eBooks - Asia

  • Asia
  • Revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$5.85bn in 2024.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 2.66%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$6.67bn by 2029.
  • In the eBooks market, the number of readers is expected to amount to 0.7bn users by 2029.
  • User penetration will be 14.4% in 2024 and is expected to hit 15.9% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$8.90.
  • In global comparison, most revenue will be generated in the United States (US$5,336.00m in 2024).

Key regions: India, Europe, Japan, United States, Asia

 
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Analyst Opinion

The eBooks market in Asia has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences and the increasing availability of digital reading platforms.

Customer preferences:
In Asia, there is a growing preference for digital content consumption, including eBooks. This can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the convenience of eBooks allows readers to access a wide range of titles instantly, without the need to physically visit a bookstore or wait for shipping. Secondly, the affordability of eBooks compared to physical books is appealing to cost-conscious consumers. Additionally, the ability to adjust font size and background color on e-readers provides a customizable reading experience that caters to individual preferences.

Trends in the market:
One of the key trends in the eBooks market in Asia is the rise of local language content. As digital reading platforms become more prevalent, publishers are increasingly focusing on producing eBooks in local languages to cater to the diverse linguistic landscape of the region. This trend is driven by the growing demand for content that reflects local culture and traditions, as well as the desire to reach a wider audience. Furthermore, the popularity of mobile devices in Asia has led to the development of mobile-friendly eBook formats, making it easier for readers to access and enjoy eBooks on their smartphones and tablets.

Local special circumstances:
Asia is a highly diverse region with unique cultural, linguistic, and legal considerations. These factors have an impact on the eBooks market in each country. For example, in countries like China and Japan, where there is a strong literary tradition, there is a high demand for eBooks that feature local authors and content. In contrast, countries with multiple official languages, such as India, face the challenge of catering to a linguistically diverse population. Publishers in these countries need to invest in translation services to make eBooks available in multiple languages.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The growth of the eBooks market in Asia can also be attributed to underlying macroeconomic factors. The increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption rates in the region have created a conducive environment for digital content consumption. Additionally, rising disposable incomes and a growing middle class have contributed to the affordability of e-readers and eBooks, making them more accessible to a larger segment of the population. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital reading, as lockdowns and social distancing measures have limited physical access to books. In conclusion, the eBooks market in Asia is experiencing growth due to changing customer preferences, the rise of local language content, and underlying macroeconomic factors. As digital reading platforms continue to evolve and cater to the diverse needs of consumers in the region, the eBooks market is expected to expand further in the coming years.

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.

Overview

  • Revenue
  • Analyst Opinion
  • Users
  • Key Players
  • Global Comparison
  • Methodology
  • Key Market Indicators
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