Music influencers shape culture through sound and style.
Sinchana
Music influencers connect brands to audiences through emotion and sound.
Introduction: Music Influencers
The rise of social media has transformed how music is discovered, consumed, and shared, with influencers at the forefront of this digital revolution. The Music Influencer Report explores the dynamic ecosystem of creators shaping trends, promoting artists, and engaging passionate music enthusiasts. These influencers—ranging from celebrity singers and DJs to rap artists—combine authenticity, creativity, and cultural relevance, making them powerful partners for brands in the music industry.
This report categorizes music influencers across three key domains, highlighting their unique contributions
- Celebrity Singers
- Command mass appeal with chart-topping hits and global fanbases, driving mainstream music trends through platforms like Spotify India, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. They collaborate with major brands in music, fashion, and lifestyle to amplify releases and cultural moments.
- DJs
- Serve as tastemakers in music promotion and live performances, curating playlists and energizing events. They partner with streaming platforms, music festivals, and lifestyle brands to boost engagement and visibility.
- Rap Artists
- Influence cultural conversations with bold lyrics and niche appeal, resonating deeply with dedicated audiences. They collaborate with brands in music, streetwear, and entertainment to drive authentic connections.
Through brand collaborations, playlist curation, live performances, and community engagement, these influencers amplify music discovery, boost streaming metrics, and elevate artist visibility. Their partnerships span diverse sectors—from streaming platforms (e.g., Spotify India, Apple Music, YouTube Music), fashion and streetwear (e.g., Nike, Adidas), to entertainment and media (e.g., Netflix India, Sony Music India)—demonstrating the expansive scope of the music influencer economy.
This report aims to provide marketers, brand strategists, and industry stakeholders with actionable insights into the key players, trends, and opportunities within the music influencer space in India.
Leading Music Influencers
Celebrity Singers
Celebrity Singers are celebrated music artists who command substantial influence across social media, captivating audiences through a mix of performances, personal moments, and brand collaborations. Their content typically features live concerts, new music releases, and lifestyle updates—often accompanied by disclaimers stating that their posts are intended for entertainment or informational purposes, not professional advice.
They engage fans with concert snippets, behind-the-scenes footage, and promotional content, frequently partnering with brands from a range of industries. These partnerships span fashion and jewellery labels like Golecha Jewels, Kalki Fashion, and Tribe by Amrapali, entertainment platforms such as Spotify India, Netflix India, and Sony Music India, and consumer-focused brands including OnePlus India and Haldiram’s Snacks.
Celebrity Singers are also regulars at high-profile events like IIFA, Zee Cine Awards, and the Riders Music Festival, which are often backed by sponsors such as Nexa Experience and Tata Motors Cars. Through collaborations with names like Prime Video India, Gehnajewellers1, and YouTube India, they blend their musical influence with lifestyle, fashion, and culture promoting a diverse array of products and experiences while connecting with a global fan base.
Satinder Sartaaj collaborates with Times Music and Spotify India to present the soulful track “Hawa Mohabbat”.
A unique melody that captures love and nature’s essence, this full video is a must-watch for all music lovers.
Sachet Tandon goes behind the scenes of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2024 airing on @zeetv.
Showcasing stunning looks with outfits by Tirumala Designers and Richa Singh Design, complemented by jewellery from Azotiique and juttis by Azora Fashion.
The image highlights fashion, jewelry, and entertainment brands that have collaborated with Celebrity Singers in the past six months. A larger brand logo indicates a higher number of influencer partnerships. Spotify India leads with 18 collaborations, followed by Netflix India with 13, and Zee TV with 8. Red FM India has 5 influencer partnerships, while Prime Video, Azotiique, and JJ Valaya have each done 4. ReChannel Fashions, Kalki Fashion, Sony TV, Zee Cinema, and others have collaborated 3 times. Several notable brands such as Tribe by Amrapali, Saint G, Zee5, Sony India, and Drip Project have recorded 2 collaborations. A diverse set of fashion and jewelry houses including Dolly J Studio, Neeta Lulla, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla—have each collaborated once, reflecting the rich mix of style and storytelling in influencer marketing.
DJ
DJs are more than just performers—they are dynamic brand collaborators whose influence extends across events, hospitality, and entertainment. Their presence is particularly strong in the hospitality and nightlife industry, where they are frequently booked for live sets at hotels, beach resorts, sundowners, and exclusive parties. These performances often evolve into brand associations with the venue or event organizer, helping attract audiences and boost visibility for the hosting establishment.
In addition to hospitality venues, DJs often partner with event management firms and fashion or lifestyle events, such as fashion tours and branded soirées. Their sets help define the atmosphere of such events, making them key promotional elements for organizers and sponsors alike. These collaborations highlight their pivotal role in curating memorable brand experiences.
DJs also engage with music labels and streaming platforms, promoting their mixes or exclusive releases on services like Spotify India, Apple Music, and Zee Music Company. Their versatility allows them to perform across a wide range of formats—from corporate functions and large-scale public festivals to intimate private gatherings like weddings—demonstrating their adaptability in engaging diverse audiences through music.
DJs also engage with a wide range of brands and collaborators, including anarockpropertyconsultants, aermumbai, fsmumbai, bluorng, risingevents, westinmumbaipowai, blenderspridefashiontour, wmsonline, lemeridienkhaolak, varunbahlcouture, ibizamonkeybusiness, flairmix, and suryanfm, reflecting their broad appeal and relevance across industries.
DJ Pranav Desai teams up with Nina Suerte and friends for an electrifying Yacht Club Saturday at AER Mumbai and Four Seasons Mumbai.
Featuring Main Act Nina Suerte alongside Pranav Desai, Kadnce, Vinay, and Tousif, the night is set to groove with Afrohouse, Melodic House, and Afrotech vibes.
DJ Prasad Mumbai lights up the decks at Taj Lands End, delivering a party experience that’s even hotter than the music! 🎧🎉
The image showcases luxury hospitality and fashion brands that have partnered with influencers in the past six months. A larger brand logo signifies a higher number of collaborations. Four Seasons Mumbai leads with 7 influencer campaigns, followed by Taj Lands End, Varun Bahl Couture, and Westin Mumbai Powai Lake with 2 collaborations each. JW Marriott Mussoorie and designer Nachiket Barve have each collaborated once, reflecting a selective but strategic use of influencer engagement in the premium lifestyle space.
Classical Singers
Classical Singers connect with their audiences through performances deeply rooted in traditional and cultural musical forms. Their influence extends beyond music into brand collaborations, where they leverage their artistic credibility to engage niche market segments that value refined aesthetics and cultural heritage.
According to the sources, classical singers collaborate extensively within the media and entertainment sector, contributing their music to soundtracks on platforms like SonyLIV and recording at renowned studios such as YRF Studio.
They also partner with fashion and lifestyle brands, featuring in promotional campaigns for clothing and jewellery. Additionally, their performances—often intimate traditional ‘baithaks’—open doors for partnerships with hospitality venues, particularly tea houses, creating distinctive musical experiences. Collaborations with service providers, such as transportation companies, are also noted.
Classical Singers also collaborate with a diverse set of brands and partners, including sonylivindia, yrf studio, kalash_jewels, and tajmahalteahousemumbai, highlighting their connection to cultural, lifestyle, and entertainment sectors.
Kushagra Thakur celebrates a smashing success with his latest tracks “Better With You” crossing 200k streams within just 2 days of release! ❤️
Meanwhile, “Finding Her” ranks as the 2nd most streamed track on @spotifyindia in India. 🇮🇳
A huge thank you to all the fans for the love and support!
Nirali Kartik hosts a surprise baithak in Mumbai, blending an evening of classical and Sufi music, poetry, and shayaris at the magnificent @tajmahalteahousemumbai.
The image highlights music brands that have collaborated with Classical Singers over the past six months. Spotify India leads with 5 influencer collaborations, while Sony Liv India has partnered twice. A larger brand logo indicates a higher number of collaborations.
Instrumental Musicians
Instrumental Musicians are skilled artists who captivate audiences on social media with their mastery of instruments like the Sitar, Tabla, Guitar, and Violin, sharing covers, mashups, and original compositions. Their content blends musical performances with lifestyle elements, often including disclaimers that their posts are for entertainment and informational purposes, not professional advice.
They engage followers through soulful performances, creative collaborations, and event appearances, partnering with diverse brands and organizations.
Collaborations include media and entertainment platforms like Spotify India, Netflix India, and Prime Video India for music tied to shows or films, and music labels like T-Series Official. They work with consumer goods brands, creating mashups for jingles from companies like Vicco Labs, Maggi India, Nerolac Paints, Reliance Jio, and Britannia Industries. Partnerships also involve musical instrument makers like Cort Guitars, fashion brands like Ray-Ban, home décor businesses like Kalakaarihaath, and food and beverage brands like Bili Hu Coffee. They perform at hospitality venues like Raffles Udaipur and The Leela Palace Jaipur.
Through collaborations with brands like Amita Pathak Sachar, Airtel India, and Money Heist Experience, Instrumental Musicians weave their artistry into cultural and commercial spaces, promoting diverse products and events to inspire and connect with a global audience.
The image showcases major streaming and entertainment brands that have collaborated with Instrumental Musicians in the past six months. Netflix India leads with 2 influencer collaborations, while Prime Video India, Raffles Udaipur, and Social Offline have each partnered once. A larger brand logo indicates a higher number of collaborations.
burritu collaborates with The Happening Space Surat to bring the passion of Aashiqui ka Junoon to life! 💜🤌🏻🤍
Join the exclusive dance workshop on 4th May, Sunday, 2-4 PM at @thehappeningspace_, featuring choreography by burritu and Aajana Chlee.
Raghav Sachar shares a soulful musical moment, playing the beautiful song “Tumhi Dekho Na” on the sitar with Oboe peacefully relaxing beside him. Music as therapy — a peaceful vibe to brighten your day. In collaboration with @sonymusicindia and featuring music legends @sonunigamofficial,
Rap Artists
Rap Artists are influential figures in the music scene, using their social media platforms to share dynamic performances, music releases, and urban lifestyle content, resonating with a vibrant, youthful audience. Their posts feature rap tracks, music videos, and brand integrations, often with disclaimers that their content is for entertainment and informational purposes, not professional advice.
They engage fans through high-energy performances, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event appearances, collaborating with a diverse range of brands.
Partnerships include fashion and apparel brands like Urban Monkey India, Sabyasachi Official, and Versace for streetwear and luxury clothing, media and entertainment platforms like Spotify India, Netflix India, and T-Series Official for music and content promotion, and consumer goods or tech brands like Boat Nirvana, JBL India, and CMF Tech for audio devices.
Through collaborations with brands like Prime Video India, Lenskart, and Air India, Rap Artists blend their musical influence with urban culture, promoting diverse products and events to inspire and connect with a global fanbase.
The image showcases major entertainment and lifestyle brands that have collaborated with Rap Artists in the past six months. Netflix India, Spotify India, and Drip Project Co have each done 3 influencer collaborations. Urban Monkey India follows with 2 collaborations, while Superkicks India, The Comet Universe, VH1 India, Prime Video India, Aldo Shoes, MTV India, JBL India, Holyheaden.in, and Days for Clothing have each partnered once. A larger brand logo indicates a higher number of influencer collaborations.
RBlaaze reminisces on two decades of friendship with Rannvijay Singha, from working together at @mtvindia over twenty years ago to meeting backstage recently.
Dino Jms brings the heat with his latest hip-hop look, styled by Aviksha S and accessorized with jewellery from Drip Project.
Makeup by Manish Makeover and Swapnil, with hair styling by Bugz Hair Mafia, this look is all about attitude and style.
In collaboration with Drip Project Co.
Conclusion
Music influencers today are doing much more than just entertaining they’re shaping culture, setting trends, and building deep connections with their audiences. From celebrity singers and rappers to DJs and instrumentalists, each brings a unique vibe that resonates with different communities. What makes them stand out is their ability to blend music with everyday lifestyle, whether it’s through brand partnerships, live performances, or collaborations with streaming platforms. For brands, working with music creators isn’t just about reach it’s about storytelling, emotion, and tapping into real moments that people care about. As the digital space keeps evolving, these artists will continue to be at the forefront of cultural conversations, making music a powerful bridge between people and brands.
Lists of top influencers
Celebrity Singers
DJ Influencers
Classical Music Influencers
Instrumental Music Influencers
