eBooks - China | Statista Market Forecast

eBooks - China

China

Highlights

In China, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$1.96bn in 2024.
Revenue in this sector is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 4.67%, which will result in a projected market volume of US$2.46bn by 2029.
By 2029, the number of eBook readers in China is anticipated to amount to 419.9m users.
User penetration in China's eBooks market will be 27.4% in 2024 and is expected to increase to 29.5% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in China is projected to amount to US$5.00.
In a global context, the majority of revenue in the eBooks market will be generated the United States, which is forecasted to reach US$5.34bn in 2024.
China's eBook market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing appetite for digital content among younger consumers.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in China has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and the rise of digital technology.

Customer preferences: Chinese customers have shown a growing preference for eBooks over traditional printed books. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, eBooks offer convenience and accessibility, allowing readers to access a wide range of books anytime and anywhere through their smartphones, tablets, or e-readers. Secondly, eBooks are often cheaper than printed books, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers. Lastly, the younger generation in China, who are more tech-savvy, are increasingly embracing digital reading as a part of their lifestyle.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Chinese eBooks market is the increasing popularity of mobile reading. With the widespread adoption of smartphones and the availability of mobile reading apps, more and more Chinese readers are turning to their mobile devices as their primary reading platform. This trend is further fueled by the development of online platforms that offer a wide selection of eBooks, allowing readers to easily discover and purchase new titles. Another trend in the market is the rise of self-publishing. Chinese authors are taking advantage of digital platforms to publish their own eBooks, bypassing traditional publishing houses. This has democratized the publishing industry and provided opportunities for aspiring authors to reach a wider audience. Self-publishing has also given rise to niche genres and unique voices that may not have been traditionally represented in the mainstream publishing industry.

Local special circumstances: China has a large population and a rapidly growing middle class, which provides a vast potential market for eBooks. Additionally, the Chinese government has been actively promoting digital reading as part of its efforts to promote literacy and education. This has led to the establishment of various initiatives and policies to support the development of the eBooks market in China.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: China's rapid economic growth and increasing disposable income have contributed to the growth of the eBooks market. As people's living standards improve, they are more willing to spend on leisure activities such as reading. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of digital technology and the availability of affordable smartphones and tablets have made eBooks more accessible to a larger segment of the population. In conclusion, the eBooks market in China is experiencing significant growth due to changing customer preferences, the rise of mobile reading, the popularity of self-publishing, and the support of the government. These trends, along with favorable macroeconomic factors, are expected to continue driving the growth of the eBooks market in China in the coming years.

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.