eBooks - Worldwide

  • Worldwide
  • Revenue in the eBooks market in the world is projected to reach US$14.92bn in 2025.
  • Revenue is anticipated to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 1.27%, leading to a projected market volume of US$15.69bn by 2029.
  • In the eBooks market in the world, the number of readers is expected to total 1.2bn users by 2029.
  • User penetration is predicted to be 13.7% in 2025 and is expected to rise to 14.4% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$13.97.
  • In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, amounting to US$5,381.00m in 2025.
  • The global eBook market is witnessing a surge in demand as readers increasingly seek convenient and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional print media.

Key regions: China, Japan, France, Asia, India

Market
Region
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Currency

Revenue

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Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

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Analyst Opinion

The eBooks market within the Books Market worldwide is experiencing mild growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increased accessibility of e-readers, and the rise of subscription services, which enhance the reading experience for users.

Customer preferences:
Consumers are gravitating toward eBooks as a reflection of their evolving reading habits and lifestyles, driven by the convenience of digital formats and multitasking capabilities. The rise of mobile devices has made reading more accessible, particularly among younger demographics who prefer quick consumption of content. Additionally, cultural shifts towards sustainability are prompting readers to opt for eBooks over physical books, reducing paper waste. Subscription models are also gaining traction, catering to diverse tastes and encouraging exploration of genres across different age groups.

Trends in the market:
In the eBooks Market, a significant trend is the increasing adoption of interactive and multimedia content, as publishers experiment with enhanced formats that incorporate audio, video, and interactive elements to engage readers more deeply. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence is influencing personalized recommendations, tailoring content to individual preferences and reading habits. As social reading platforms gain popularity, they foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. For industry stakeholders, these trends signify a shift towards more immersive and personalized reading experiences, necessitating adaptation to consumer preferences and technological advancements.

Local special circumstances:
In the United States, the eBooks market thrives on a strong digital infrastructure and a culture of early technology adoption, with a focus on self-publishing platforms catering to diverse voices. In Japan, the market is influenced by a rich manga culture, leading to unique interactive formats that blend text and visuals, appealing to younger audiences. Meanwhile, in Mainland China, regulatory frameworks impact content availability, while rapid urbanization drives demand for mobile reading solutions. The United Kingdom sees a blend of traditional and digital reading, with a growing preference for subscription services that offer curated content.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The eBooks market is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as global digitalization trends, national economic stability, and consumer spending habits. Countries with robust internet infrastructure and high smartphone penetration, like the United States and Japan, are witnessing accelerated growth in eBook adoption. Conversely, in regions such as Mainland China, regulatory constraints can hinder content accessibility, affecting market dynamics. Additionally, fluctuating economic conditions may impact disposable income, influencing consumers' willingness to invest in digital reading platforms. Overall, favorable fiscal policies and technological advancements are vital for enhancing market performance across various countries.

Users

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Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Global Comparison

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Most recent update: Nov 2024

Source: Statista Market Insights

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Books market, which covers paid publications in printed form and in the form of digital replicas (eBooks). Revenues from the consumer (of general interest), academic (for educational purposes), and professional (on specialized topics) markets are included here. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

Modeling approach / market size:

The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

Forecasts:

We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.

Key Market Indicators

The following Key Market Indicators give an overview of the social and economic outlook of the selected region and provide additional insights into relevant market-specific developments. These indicators, together with data from statistical offices, trade associations and companies serve as the foundation for the Statista market models.

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