Move over, global markets—India is now Canva’s fourth-largest hub! The design giant just unveiled plans to hyper-localize its tools for Indian users, tapping into festive themes, multilingual needs, and smartphone-first habits. Co-founder Cameron Adams spilled the beans during his first India visit, revealing explosive stats: Indians created 666 million designs in 2024 alone!
How Canva’s Adapting for Indian Users
From WhatsApp templates to culturally resonant designs, Canva’s 2025 strategy is all about “Made for India.” Here’s what’s cooking:
- Festive & Functional Templates: Think Diwali invites, wedding milestones, and bite-sized pricing plans (starting at ₹69/day).
- Hindi Beta Launch: A Hindi website is in the works to empower 600+ million speakers.
- AI-Powered Tools: Indian users love the photo background remover and “Magic Media” features—ranked #2 globally for translation use.
“Indians aren’t just adopting tech—they’re reinventing it,” Adams told The Hindu. “Whether it’s resumes, Instagram quotes, or small biz pitch decks, creativity here is off the charts.”
The AI Edge in Indian Design
Canva’s betting big on AI to win over India’s 75 million SMEs. A jaw-dropping 73% of Indian business leaders say AI tools like Canva’s image generator boost their bottom line. “Type a prompt, pick a style—you’ve got pro visuals in seconds,” Adams explained.
Affordable Access for Price-Sensitive Users
Canva’s India chief Chandrika Deb knows budgets matter. “We’ve rolled out sachet pricing—₹149 for a week’s access,” she said. “Most users are on phones, so mobile-first design is non-negotiable.” This model’s so successful, Indonesia’s next in line.
What’s Next? Schools, SMBs, and Jobs
Canva’s teaming up with schools and governments to get students hooked early. Plus, they’re hiring locally to support AI innovation. “AI won’t replace jobs—it’ll create new ones,” Adams added.
