eBooks - EU-27 | Statista Market Forecast

eBooks - EU-27

EU-27

Highlights

In the EU-27, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$1.41bn in 2024.
Revenue is anticipated to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.87%, leading to a projected market volume of US$1.47bn by 2029.
Within the eBooks market in the EU-27, the number of readers is expected to total 55.9m users by 2029.
User penetration in the EU-27 will be 11.9% in 2024 and is forecasted to increase to 12.6% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the EU-27 is expected to reach US$26.47.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, which is projected to achieve US$5.34bn in 2024.
The eBook market in the EU-27 is increasingly driven by a demand for diverse genres and multilingual content, reflecting the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in EU-27 is experiencing significant growth and development. Customer preferences are shifting towards digital reading, leading to an increased demand for eBooks. This trend is driven by several factors, including convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Customer preferences: Customers in EU-27 are increasingly gravitating towards eBooks due to their convenience and accessibility. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, readers can now carry an entire library in their pocket. eBooks can be easily downloaded and read anytime, anywhere, making them a popular choice for busy individuals. Additionally, eBooks are often cheaper than their physical counterparts, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious readers.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the eBooks market in EU-27 is the growth of subscription-based services. Platforms like Kindle Unlimited and Scribd offer readers unlimited access to a vast library of eBooks for a monthly fee. This model appeals to avid readers who consume multiple books each month and provides them with a cost-effective way to access a wide range of titles. As a result, subscription-based services are gaining popularity and driving the overall growth of the eBooks market. Another trend in the market is the increasing popularity of self-publishing. With the rise of digital platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing, authors can now bypass traditional publishing houses and release their eBooks directly to the market. This has led to a surge in the number of eBooks available, offering readers a diverse selection of titles across various genres. Self-publishing has also democratized the publishing industry, allowing aspiring authors to reach a global audience without the need for a traditional publishing deal.

Local special circumstances: While the overall trend in the eBooks market is positive, there are some local special circumstances that impact the market in EU-27. One such circumstance is the diversity of languages spoken in the region. EU-27 consists of multiple countries with different official languages, and this linguistic diversity poses a challenge for eBook publishers. In order to cater to a wide range of readers, publishers need to invest in translating and localizing eBooks, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the eBooks market in EU-27 can also be attributed to underlying macroeconomic factors. The region has a high internet penetration rate and widespread access to digital devices, creating a conducive environment for the adoption of eBooks. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the shift towards digital reading, as lockdowns and social distancing measures have limited physical book sales. As a result, readers have turned to eBooks as a safe and convenient alternative. In conclusion, the eBooks market in EU-27 is experiencing significant growth and development due to changing customer preferences, including convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. Subscription-based services and self-publishing are key trends driving the market, while linguistic diversity poses a challenge for publishers. The underlying macroeconomic factors, such as high internet penetration and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, are also contributing to the growth of the eBooks market in EU-27.

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.