seen a significant shift in how brands approach their marketing strategies. Influencers have moved beyond product endorsements to becoming strategic partners for brands. They create authentic, context-driven content that resonates deeply with audiences, making campaigns more impactful than ever before.”
Additionally, Vipin Gupta, Managing Director at BCG, added that the creator economy is set to contribute to 25–30 per cent of the country’s total consumer spending by 2030. “What began as a Gen Z and metro-focused phenomenon is now resonating across age groups and smaller cities, unlocking new avenues of influence and engagement,” Gupta emphasised.
He also highlighted that marketing through creators is gradually becoming one of the most important brand strategy approaches and is likely to see a 1.5–3 times budget increase in the years to come.
Vipin further noted, “To fully leverage this potential, brands must trust creator-led outcomes, streamline decision-making, embrace agile content strategies, and invest in long-term creator partnerships.”
Furthermore, according to the Qoruz report, the influencer market is expected to grow significantly, with fashion, gaming, and arts and entertainment content categories projected to have 470,000, 467,000, and 430,000 influencers, respectively, by 2025.
Read More: Why Are Influencers Quitting Their Content Creation Business?
So, Who Are the Top Creators in the Indian Creator Economy?
Over the years, some names have managed to rise above the growing crowd on the internet and achieve major milestones. Beyond being creators, these individuals have found success by building audiences and effectively spreading their ideas worldwide.
Among the most influential creators is Bhuvan Bam, one of the first to gain a massive following on YouTube through his channel BB Ki Vines, launched in 2015. His videos were relatable and humorous. According to an editorial by LiveMint, Bhuvan has an estimated net worth of approximately ₹122 crore and a fan base of 21.1 million followers on Instagram.
Bam’s net worth comprises earnings from his YouTube channel, independent releases, and acting projects, including Dindhora (YouTube) and Taaza Khabar, as well as collaborations with brands such as Beardo and Lenskart.
Ranveer Allahbadia is another prominent name on the list of successful creators. Better known as BeerBiceps, Allahbadia is widely recognised for his podcasts. Ranveer’s net worth is estimated at around ₹60 crore. His earnings stem from his podcast The Ranveer Show, brand collaborations, business ventures, his content creation academy BeerBiceps Skillhouse, and projects in the wellness and fitness space.
Ajay Nagar, popularly known as CarryMinati, is one of the most followed creators in Asia. His net worth stands at approximately ₹50 crore, with 21.2 million followers on Instagram. He earns through advertisements, sponsorships, marketing, and sales, as well as from his work as a YouTuber and gamer. He is particularly known for his humorous videos and roasting style.
Further, creators such as Ashish Chanchalani, Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji), Kusha Kapila, and Prajakta Koli (MostlySane) have significantly contributed to the creator economy, not only through their content but also through business ventures and strong entrepreneurial skills.
The Bigger Picture
In digital AdEx (advertising expenditure), India’s influencer marketing sector is growing rapidly, with a valuation of over ₹3,000–3,500 crore in 2025 alone. However, despite this growth, the BCG report notes that only 8–10 per cent of influencers in India actually earn a sustainable income from their content.
While the creator economy in India continues to rise, with top creators achieving notable financial success, a large majority are still striving to reach similar heights. As the creator economy grows, it becomes important for the country to nurture this ecosystem and encourage genuine talent and creativity.
Images: Google Images
Sources: Firstpost, Mint, The Economic Times
Find the blogger: @shubhangichoudhary_29
This post is tagged under: Indian creator economy, influencers in India, social media creators, influencer marketing India, digital economy, content creators, YouTube creators India, Instagram influencers, creator economy growth, digital advertising India, YouTubers net worth
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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