The eBook market has been experiencing significant growth and is projected to continue this trend in the coming years. As of 2024, the eBook market size is expected to reach USD 17.20 billion, with a forecasted growth to reach USD 21.73 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.78%. The market is characterized by a high level of fragmentation with numerous independent authors and publishers, although a few major players like Amazon.com, Inc., Rakuten Kobo Inc., Apple Inc., Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Smashwords Inc. dominate the market. These key players often engage in strategies such as joint ventures and partnerships with smaller and regional publishers to increase their market share.
The eBook market’s segmentation includes a focus on geography, categorization into free and paid eBooks, and various verticals such as educational institutes, media & entertainment, and manufacturing. North America, particularly the United States, is expected to be a significant contributor to the global eBook market, with sales reaching a value of US$ 191 Million in 2020. The region’s eBook market is the most developed compared to other areas like Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa, primarily due to the high penetration of smartphones and smart devices, extensive internet usage, and subscriptions.
The global eBook market’s growth outlook remains robust, with a projected CAGR of 4.9% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven mainly by the proliferation of mobile reading devices like smartphones and tablets. The education sector, in particular, is anticipated to see the highest growth projections as students have become accustomed to and even prefer reading from digital devices following the pandemic.
For those interested in deeper insights or specific market segments, further detailed analyses, including by vertical, file format, and detailed geographic breakdowns, are available. These analyses cover the dynamics of the eBook market, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future prospects of the eBook market.