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Media - China

China
  • In China, revenue in the Media market is projected to reach US$313.95bn in 2025.
  • The largest market within this market in China is Games, which is anticipated to have a market volume of US$137.78bn in 2025.
  • In a global context, the most revenue will be generated the United States, with figures amounting to US$569.73bn in 2025.
  • Furthermore, in the Media market of China, it is expected that 63.62% of total revenues will be generated through digital Media market by 2029.
  • In China, the media industry is increasingly dominated by digital platforms, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences and content consumption habits.

Definition:

The media market encompasses a diverse array of platforms and channels that facilitate the creation, distribution, and consumption of content, such as news, entertainment, and information. It includes traditional outlets like television, radio, and print publications, as well as digital platforms like social media, streaming services, and online news websites. This market plays a central role in shaping public discourse, cultural trends, and the dissemination of information on a global scale, making it a critical component of modern society.

Structure:

The market consists of several parts, namely Books, Games, Music, Radio & Podcasts, Newspapers & Magazines and TV & Video. These markets encompass digital and traditional revenues.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenues, users, average revenue per user, penetration rates and advertising spendings. Revenues are generated through purchases, subscriptions, consumer spending or ad spendings. Key players of the market are companies, such as Netflix, Spotify, Activision or Amazon.
Market numbers for all the digital markets can also be found in the Digital Media topic.
In-Scope
  • Traditional media with non-digital revenues from TV, radio, music, print, and video games
  • Digital media with digital revenues from OTT video, music streaming, video games, digital versions of Newspapers & Magazines with ePapers & eMagazines, and eBooks
Out-Of-Scope
  • Movie theater ticket sales
  • Public licence fees collected in form of a tax (e.g. income tax in the Nordic countries)
  • Demo/trial versions
  • Esports & gaming advertising revenues
Media: market data & analysis - Cover

Market Insights report

Media: market data & analysis
CONTENTBOX_CAPTION_STUDY_DETAILS

    Revenue

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

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    Analyst Opinion

    The Media Market in China is experiencing moderate growth, influenced by factors like the rapid expansion of digital platforms, changing consumer preferences, and increased content consumption across various formats, despite challenges from regulatory changes and competition.

    Customer preferences:
    Consumers in China are increasingly gravitating towards immersive content experiences, such as short videos and live streaming, reflecting a cultural shift towards interactive entertainment. Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are favoring platforms that offer user-generated content and social engagement, fostering a sense of community. Additionally, there is a rising demand for localized content that resonates with regional cultures and values, as well as a focus on authenticity and relatable storytelling in media consumption.

    Trends in the market:
    In China, the Media Market is experiencing a surge in immersive content consumption, particularly through short videos and live streaming, as users seek more interactive entertainment options. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z and millennials, who prefer platforms that emphasize user-generated content and foster community engagement. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for localized programming that aligns with regional cultures and values, coupled with a focus on authenticity and relatable storytelling. These shifts signal significant implications for industry stakeholders, who must adapt their content strategies to meet evolving consumer preferences and capitalize on the growing emphasis on engagement and cultural relevance.

    Local special circumstances:
    In China, the Media Market is shaped by unique local factors, including a vast and diverse population with varying regional cultures and dialects, which drives the demand for localized content that resonates with specific audiences. The regulatory environment also plays a crucial role, as the government imposes strict guidelines on media content, promoting narratives that align with national values. Additionally, the rise of social commerce in China fosters a blend of entertainment and e-commerce, encouraging creators to develop engaging content that not only entertains but also drives consumer behavior, further differentiating it from other markets.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    The Media Market in China is significantly influenced by macroeconomic factors such as rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class, which contribute to increased consumer spending on media and entertainment. Additionally, global economic trends, such as digital transformation and globalization, drive innovation within the sector, promoting the adoption of new technologies and platforms. The Chinese government's fiscal policies, including investments in technology and infrastructure, further support market growth by enhancing connectivity and access to digital content. Furthermore, the shift towards a consumer-driven economy encourages the diversification of media offerings, aligning with evolving audience preferences and consumption patterns.

    Users

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    Media Usage

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Mar 2024

    SOURCE: Statista Consumer Insights Global

    Global Comparison

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on media spending (on traditional media as well as digital media). All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective segment. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

    Modeling approach / Market size:

    Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, 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). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, number of internet users, and internet consumption. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

    Forecasts:

    In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, 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.

    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.

    Advertising & Media

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    Media: market data & analysis - BackgroundMedia: market data & analysis - Cover

    Key Market Indicators

    NOTES: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    MOST_RECENT_UPDATE: Jan 2025

    SOURCE: Statista Market Insights

    OUTLOOK_EXPLORE_RELATED_TOPICS

    Video streaming worldwide - statistics & facts

    Online video streaming has visibly transformed the global media landscape and impacted viewing behavior around the world. Driven by rapid leaps in internet adoption, widespread availability of mobile devices, and the ever-increasing popularity of online video content, the global video streaming market has experienced unprecedented growth in the last decade. In 2023, the over-the-top (OTT) video revenue reached an estimated 288 billion U.S. dollars, with the United States accounting for the largest share of revenue worldwide. Considering that the list of international streaming services and the catalog of online video content continue to expand at a rapid pace, the number of OTT users worldwide is expected to reach new heights in the future.
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