2024 marked a year of steady creativity and cultural exchange on Instagram, with India continuing to shape global trends while celebrating its own diverse cultural landscape. From collaborations to regional music and rising stars, here’s a look at the highlights that captured the country’s attention on the platform.
India goes global & the world goes Desi
Instagram saw Indian artists joining forces with international talents, creating a blend of global and local sounds. Diljit Dosanjh collaborated with Saweetie for the track ‘Khutti,’ while King worked with Nick Jonas on ‘Maan Meri Jaan,’ reflecting the growing cross-border appeal of Indian music. The influence of Indian trends also spread globally. The Asoka makeup trend, which gained traction in India, caught the eye of creators in places like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Slovakia. Creators from Japan also embraced Bollywood dialogue lip-syncing, and influencers like Drew Hicks explored Indian languages, highlighting the widespread interest in Indian culture.
Regional music fuels a creative explosion
India’s regional music scene gained attention on Instagram in 2024, with songs from across the country driving millions of reels. Haryanvi’s ‘Jale 2’ and Punjabi’s ‘Ve Haaniyaan’ generated millions of reels, while Marathi’s ‘Gulabi Sadi’, Tamil’s ‘Aasa Kooda’, and Bhojpuri’s ‘Bandookk’ also saw significant engagement. In addition to regional music, songs like ‘Tauba Tauba’ from Bad Newz and ‘Nadaaniyan’ by Akshath Acharya contributed to the year’s musical landscape, reflecting the variety of music that resonated with users.
A year of entertainment – Nostalgia meets new blockbusters
In 2024, Instagram users embraced a mix of nostalgia and new content. Classic films such as Rockstar and Laila Majnu made a return, while the 30th anniversary of FRIENDS sparked a fresh wave of appreciation. Hera Pheri memes continued to engage audiences, showing the enduring appeal of these films. New shows like Mirzapur (season 3), Panchayat, and Laapataa Ladies captured attention for their storytelling, further diversifying the entertainment conversation.
Celebrating a year of diverse triumphs
Sports continued to be a unifying force in 2024, with fans showing support for various athletes and teams. The T20 World Cup saw strong support for the Indian cricket team, while Olympians Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra earned recognition. The victory of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League also drew attention to the growing interest in women’s sports.
Trailblazers who captivated India this year
2024 introduced a new wave of individuals who became familiar names across the country. Hanumankind, Nancy Tyagi, Dolly Chai Wala, and the Vada Pao Girl gained recognition for their distinct talents and personal styles. Their rise was not a matter of sudden fame but the result of consistent engagement and authenticity, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural scene.
Wrapping up 2024
Instagram’s Year-in-Review for India in 2024 demonstrated the platform’s role as a space where creativity and cultural exchange thrive. From Indian artists influencing global trends to regional music generating millions of reels, the year highlighted the diversity of content that resonated with audiences both in India and abroad.