As India prepares for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), the event is set to redefine how audiences engage with cricket. This year, IPL is not just a television event but an AI-driven, multi-layered digital ecosystem. The rise of the “second-screen” economy is transforming the viewing experience, where fans are not only watching matches but actively engaging with content through smartphones and tablets.
### The Second-Screen Revolution
The concept of second-screen viewing, once a peripheral activity, is now central to how Indian audiences experience live sports. As per a recent report by InMobi and AppsFlyer, 85% of cricket fans engage in activities like browsing social media or shopping while watching games. This shift is driving OTT platforms and AI companies to innovate rapidly.
Dream11, a key player in this space, is capitalizing on the trend by hosting watch-alongs with influencers and former cricketers. After pivoting from real-money gaming, Dream11 aims to attract nearly 5 crore users during the IPL season. Meanwhile, platforms like JioHotstar are enhancing their offerings with features like “Hype Mode,” which allows users to switch camera angles and view real-time stats.
Social media platforms are also jumping in. Snapchat, for instance, uses augmented reality (AR) lenses to engage users, while YouTube remains a hub for post-match analysis. As these platforms vie for user attention, the second-screen experience is becoming a lucrative marketplace.
### The New Gold Rush
The growth of the second-screen economy is fueled by factors such as high-speed internet, affordable smartphones, and a mobile-first culture. This evolution is attracting brands eager to tap into a rapidly expanding market. A Dream11 spokesperson noted that 80% of customers use a second screen during live matches, highlighting the significant potential for engagement.
The convergence of content and commerce is evident as AI-driven tools enable fans to shop for merchandise during matches. IPL 2026 is expected to see a surge in features like shoppable videos and hyper-personalized promotions, further blurring the lines between entertainment and commerce.
Snap India has introduced new integrations, including live sports APIs and branded AR lenses, to capture Gen Z’s attention. With 85% of this cohort tuning into IPL, brands aim to become part of the experience, turning cultural engagement into measurable business outcomes.
### From Boundaries to Shopping Carts
The second screen’s ability to merge entertainment and commerce presents a unique opportunity for monetization. As IPL 2025 recorded around 100 crore viewers, the potential for second-screen engagement is immense. Platforms are focusing on monetizing this attention through real-time commerce and personalized offers.
The IPL is evolving from a broadcast event to a dynamic, AI-powered engagement economy. As second-screen behavior becomes mainstream, the challenge is shifting from who owns the stream to who can capture and monetize user attention most effectively.
Looking ahead, the continued growth of the second-screen economy will likely drive further innovation in how content, commerce, and community interact. The IPL’s transformation into a digital ecosystem offers a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment in India.
