India's Instagram Highlights of 2025
In 2025, Instagram became a vibrant canvas reflecting the eclectic mix of India’s online culture. The platform’s Year-in-Review highlighted how users engaged with a variety of trends, predominantly driven by sports and nostalgia. With significant events such as India’s Champions Trophy victory and the long-awaited win for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), cricket was at the forefront of national conversations.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marked a significant moment for fans, igniting a flurry of reactions, edits, and commentaries that continued for weeks. This showcases how deeply cricket influences the online behavior of millions in India, making it more than just a sport but a unifying force.
Alongside these sports highlights, a unique visual trend emerged as users gravitated towards lo-fi, grainy photos reminiscent of old digital snapshots. This nostalgic wave was accompanied by a resurgence of popular culture references. Edits from classic films like “Wake Up Sid” and music from “Rockstar” became widely shared, as users leaned on familiar themes amidst the fast-paced digital world.
Interestingly, Instagram also highlighted how ordinary individuals shaped major moments. A young girl’s photograph from the Mahakumbh drew comparisons to the iconic Mona Lisa, while a child’s innocent mispronunciation of “croissant” became a viral meme. Additionally, a mehendi artist from Kolhapur gained unexpected fame by recreating Rihanna’s wedding look, showcasing the power of grassroots creativity in the digital age.
Moreover, Sudhanshu Shukla made headlines as the first Indian in forty years to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), sparking a wave of posts celebrating his achievement. Comedian Samay Raina also found frequent mention, thanks to his appearances on India’s Got Latent, demonstrating how entertainment and humor resonated widely.
Instagram’s review also pointed out various fleeting trends that nevertheless shaped the online feed. From Veer Pahariya’s viral “langdi” dance step to discussions around 90-hour work weeks, and even the return of certain memes, 2025 was a year where diverse elements coexisted. The platform captured the essence of a nation that thrives on creativity, connection, and the power of shared experiences.
