eBooks - Italy | Statista Market Forecast

eBooks - Italy

Italy

Highlights

In Italy, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$117.20m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.48%, leading to a projected market volume of US$120.00m by 2029.
By 2029, the number of eBook readers in Italy is anticipated to amount to 10.2m users.
User penetration in this market is expected to be 17.1% in 2024, with an increase to 17.7% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in Italy is expected to be US$11.68.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, where it is projected to reach US$5.34bn in 2024.
In 2023, a share of 34.5% of users in Italy is classified within the High income income group.
Additionally, in the year 2023, a share of 53.1% of users is identified as Male.
In Italy, the eBook market is increasingly embracing local authors and diverse genres, reflecting a growing appetite for culturally relevant digital literature.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in Italy has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Customer preferences, trends in the market, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors have all contributed to this development.

Customer preferences: Italian readers have shown a growing interest in eBooks due to their convenience and accessibility. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, consumers are increasingly opting for digital reading materials. eBooks offer the advantage of being easily portable, allowing readers to carry an entire library in their pocket. Moreover, the ability to adjust font size and style, as well as the option to highlight and bookmark pages, enhances the reading experience for many.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the Italian eBooks market is the increasing popularity of self-publishing. Authors are now able to bypass traditional publishing houses and directly upload their works to online platforms. This has led to a greater diversity of content available to readers, as well as the emergence of new voices in the literary scene. Additionally, the availability of eBooks in multiple languages has made it easier for international authors to reach Italian readers. Another trend in the market is the growing adoption of subscription-based eBook services. These services offer readers unlimited access to a vast library of eBooks for a fixed monthly fee. This model has gained traction in Italy, as it provides readers with cost-effective access to a wide range of titles. Furthermore, subscription services often offer personalized recommendations based on readers' preferences, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Local special circumstances: Italy has a strong literary tradition, with a rich history of renowned authors and a vibrant publishing industry. This cultural context has contributed to the growth of the eBooks market, as readers are eager to explore both classic and contemporary Italian literature in digital format. Additionally, Italy's high smartphone penetration rate and widespread internet connectivity have made it easier for readers to access and download eBooks.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Italian eBooks market has also been influenced by macroeconomic factors. The country's sluggish economic growth in recent years has led consumers to search for cost-effective alternatives to traditional print books. eBooks, with their lower price point compared to physical books, offer an affordable option for avid readers. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have accelerated the shift towards digital reading, as people spent more time at home and sought entertainment and knowledge through online platforms. In conclusion, the eBooks market in Italy has experienced significant growth due to customer preferences, market trends, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors. The convenience and accessibility of eBooks, the rise of self-publishing and subscription services, Italy's literary tradition, and the economic landscape have all contributed to the development of this market. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, the eBooks market in Italy is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

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.