Social Commerce: Concept and Trends in Rural India


Authors : Nandkishor Balu Gosavi; Dr. Suresh Magare

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bddda26e

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yc5b7k9u

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug755

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Abstract : Social commerce the fusion of social media and e-commerce has emerged as a transformative force in global digital transactions. In rural India, this evolution is being accelerated by the widespread availability of affordable smartphones and expanding internet connectivity. This paper delves into the dynamics of social commerce within rural Indian contexts, examining its foundational concept, key growth drivers, prevailing trends, and inherent challenges. It highlights how platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and region-specific applications are enabling peer-to-peer selling, influencer-led marketing, and community-driven purchasing behaviors. Drawing on statistical insights from government publications and industry reports, the study provides a data-backed analysis of the sector’s trajectory. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for businesses and policymakers aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable adoption of social commerce across rural markets.

Keywords : Social Commerce, Rural India, Digital Transactions, E-Commerce, Whatsapp Commerce.

References :

  1. Internet Usage in India Internet in India 2023 Report. IAMAI & Kantar, 2023. https://www.iamai.in/sites/ default/files/research/Kantar_%20IAMAI%20report_2024_.pdf
  2. Common Service Centers (CSCs) Press Information Bureau. “Common Service Centres: Digital Transformation of Rural India for Inclusive Sustainable Growth.” PIB, 2024. https://pib.gov.in/ PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2070062
  3. Digital India & CSCs “Common Service Centres: Digital Transformation of Rural India.” ETGovernment, 2024. https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/digital-india/common-service-centres-digital-transformation-of-rural-india-for-inclusive-sustainable-growth/118334624
  4. PM e-Vidya Program Press Information Bureau. “PM e-Vidya: Expanding Digital Education in Rural India.” PIB, 2024. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage. aspx?PRID=1945057
  5. ONDC and Rural E-Commerce “CSC and ONDC Collaborate to Expand E-Commerce Reach to Rural India.” ONDC Blog, 2024. https://ondc.org/blog/csc-and-ondc-collaborate-to-expand-e-commerce-reach-to-rural-india/
  6. Meesho Case Study “Meesho: Revolutionizing Social Commerce in India.” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, vol. 6, no. 6, 2023, pp. 123–130. https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V6ISSUE6/IJRPR48971.pdf
  7. Startup India Feature on Meesho “Case Study: Meesho – Revolutionizing Social Commerce.” Startup India News, Jan. 2025. https://www.startupindia.news/ 2025/01/case-study-meesho-revolutionizing.html
  8. UPI and Rural Financial Behavior EY & CII. “UPI Most Preferred Payment Mode for 38% Indians in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas.” EY India Newsroom, Dec. 2024. https://www.ey.com/en_in/newsroom/ 2024/12/upi-most-preferred-payment-mode-for-38-percent-indians-in-rural-and-semi-urban-areas-96-percent-demonstrate-strong-inclination-to-save-and-invest-ey-and-cii-report
  9. Comparative Study on UPI Adoption Sharma, R., and P. Deshmukh. “Digital Payment Adoption in Rural India: A Comparative Study.” Asian Finance & Journal of Business Studies, vol. 12, no. 4, 2024, pp. 45–58. https://www.afjbs.com/uploads/paper/6eed09 fdc313cc0e59be50a4b0e36d58.pdf

Social commerce the fusion of social media and e-commerce has emerged as a transformative force in global digital transactions. In rural India, this evolution is being accelerated by the widespread availability of affordable smartphones and expanding internet connectivity. This paper delves into the dynamics of social commerce within rural Indian contexts, examining its foundational concept, key growth drivers, prevailing trends, and inherent challenges. It highlights how platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and region-specific applications are enabling peer-to-peer selling, influencer-led marketing, and community-driven purchasing behaviors. Drawing on statistical insights from government publications and industry reports, the study provides a data-backed analysis of the sector’s trajectory. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for businesses and policymakers aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable adoption of social commerce across rural markets.

Keywords : Social Commerce, Rural India, Digital Transactions, E-Commerce, Whatsapp Commerce.

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Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

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