Digital marketing is the promotion of products, services, or brands using digital channels to reach and engage consumers in today’s technology-driven world. It encompasses a wide variety of platforms, including websites, social media, email, search engines, mobile apps, and other forms of electronic media. What distinguishes digital marketing from its traditional counterpart is its reliance on digital devices and technologies, which offer businesses the ability to connect with audiences in real time, gather data, and measure performance with remarkable accuracy. Digital marketing, also called online marketing, is the promotion of brands to connect with potential customers using the internet and other forms of digital communication. This includes not only email, social media, and web-based advertising, but also text and multimedia messages as a marketing channel.
As of 2025, the global population stands at 8.2 billion, with about 5.56 billion internet users (68%) and 5.24–5.07 billion social media users (62–64%).Since digital marketing relies on these channels, virtually everyone online is exposed to some form of digital marketing—whether through ads, social media posts, influencer promotions, email newsletters, or SEO-driven content. About 5.56 billion individuals, representing 68% of people on Earth, are reachable by digital marketing methods as they use the internet and related platforms. The majority of businesses across regions rely on digital channels to access and engage this massive global audience.
Did you know nine-in-ten U.S. adults go online on a daily basis? Not only that, 41% are online “almost constantly.” it's estimated that over 600 million internet users in India engage with digital marketing activities through services like social media, e-commerce, and video content as of early 2025. This large internet user base, coupled with growing digital adoption in rural areas, creates a vast and dynamic market where individuals are actively involved in the digital landscape, consuming content, and interacting with brands online.
According to a study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Mailchimp, "88% of marketers believe their marketing organization must increase its use of automation and AI to meet customer expectations and stay competitive." Digital marketing provides an excellent opportunity for marketing automation. Nearly 60% of small businesses and up to 90% of large companies utilize digital marketing strategies such as social media, email, SEO, and content marketing.91% of companies use social media to market their products or services; this shows businesses target billions of users around the world.
Around 60% of companies of all sizes globally invest in digital marketing. Up to 90% of large businesses use some form of digital marketing, leveraging multiple online channels. In key regions, digital channels receive the majority of total marketing budgets, with 56–72% of spend allocated to online activities.
In the year 2025 the top Industries in Digital Marketing Spend
E-Commerce & Retail: These businesses rely on digital marketing for direct sales, customer acquisition, influencer engagement, and personalized campaigns. Shopping and consumer goods categories represent the largest share of digital ad budgets, with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart leading the way.
Healthcare & Wellness: Hospitals, clinics, telemedicine platforms, and fitness brands use local SEO, PPC ads, and content marketing to attract patients and foster trust.
Real Estate: Agents and property managers use Google Ads, virtual tours, and local SEO to generate leads and showcase properties.
Education & E-Learning: Online course providers, coaching centers, and edtech platforms use digital advertising, social media, and CRM campaigns to boost enrollments and engagement.
Hospitality & Travel: Hotels, resorts, and tourism planners leverage video, local SEO, and advertising to reach and convert travelers.
Financial Services: Banks, insurance firms, fintech startups, and investment platforms employ digital strategies for lead generation, customer engagement, and brand authority.
Media & Entertainment: Streaming platforms, gaming companies, and entertainment providers invest heavily in digital promotion to capture global audiences, especially through social media and influencer marketing.
The adoption of digital marketing is now a mainstream practice for businesses of every size, reflecting the global move toward online engagement, data-driven campaigns, and efficient reach.