News18 is a multi-language news and live television application for Indian consumers, delivering content across 12 regional languages on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The platform removes the friction of switching between multiple regional news sources by centralizing live broadcast feeds and text-based reporting in a single interface.
For Indian news consumers seeking real-time updates and live television coverage in their native language.
Key features
Access to 15 live television channels across 12 Indian languages, expanding the addressable market and ad-inventory.
AI-powered search and discovery tool that reduces friction in content discovery, increasing time spent in-app.
Downloadable articles and videos for consumption in regions with inconsistent network infrastructure.
How much does it cost?
The ad-supported model maximizes reach and inventory volume, prioritizing user acquisition over direct subscription revenue.
Velocity
Intense developmentShow more...
5 versions in history. Development pace: intense.
Who built it?
NETWORK18
3 apps tracked · News
Moneycontrol - Markets & News
CNBC TV18User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads mixed. Users appreciate personalized news recommendations help users discover relevant content based on their individual reading habits and live news coverage provides timely updates for users seeking information on current events in india, but report frequent app crashes and unresponsiveness force users to reinstall the application to restore basic functionality.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Personalized news recommendations help users discover relevant content based on their individual reading habits
- Live news coverage provides timely updates for users seeking information on current events in India
- Redesigned interface elements improve the visual experience for users consuming news and live video
- Frequent app crashes and unresponsiveness force users to reinstall the application to restore basic functionality
63 of 138 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 2 more frustration themes and 2 user requests, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for News18: Latest News & Updates
How's the News market?
News18 holds a #38 Free position in the Indian news category, leveraging its 12-language support to maintain a distinct regional advantage. The 4.48 rating across 761 reviews indicates a loyal core, though technical performance gaps prevent it from challenging the 4.70+ ratings of top-tier rivals like Hindustan Times.
The rivals identified
By LE POINT
Both apps compete for the same general news consumer segment by offering free, ad-supported access to real-time reporting and personalized content feeds.
- Le Point includes native audio playback for articles, whereas News18 focuses on live television streaming.
- Le Point integrates daily gamified news quizzes, while News18 relies on traditional text and video formats.
- Le Point provides a dedicated offline reading mode, a feature not explicitly listed for News18.
WELT News & Live-TVContender
India TV: Hindi News Live AppContender
Indian Express News + EpaperContender
Republic World DigitalContender
Hindustan Times: Live News AppContender
ABP LIVE Official AppContender
Aaj Tak Live Hindi News IndiaContender
Gujarat Samachar Gujarati NewsContender
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for News18: Latest News & Updates
Where is it heading?
The Indian news market is consolidating around platforms that offer both live television and short-form video highlights. News18's maintenance-mode stability issues leave it exposed to digital-native rivals, and the PM must prioritize performance hygiene to prevent further churn.
- Persistent launch failures and black screens force users to reinstall the app, which directly erodes the daily active habit.
- The 12-language content strategy provides a defensible regional moat that single-language competitors cannot easily replicate.
The SWOT
- 12-language content library functions as a B2B-style distribution barrier into diverse Indian regions
- Deep integration with Network18 broadcast network provides exclusive live television access
- Audio-only background mode would capture commuter segments currently served by radio-focused rivals
- Customizable homepage toggles would reduce screen-space waste for text-first readers
Next best moves
Rebuild the app launch sequence because launch failures and black screens are the top churn driver → stabilize daily active usage
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The app's reliance on legacy broadcast infrastructure is its greatest risk…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Audio-only news mode (available in Aaj Tak but missing here) +1
Since the last report: News18 has formalized its competitive positioning by elevating its multi-language live TV offering to a differentiator and integrating AI-powered search tools. While the data set has expanded significantly, the core technical instability remains a primary barrier to retention.
Bottom line
News18's broad linguistic reach and live television integration provide a strong foundation, but technical instability currently erodes the user base. Stabilizing the core launch experience will unlock the retention potential of the existing 12-language content library.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is News18 free to use?
Does News18 offer news in languages other than English?
How does News18 compare to India TV?
Can I read news offline?
Sources
- [1] App Store listing, source
Report last updated