Online Classified Market Outlook:
Online Classified Market size was valued at USD 157.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1479.5 billion by the end of 2035, rising at a CAGR of 25.1% during the forecast period, i.e., 2026-2035. In 2026, the industry size of online classified is assessed at USD 197.1 billion.
The increasing Internet and smartphones penetration is a primary driver of the online classified market. This has revolutionized the way people connect, communicate, and transact, especially in emerging markets. As entry-level smartphones become cheaper and data plans more accessible, a broader demographic, including people from rural and underserved areas, is gaining access to online platforms. This digital inclusion extends the potential consumer base for online classifieds, which depend heavily on user-generated listings and peer-to-peer interaction. With improved connectivity, individuals who relied on physical bulletin boards, local newspapers, or word-of-mouth now post listings, search offers, and communicate with potential buyers in real time. This has been particularly effective in markets where online classifieds serve as a low-barrier entry point for business.
Source: IAMAI
Moreover, smartphones equipped with GPS, cameras, and user-friendly apps allow users to easily take photos of the product, tag locations, and engage in instant messaging, streamlining the entire process of listing and selling. Additionally, push notifications and personalized recommendations improve user engagement, making mobile devices the only source for online classified usage. For instance, as per the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), internet users in India are expected to surpass 900 million by the end of 2025, with over 50% coming from rural areas. This surge has enabled platforms such as OLX to penetrate deeper into non-metro markets, where demand for used goods and local services is high.
