India moves to professionalise creator economy with first-ever influencer certification

India is moving to professionalise its fast-growing creator economy by tackling a credibility gap at its core. The Indian Influencer Governing Council (IIGC) has launched the country’s first formal certification for creators, describing it as a necessary step toward establishing shared standards in the sector.

The announcement came as India formally observed World Influencer Day for the first time on December 2, an event introduced by the IIGC to recognise creators’ contribution to culture and digital commerce. 

“Over time, influencers have changed how brands reach their audience, but there's never been a moment to just thank them,” IIGC chairman Sahil Chopra told The Daily Influence. “The creator economy in India has blown up, yet many see it as a trial run instead of the real deal.” 

The council said the observance also highlights structural weaknesses that have emerged as the sector has scaled. Brands still rely heavily on follower numbers to evaluate talent, while many creators remain unfamiliar with contracts, disclosure requirements and collaboration standards.

“The biggest gap lies in education and credibility,” Chopra said. “A lot of people still think being an influencer is just going for easy money and not a real job, which undermines the effort influencers put in.”

The certification programme aims to address those issues by equipping creators with guidelines on responsible content, platform norms and ethical best practice. Graduates will be designated “IIGC Certified” – a marker intended to give brands confidence in a creator’s professional readiness.

“Once you're IIGC Certified, brands instantly see you as someone who understands both the creative and professional side of the business,” Chopra added.

The initiative sits within a broader effort to build long-term infrastructure for the industry. 

The council has launched IIGC Protect, developed with law firm Trilegal and United We Care, to support creators with legal guidance and mental wellness – two areas it said are often overlooked despite the pressures of online visibility.

The IIGC has also established a Code of Standards for Brands, which sets expectations around fair compensation and transparency. Forthcoming complaint forums will give creators, brands and consumers a formal mechanism to flag issues and resolve disputes. 

“The goal is to bring structure to the entire influencer marketing ecosystem,” Chopra said. “IIGC is giving a voice to influencers across the country.”

India has made a broader push to accelerate the sector in 2025, with information minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing a $1bn fund to support the creator economy earlier this year.

Chopra said the first World Influencer Day – marked by encouraging creators to share personal achievements online –  will also help position the country internationally. “India’s got a massive community of creators across industries,” he said, adding it “opens doors” for global opportunities with international brands teaming up with Indian influencers. 

“One thing is certain, India’s creator scene is only growing stronger,” he said.