New Delhi, March 2, 2025: India’s short-form video market, driven by growing local content demand and rising internet penetration, is just beginning to take off, according to Manohar Singh Charan, Chief Financial Officer of ShareChat and Moj, India’s homegrown social media platforms.
In an exclusive interview, Charan highlighted that regional, differentiated content is fueling business momentum, creating new opportunities for brands to engage with India's diverse audiences. ShareChat, along with its short-video app Moj, is positioned to ride the wave of this expanding market, with the company on the verge of achieving EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) positivity at a consolidated level.
Charan also revealed that the company is approaching profitability, and while hiring will be selective and focused on specialised roles, it aims to maintain a steady path toward long-term financial sustainability. Mohalla Tech, the parent company of ShareChat and Moj, has made significant strides in revenue growth and cost optimisation, with the top line expanding by 33% in FY24, and losses reduced by one-third. This growth trajectory is expected to continue through FY25.
Strategic Focus on Profitability and IPO Plans
ShareChat has already become EBITDA positive on a standalone basis, and at a consolidated level, the company expects to see further reductions in losses in FY25. The focus remains on achieving profitability before the company considers an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which is expected in approximately 24 months.
Charan noted that while ShareChat is well-capitalised following a successful capital raise in 2024, the company plans to bring in additional marquee investors ahead of its IPO to ensure strong backing when it goes public. "We are on the brink of profitability, and we don't need immediate capital to extend our runway. However, as we approach the IPO, we will look to strategically bring in investors who will stay with us beyond the public offering," he said.
India’s Internet Penetration and the Growth of Short-Form Video
India’s internet user base is expanding rapidly, with more than 650 million users today. Charan pointed out that internet penetration in the country stands at over 60% of the population, and by 2030, it is projected to grow to 1 billion internet users. “Indian audiences are not just getting connected—they are immediately engaging with social media, with short-form video emerging as the predominant content format,” Charan stated.
As the country continues to experience rapid economic growth, which is expected to further boost per capita income, Charan predicts an increase in spending power, driving further growth in the digital ecosystem. With the rise of short-form video content, Indian consumers are increasingly relying on regional language platforms to inform purchasing decisions, opening up new avenues for brands to connect with audiences across the country.
Vernacular Content and Micro-Influencers: The Future of Brand Engagement
Charan emphasized that as the Indian economy continues to grow, brands will increasingly shift their focus to vernacular content platforms and micro-influencers to engage with regional audiences. "Short-form video is becoming the key content consumption format, and as the internet audience grows, we expect brands to channel more resources into this space, particularly through regional language content,” he added.
The shift towards regional language and micro-influencers is expected to significantly amplify brand engagement on social media platforms, further bolstering the social media economy. "We are optimistic about the future and the growing opportunities in this space," Charan concluded.
As India’s digital ecosystem continues to evolve, ShareChat and Moj are well-positioned to tap into the rapidly expanding market for short-form video content, which is reshaping the way brands connect with audiences and influence consumer behavior.
In an exclusive interview, Charan highlighted that regional, differentiated content is fueling business momentum, creating new opportunities for brands to engage with India's diverse audiences. ShareChat, along with its short-video app Moj, is positioned to ride the wave of this expanding market, with the company on the verge of achieving EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) positivity at a consolidated level.
Charan also revealed that the company is approaching profitability, and while hiring will be selective and focused on specialised roles, it aims to maintain a steady path toward long-term financial sustainability. Mohalla Tech, the parent company of ShareChat and Moj, has made significant strides in revenue growth and cost optimisation, with the top line expanding by 33% in FY24, and losses reduced by one-third. This growth trajectory is expected to continue through FY25.
Strategic Focus on Profitability and IPO Plans
ShareChat has already become EBITDA positive on a standalone basis, and at a consolidated level, the company expects to see further reductions in losses in FY25. The focus remains on achieving profitability before the company considers an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which is expected in approximately 24 months.
Charan noted that while ShareChat is well-capitalised following a successful capital raise in 2024, the company plans to bring in additional marquee investors ahead of its IPO to ensure strong backing when it goes public. "We are on the brink of profitability, and we don't need immediate capital to extend our runway. However, as we approach the IPO, we will look to strategically bring in investors who will stay with us beyond the public offering," he said.
India’s Internet Penetration and the Growth of Short-Form Video
India’s internet user base is expanding rapidly, with more than 650 million users today. Charan pointed out that internet penetration in the country stands at over 60% of the population, and by 2030, it is projected to grow to 1 billion internet users. “Indian audiences are not just getting connected—they are immediately engaging with social media, with short-form video emerging as the predominant content format,” Charan stated.
As the country continues to experience rapid economic growth, which is expected to further boost per capita income, Charan predicts an increase in spending power, driving further growth in the digital ecosystem. With the rise of short-form video content, Indian consumers are increasingly relying on regional language platforms to inform purchasing decisions, opening up new avenues for brands to connect with audiences across the country.
Vernacular Content and Micro-Influencers: The Future of Brand Engagement
Charan emphasized that as the Indian economy continues to grow, brands will increasingly shift their focus to vernacular content platforms and micro-influencers to engage with regional audiences. "Short-form video is becoming the key content consumption format, and as the internet audience grows, we expect brands to channel more resources into this space, particularly through regional language content,” he added.
The shift towards regional language and micro-influencers is expected to significantly amplify brand engagement on social media platforms, further bolstering the social media economy. "We are optimistic about the future and the growing opportunities in this space," Charan concluded.
As India’s digital ecosystem continues to evolve, ShareChat and Moj are well-positioned to tap into the rapidly expanding market for short-form video content, which is reshaping the way brands connect with audiences and influence consumer behavior.
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