Bengaluru firm Redseer says India’s internet workforce could reach 17-21 million by 2030

India’s monthly active internet workforce is expected to expand from over six million today to 17-21 million by 2030.

According to Redseer Strategy Consultants, a Bengaluru-based research firm, full-time workers in delivery, transportation and domestic services earn on average up to 2.5 times higher monthly net income than workers in comparable formal and informal occupations.

In its latest report, Gig Internet Workforce in India: Bridge to about 20 Million Livelihoods, the firm said platform-enabled gig work will become a key driver of livelihoods and a significant component of India’s non-agricultural workforce over the next decade.

Redseer found that digital platforms have evolved beyond just offering flexible working arrangements to become an accessible entry point into the labor market. Digital platforms are increasingly serving as a source of supplemental income for employed individuals and as a stepping stone for people pursuing higher education, entrepreneurship or even a career transition.

For many, the gig economy offered their first job

Redseer found that approximately 54% of gig workers surveyed were not in paid employment prior to entering digital platforms, suggesting the sector’s role in expanding workforce participation by lowering barriers to entry through flexible work schedules, digital onboarding and faster access to income.

It is estimated that by 2030, more than 30% of gig workers will be entering the job market for the first time. Redseer also found that nearly 70% of workers surveyed believe their experience on gig platforms has improved their future earnings prospects by helping them gain transferable skills, gain verifiable work experience and gain broader job opportunities.

According to Redseer’s research, there are three categories of workers in the digital gig economy: frontline workers, side earners, and destination management transitioners.

Manish, a 32-year-old Bengaluru-based chef who is also a gig worker, said, “I used to work as a cook in the morning and a watchman at night. Apart from cooking, I drive a 2W taxi for three to four hours in the evening and sometimes on weekends to earn extra income. Sometimes my earnings from gig work even exceed my earnings as a head chef.”

Mr. Manish also expects to find a better gig so he can start saving money for his children’s education.

Honnur, a 23-year-old nursing student based in Davangere and also a gig worker, said: “I’m studying nursing and I was looking for a way to earn money to pay my school fees because I can’t rely on my family anyway. When I work gigs, I usually deliver food for three to four hours a day after finishing my studies. The flexibility helps me earn my expenses.”

He said he will go into full-time work once he graduates. Based on the findings, Kushal Bhatnagar, partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants, said the growth of the gig economy reflects growing demand for flexible work arrangements that allow individuals to enter the workforce, supplement household income and pursue long-term career goals.

He added that collaboration between digital platforms and policy makers will be important to strengthen social measures, financial protection and wider labor force participation.

It was noted that social support within the gig ecosystem has become more structured through platform-led initiatives such as accident insurance, emergency assistance and skills development programmes.

Redseer added that while the implementation of the Social Security Code represents progress towards formal recognition and portable social protection for gig workers, greater awareness of social systems and their use remains necessary and targets to be achieved.

The participation of women in concerts is increasing

Redseer also identified increasing female participation in the 18 to 35 age group, and the reported gig economy was witnessing gender diversification. Factors such as improved digital literacy, security measures, flexibility and access etc. are making the gig economy more inclusive.

Published – 18 Jul 2026 0:50 AM IST