eBooks - United States

United States

Highlights

Market definition

In-Scope/Out-of-scope

Market structure

Reports

Methodology

In the United States, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$5.38bn in 2025.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 0.31%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$5.45bn by 2029.
In the eBooks market withthe United States, the number of readers is expected to amount to 75.4m users by 2029.
User penetration will be 20.9% in 2025 and is anticipated to increase to 21.5% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is projected to be US$74.83.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, amounting to US$5.38bn in 2025.
In the year 2023, a share of 34.5% of users the United States belongs to the High income income group.
In the year 2023, a share of 51.2% of users the United States is Male.
In the United States, the eBook market is increasingly driven by consumer demand for personalized content and enhanced digital reading experiences.

Revenue

Revenue Change

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

Most recent update: Jan 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Comparable Estimates - Books (United States)

Market Insights

	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
*Statista		35.42	36.88	37.52	36.82	38.72	37.52	38.62
A Pilot Survey by the IPA and WIPO	31.8
Association of American Publishers		52.46	51.26	51.86	52.2	58.66
IBISWorld		66.28	62.2	59.1	55.16	59.78	59.64

Notes: The chart “Comparable Estimates” shows the forecasted development of the selected market from different sources. Please see the additional information for methodology and publication date.

Most recent update: Aug 2024

Average Revenue per Reader

Most recent update: Jan 2025

Source: Statista Market Insights

Analyst Opinion

The eBooks market within the Media Market in the United States is experiencing mild growth, influenced by factors like the convenience of digital reading, the proliferation of e-reader devices, and evolving consumer preferences towards portable content solutions.

Customer preferences: Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards eBooks as a flexible alternative to traditional print, driven by the desire for accessibility and instant gratification in reading. This trend is particularly strong among younger demographics, who prioritize convenience and portability in their media consumption. Additionally, the rise of subscription services and bundled content options reflects a shift towards value-driven purchasing. Cultural narratives around sustainability are also influencing preferences, as readers seek eco-friendly options that reduce paper waste.

Trends in the market: In the United States, the eBooks market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing preference for digital formats among readers seeking convenience and accessibility. Younger audiences, in particular, are embracing eBooks for their portability and instant access to titles. The rise of subscription services like Kindle Unlimited and bundled content offerings underscores a shift towards value-driven consumption. This trend also aligns with growing consumer awareness around sustainability, prompting a shift towards eco-friendly digital reading options. Industry stakeholders must adapt to these evolving preferences, investing in technology and content strategies that cater to a more digital-first audience.

Local special circumstances: In the United States, the eBooks market is shaped by a diverse cultural landscape and strong technological infrastructure that promote digital reading. Regional variations in literacy rates and access to technology create distinct consumer behaviors, with urban areas showing higher adoption of eBooks due to better internet connectivity. Regulatory frameworks supporting copyright and digital distribution also foster innovation among publishers. Additionally, a growing emphasis on education technology in schools drives younger generations to embrace eBooks, further solidifying the market's trajectory towards digital consumption.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The eBooks market in the United States is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as advancements in technology, economic stability, and consumer spending patterns. A robust national economy fosters greater disposable income, enabling consumers to invest in digital reading materials. Additionally, the proliferation of mobile devices and improved internet access enhances the accessibility of eBooks, driving their adoption across various demographics. Fiscal policies that support education and technology initiatives further encourage the integration of eBooks in learning environments. Moreover, global trends towards sustainability are prompting publishers to explore digital formats, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly options.

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.

eBooks - United States

Revenue

Analyst Opinion

Users

Demographics

Global Comparison

Methodology

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