Ad space per publication in print has increased by 21% in 2025 compared to 2021 levels and has recorded a 2% year-on-year growth over 2024, according to the latest findings by TAM AdEx. Quarterly data has shown that Q3 and Q4 of 2025 have delivered 13% higher ad space per publication than Q1 of 2025, indicating stronger performance in the second half of the year.
The Auto sector has retained the top position with a 16% share of total ad space in 2025, followed by Services at 15% and Education at 14%. The top 10 sectors have collectively contributed 85% of total print ad space during the year.
Cars have continued to dominate as the leading category with a 9% share of ad space, followed by Properties/Real Estates at 6%. Among the top 10 categories, three have belonged to the Education sector, while Auto, Services and Retail have accounted for two categories each. Together, the top 10 categories have contributed 45% of total print ad space.
In terms of growth, Cars have registered a 26% increase in ad volumes in 2025 over 2024, while Branded Jewellery has grown by 60%. FMCG Products Range has recorded the highest percentage growth among the top 10 growing categories at 3.1 times compared to the previous year. Overall, more than 320 categories have registered positive growth.
The report has noted that over 72,000 advertisers and 95,000 brands have exclusively advertised in print during 2025. The top 10 advertisers have accounted for 13% of total ad space. Among them, Maruti Suzuki India has retained the top position, while Bajaj Auto has entered the top 10 list, moving up from 29th position in 2024 to 10th in 2025.
At the brand level, Maruti Car Range has led the rankings among over 179,000 brands present in print advertising during the year. The top 10 brands have collectively contributed 5% of total print ad space.
In terms of ad placement, Jacket-Full Page has remained the most preferred position, with over 8,800 brands advertising in this format across newspapers and magazines.
Sales Promotion ads have accounted for 33% of total print ad space in 2025. Within this segment, Multiple Promotion has held a 51% share, followed by Discount Promotion at 38%. The top two promotional formats have together covered 88% of the sales promotion ad space.
Festive advertising has continued to play a key role, with Deepavali contributing 41% of total ad space among ads with festive themes. Navratri/Durga Puja and Christmas/New Year have followed with 17% and 10% shares respectively.
The findings have highlighted steady consolidation in print advertising, with sectoral leadership remaining largely unchanged and festive and promotional formats continuing to drive volumes in 2025.
