After HYBE, Billboard India to Launch in 2026

• Billboard to launch its India edition in partnership with Other Side Ventures.
• HYBE and Billboard both have confirmed Mumbai-based operations for the Indian market.
• Indian talents like Diljit Dosanjh and Hanumankind are already making global chart waves, reflecting the nation’s growing musical influence.

The world-famous music publication Billboard announced the launch of Billboard India in early 2026, indicating a major step in mitigating the gap between India's rich musical industry, heritage, and the global stage. Billboard India will be launched in association with Other Side Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

Priyanka Khimani, media advisor and the "driving force" behind Other Side Ventures, stated that Billboard India's mission is to provide “one unifying voice,” and "a world-class experience” for the country and the consumers, which correctly honors, measures, and showcases the music industry’s current thriving talent and growth.

This move comes not long after HYBE announced its India plans, including a Mumbai office to train ambitious Indian artists (amateur/experienced) per the “K-Pop model” to suit the global as well as local stage. The group recently launched its Instagram with the username @hybeindia.

Why is Billboard interested in India's Music Market?

The market analysts say India's digital music space is booming, estimating its music streaming market to grow to roughly US$5.1 billion by 2033. While the industry remains 80% dominated by original soundtracks from films (playback songs), the impending 2026 launch of Billboard India indicates an era where independent artist ventures like albums, singles, and concerts could get significant recognition.

India on the Billboard and Global Pop Stage

Indian and Indian-origin artists have been grabbing attention in the international music space ever since Ananya Birla released her English single Meant to Be (2017). This song earned a Platinum status in India, marking a breakthrough for global Indian artists. 

Not only that, but Diljit Dosanjh’s albums G.O.A.T. (2020), Moonchild Era (2021), and Aura (2025) all ranked in charts like Billboard Social 50, Billboard Canadian Albums Chart, and Billboard 200, respectively. He also became the first Indian artist to be featured on the Billboard Canada cover, for a special edition in 2024, tied to his Dil-Luminati tour.

Adding to these achievements is the Kerala-born “Hanumankind,” whose rap has been creating a seismic shift in the global music arena, particularly the hip-hop space. In 2024, his track Big Dawgs ranked at the Top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, while it debuted with a rank of 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S. chart). His track also hit Spotify’s Global Top 50 after it gained quite a significant amount of streaming numbers.

These achievements echo Billboard CEO Mike Van’s thoughts, who deems “India’s music scene is one of the most dynamic and culturally rich in the world.” He further stated that Billboard’s “expansion marks an exciting new chapter,” where collaborative efforts with similar and other local artists/genres would help position the country in becoming a well-known global musical hub.

While Billboard India’s 2026 launch marks the beginning of a new era, publications like Rolling Stone India, The Rock Street Journal (RSJ), and The Score Magazine have been covering the music space quite diligently over the years in India. Notably, The Rock Street Journal (RSJ) is India's first independent music magazine, which has been in publication since 1993.

Billboard India will have a Mumbai-based operation, with the details about the editorial team releasing soon, and like HYBE, has debuted on Instagram with the handle @BillboardIndia.