Print ad volumes down by 4% in H1 2025 YoY

Ad volumes in print have decreased by 4% in the first half of 2025, as compared to the same period last year, according to the TAM AdEx report.

The report said that the education as a sector topped the list in terms of print ad space in the first half of 2025 (H1) with 20%, followed by services at 15%, auto (15%), BFI (9%), retail (7%), personal accessories (6%), F&B (4%), durables (3%), personal healthcare (3%) and corporate/brand image (2%).

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"The top three sectors retained their positions in Jan–Jun 2025, consistent with their rankings during the same period in 2024; top five sectors together accounted more than 67% share of Print ad space," it noted.

Meanwhile, cars remained the top advertised category during H1’25 and also in H1'24.

The category was followed by multiple courses, real-estate, two-wheelers, coaching centers, retail jewelry outlets, hospitals, schools, electronics/ durables retail stores and travel and tourism.

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In terms of advertisers, Maruti Suzuki India led the list of advertisers in print in both H1’24 and H1’25. In 2025, it was followed by Reliance Retail, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, Life Insurance Corp of India, TVS Motor Company, Allen Career Institute, Samsung India Electronics and Kia Motors.

Additionally, sales promotion advertising covered 29% share of ad space in print during Jan-Jun’25.

The report further noted that Hindi and English language publications together contributed more than 60% share of ad volume during both Jan-Jun’24-25.

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Hindi contributed to the 36% of ad volume in H1 2025 followed by English (29%), Marathi (8%), Kannada (6%), Tamil 6% and others (16%).