Is Print Dead? Surprising Facts About Traditional Advertising in 2025
Remember when newspapers were the first thing grandparents read with morning chai? Today, with flashy social reels and shorts, many say print is gone for good. But even in 2025, print is not dying, it’s evolving. It still holds trust, focus, and local power that no screen can match.
In this blog, we’ll explore the perception vs. reality of print, share surprising stats that show its relevance in today’s world, explain why print still works, and see how it easily fits into today’s marketing mix with good print media agencies. And yes, if you’re wondering when to use print in your plan, that’s coming up too.
Why Print Deserves a Second Look in 2025?
1. The Perception vs. Reality of Print Advertising
Many believe print is outdated, an old-school relic gathering dust. But let’s look at the facts. Globally, 56% of consumers still trust print ads over digital. In India, local newspapers are deeply rooted, especially outside metros, and 19% of ad spend still goes into print. Clearly, print hasn’t gone away, it’s just changed form and focus.
While global print markets shrink, India’s AdEx share in print is growing at around 3% CAGR, making it the third-largest print market globally. So next time someone says “print is dead,” just smile and sip your tea because reality says otherwise.
2. Surprising Stats: 2025 Print Trends
Think nobody’s reading newspapers anymore? Think again. Print is still pulling in strong numbers, especially in India’s regional markets. Here are a few trends to keep in mind:
- 65% of readers trust print ads more than online ads.
- Brand recall is 90% in print, making it a strong player in awareness campaigns.
- Indian print ad spends hit ₹20,272 crore in 2024, reflecting a 5% jump from the previous year.
These numbers show that print media isn’t just alive, it’s growing strategically, especially where trust and regional targeting matter most.
3. Why Print Still Works?
Despite the digital boom, print has a few powerful tricks up its sleeve that continue to make it relevant. The secret? Depth, trust, and tactile engagement. It engages audiences differently than a mobile screen ever could. Here’s why it continues to deliver results:
- Trust & Credibility: Ads appearing in respected print outlets naturally carry the publication’s trust. In fact, print drives a better perception of product quality.
- Focused Attention: Unlike digital distractions, print ads offer attentive reading time, boosting message retention.
- Tactile Engagement: Physical interaction, pages to turn, glossy visuals to see leave a deeper impact than a fleeting screen.
- Targeted Reach: Niche magazines and local newspapers help advertisers reach specific audiences, such as college students, auto enthusiasts, and regional consumers.
- High ROI for Certain Sectors: Categories like finance, education, and FMCG get a good return from print ads.
For brands seeking credibility, impact, and laser-focused targeting, print remains unmatched even in today’s digital-first era.
4. Print Advertising in the Modern Mix
Gone are the days when a single front-page ad was enough. Today, the most effective campaigns use print as part of a larger ecosystem. When you combine print with digital, you create a richer and more immersive customer experience.
Here’s how print fits into the 2025 marketing playbook:
- QR Codes & Augmented Reality (AR) – Print can now be interactive. Scan-and-go QR codes bridge the gap between paper and screen.
- Cross-Platform Storytelling – A print ad grabs attention, and then online ads follow up to remind and guide the customer to take action.
- Premium Brand Positioning – Glossy brochures, high-end catalogues, and elegant print inserts elevate brand perception.
- Hyperlocal Reach – Print is still king in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where community newspapers have high engagement rates.
INK, a top print media advertising agency, knows how to blend print and digital to build brand stories that connect with consumers at multiple touchpoints.
5. When Should Brands Consider Print in 2025?
While print might not be your go-to for every campaign, it can be your secret weapon in the right context. It shines brightest when the goal is depth, credibility, or a premium feel. Here’s when to go for print:
- Premium launches: When introducing luxury goods, high-end services, or new offerings, premium print creates the right ambience.
- Regional Targeting That Hits Home- Looking to connect with audiences in Gurugram, Hyderabad, or nearby expanding markets? Regional newspapers and magazines still have a strong influence, especially in building trust and familiarity in rapidly growing urban and semi-urban areas.
- Credibility-driven sectors: Finance, healthcare, education, these industries benefit from print’s trust factor.
How INK Can Help You Win with Print
At INK Advertising Pvt. Ltd., we’ve always believed that print is not just alive, it’s thriving with purpose. As one of the leading print ad agencies in Delhi, we’ve always delivered strong results through focused, hyperlocal campaigns.
In fact, over the last five years, we’ve seen a 75–80% growth in print advertising, executing campaigns for 500+ clients, and building a total client base of over 1000 brands. One standout example is Country Delight, where print played a major role in market penetration during their launch, right from high-visibility newspaper ads to regional inserts that reached homes directly. Further, from trusted names like Tesla Batteries, McDonald’s, Rapido, and MCG to brands across entertainment, transport, government, lifestyle, and healthcare sectors, we’ve worked with a wide and diverse portfolio of clients.
With years of expertise and a modern approach, INK helps brands of all sizes tap into the lasting impact of print: building trust, reach, and recall where it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Print isn’t dead, it’s transforming. It’s not about replacing digital, but about combining trust, focus, and reach in a way screens alone can’t match. The secret? Use print when it adds value, whether to build credibility, target locally, or highlight your story. If done correctly, it makes your entire marketing mix even better.
Want help planning a campaign that mixes print, digital, and everything in between? Reach out INK Advertising Pvt Ltd, a leading print media agency in Delhi NCR, is here to create campaigns that capture attention on paper and beyond.
