eBooks - Asia
- Asia
- In Asia, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach €5.52bn in 2025.
- Revenue is expected to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 2.40%, leading to a projected market volume of €6.07bn by 2029.
- By 2029, the number of readers in the eBooks market in Asia is anticipated to amount to 0.7bn users.
- User penetration in Asia will be 14.9% in 2025, with expectations to rise to 15.9% by 2029.
- The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the eBooks market is expected to reach €8.10.
- In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, with an anticipated figure of €4,903.00m in 2025.
- In Asia, particularly in Japan, the eBook market is experiencing a surge in popularity as consumers increasingly favor digital reading over traditional print.
Analyst Opinion
The eBooks market within the Media Market in Asia is witnessing moderate growth, influenced by factors such as the increasing popularity of mobile devices, a shift in consumer reading preferences, and expanding internet access, which enhances digital content availability.
Customer preferences: Consumers in Asia are increasingly favoring eBooks as a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional print media, influenced by the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. This trend is further propelled by younger demographics who seek instant access to diverse literary genres and interactive content. Additionally, cultural shifts towards embracing technology for education and entertainment are fostering a more engaged reading culture. The rise of local language eBooks is also addressing regional preferences, enhancing accessibility and appealing to a broader audience.
Trends in the market: In Asia, the eBooks market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets among consumers. This shift is particularly evident among younger audiences, who favor the convenience of digital reading and seek access to a wide range of genres and interactive content. The rise of local language eBooks is also a key trend, catering to diverse regional preferences and enhancing accessibility. As cultural attitudes towards technology evolve, industry stakeholders must adapt their strategies to leverage this engaged reading culture, fostering partnerships with local authors and publishers to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic market.
Local special circumstances: In Japan, the eBooks market thrives on a rich culture of manga and light novels, with consumers favoring mobile platforms for easy access. In China, government regulations shape content availability, resulting in a surge of localized eBook platforms that cater to diverse tastes while navigating censorship challenges. South Korea's tech-savvy population drives innovation, with an emphasis on interactive storytelling and multimedia content. In India, the growing smartphone penetration facilitates access to regional language eBooks, enhancing literacy and catering to a vast audience seeking relatable narratives.
Underlying macroeconomic factors: The eBooks market in Asia is significantly shaped by macroeconomic factors such as rising internet penetration, increased disposable income, and robust mobile infrastructure. In countries like Japan and South Korea, strong consumer spending and a high affinity for technology foster innovation in eBook formats and distribution. Conversely, China's stringent regulatory environment impacts content availability, influencing localized platforms to adapt to consumer preferences. Moreover, India’s economic growth and expanding middle class drive demand for diverse eBook offerings, particularly in regional languages, enhancing literacy and accessibility. These factors collectively contribute to a dynamic and evolving eBooks market across the region.
Methodology
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.Vue d’ensemble
- Revenue
- Analyst Opinion
- Users
- Global Comparison
- Methodology
- Key Market Indicators