While the last few years were about getting consumers hooked on 10-minute deliveries, India’s quick commerce industry has moved beyond speed. It’s all about advertising now. Today, quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, Instamart and Zepto are building high-margin retail media businesses, pulling brands into bidding wars for visibility at the exact moment a purchase decision is made. While seller commissions still account for the bulk of their revenues, roughly around 70%, advertising, including sponsored listings, homepage takeovers, search boosts and brand placements, contributes between 9% and 11%, and the share is rising rapidly. What’s more interesting is that ad rates on quick commerce apps have climbed more than 40% in just a year, with premiums doubling during high-impact windows like festivals and major cricket tournaments. This surge in ad rates is being driven by two things coming together — more shoppers on these apps and limited space for brands to stand out. As a result, companies are willing to pay a premium to be seen right at the moment a customer is ready to buy, something traditional ecommerce and social platforms still struggle to offer. Bain’s How India Shops Online 2025 report reflects this shift. Categories such as beauty, personal… Read MoreInc42 Media
