Mobile becomes the go-to device for Indians seeking entertainment, information and news in the times of Coronavirus lockdown

• Post the initial news breakout on COVID-19, there has been a gradual increase in the usage of Gaming apps.
• Spike in traffic is primarily seen for Arcade, Strategy and trivia apps.
• Online learning and reading becomes popular as state governments including Maharashtra and Karnataka announce closure of schools.

InMobi’s latest report reveals how consumers have taken to their mobiles as they seek entertainment, information, news and scourge for unique ways to engage themselves in times of social distancing.

Image and Video Editing apps have seen a 60% surge in usage.

Before people started isolating themselves, the usage of editing apps had seen a spike, during the popular week of Valentine’s Day. The festival of colors Holi triggered a surge in the usage of editing apps despite the silent nature of Holi this time around.

Post the initial news breakout on COVID-19, there has also been a gradual increase in the usage of Gaming apps. Spike in traffic is primarily seen for Arcade, Strategy and trivia apps.

Usage of Books and Comics were constant until the first week of March, post which there is a steep increase in usage. Online learning and reading has become popular as state governments including Maharashtra and Karnataka announce closure of schools. In addition, leading Indian comics have made their archives available for free for a month.

By the end of January, web browsing app usage decreased but immediately surged after the first case was reported. Mobile has become the go-to-device and destination for consumers seeking the latest news, information and updates.

These insights are based on a detailed analysis from the InMobi Audience Intelligence platform which accesses data signals from over 220 million monthly active users, it digs into location and app usage patterns of close to 200 million unique visitors seen across a variety of mobile apps.