MUMBAI: From Diwali sparks to a nine-week growth blaze. India’s festive season is no longer a one-week sprint to Diwali, and Appsflyer is showing marketers how to keep the momentum glowing. The global marketing measurement leader has released its 2025 India Festive Report, revealing that high-intent app activity now stretches across a nine-week window, offering brands extended opportunities for growth.
Analysing 20.5 million app installs and over 576 million dollars in user acquisition and remarketing spend, the report highlights booming post-Diwali activity. Gaming and food & drink apps saw post-peak install growth of 29 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, while Android remarketing spend in travel jumped 40 per cent. Ios Shopping engagement surged with session volume up 20 per cent, boosted by extended deals and gift redemption cycles.
“India’s festive season has evolved into a sustained momentum period that demands smarter campaign pacing and post-Diwali re-engagement,” said Appsflyer general manager INSEA and ANZ Sanjay Trisal. “Android delivers long-tail value when remarketing is timed right, while Ios needs sharper sequencing and early conversion. Brands that invest in lifecycle strategies and fraud protection at key moments can maximise both growth and efficiency.”
Key takeaways from the report show that top shopping apps grew share of paying users by 32 per cent year-on-year, while post-festival fraud rates spiked, particularly in food & drink on Ios (up 176 per cent) and entertainment on Android (up 74 per cent). Remarketing budgets should be reallocated to the post-Diwali period, with segmented push campaigns and reactivation flows between Days 10 and 14 ensuring retention beyond the first week.
Meta vertical head of gaming, tech, health & education Rishad Chindamada added, “Mobile platforms drive rapid acquisition and re-engagement, enhanced by AI tools optimising campaigns. Brands that leverage full-funnel marketing across channels can turn festive season spikes into lasting loyalty.”
Appsflyer’s report underscores a shift in festive marketing strategy, it’s not just about winning Diwali week, it’s about sustaining the spark long after the lamps go out.