eBooks - Worldwide

Worldwide

Highlights

Revenue in the eBooks market in the world is projected to reach US$14.61bn in 2024.
Revenue is anticipated to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 1.43%, 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 13.3% in 2024 and is expected to rise to 14.4% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$14.18.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, amounting to US$5.34bn in 2024.
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:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in Worldwide is experiencing significant growth and development, driven by shifting customer preferences towards digital reading and advancements in technology.

Customer preferences: Customers are increasingly opting for eBooks over traditional print books due to their convenience and accessibility. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers, readers can easily access a wide range of books anytime and anywhere. The ability to carry multiple books in a single device and customize the reading experience to suit individual preferences has made eBooks a popular choice among readers of all ages. Additionally, the availability of a vast digital library and the ability to instantly download books online have further contributed to the growing popularity of eBooks.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the eBooks market is the emergence of subscription-based models. Many readers are now subscribing to eBook platforms that offer unlimited access to a library of books for a fixed monthly fee. This model provides readers with a cost-effective way to explore a wide range of books without the need to purchase individual titles. Additionally, the rise of self-publishing platforms has empowered authors to publish their works independently, leading to a diverse and extensive eBook catalog.

Local special circumstances: In different countries and regions, there are unique circumstances that influence the eBooks market. For example, in countries with high smartphone penetration, such as South Korea and Japan, reading eBooks on mobile devices has become increasingly popular. On the other hand, countries with limited access to physical bookstores, such as rural areas or developing countries, have seen a surge in eBook adoption as it offers a convenient alternative to purchasing print books.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the eBooks market is also influenced by underlying macroeconomic factors. For instance, the increasing internet penetration and availability of affordable devices in developing countries have contributed to the expansion of the eBooks market in those regions. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of the eBooks market as people turned to digital reading during lockdowns and social distancing measures. In conclusion, the eBooks market in Worldwide is experiencing significant growth and development due to changing customer preferences, advancements in technology, and the availability of a vast digital library. The emergence of subscription-based models and self-publishing platforms are key trends shaping the market. Local special circumstances, such as high smartphone penetration and limited access to physical bookstores, also play a role in the adoption of eBooks. Furthermore, underlying macroeconomic factors, such as internet penetration and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, are driving the growth of the eBooks market.

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.