eBooks - India

  • India
  • In India, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$255.40m in 2025.
  • This revenue is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 3.88%, leading to a projected market volume of US$297.40m by 2029.
  • In the Indian eBooks market, the number of readers is anticipated to amount to 144.1m users by 2029.
  • User penetration in India will be 8.1% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 9.6% by 2029.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) in India is expected to be US$2.16.
  • In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States, which is projected to reach US$5,381.00m in 2025.
  • In the year 2023, a share of 35.5% of users in India belongs to the low_income group.
  • Additionally, in the year 2023, a share of 60.6% of users in India is male.
  • India's eBook market is experiencing a surge in digital readership, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing preference for accessible, affordable literature.

Key regions: China, Japan, France, Asia, India

 
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Analyst Opinion

The eBooks market in India has been witnessing considerable growth, fueled by factors like the rising penetration of smartphones, increasing internet access, and a shift in consumer preferences towards digital reading, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Customer preferences:
Consumers in India are increasingly gravitating towards eBooks as a preferred medium for reading, influenced by the convenience of accessing a vast library on personal devices. The rise of regional language content has also captured the attention of diverse demographics, catering to varied linguistic preferences. Furthermore, younger readers are embracing interactive and multimedia-rich eBooks, reflecting a shift towards engaging and immersive reading experiences. This evolution aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers, who prioritize quick and easy access to literature on the go.

Trends in the market:
In India, the eBooks market is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and internet access. Consumers are favoring eBooks for their convenience and cost-effectiveness, leading to a rise in digital publications. The expansion of regional language eBooks is crucial, as it caters to a broader audience, enhancing accessibility and promoting local literature. Additionally, the integration of multimedia features in eBooks is attracting tech-savvy younger readers, fostering a more interactive reading experience. These trends hold substantial implications for publishers and authors, urging them to innovate and adapt their content strategies to engage diverse consumer preferences effectively.

Local special circumstances:
In India, the eBooks market is thriving, influenced by the diverse linguistic landscape and cultural heritage that dictate reading preferences. Regional languages play a pivotal role, as publishers are increasingly offering content that resonates with local audiences, thereby enhancing engagement. Additionally, the vast geographical disparities in access to traditional bookstores compel readers to seek digital alternatives. Government initiatives promoting digital literacy further support this shift, making eBooks an appealing choice for a tech-savvy population eager for convenient access to literature.

Underlying macroeconomic factors:
The eBooks market in India is significantly shaped by macroeconomic factors such as rising internet penetration, increased smartphone usage, and a growing middle class with disposable income. Global trends, like the shift towards digital consumption, further bolster this market, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of eBooks over physical copies. National economic health, characterized by steady GDP growth, supports consumer spending on digital content. Additionally, fiscal policies promoting digital literacy and technology adoption enhance market accessibility, while investments in infrastructure ensure broader reach, allowing the eBooks market to thrive in diverse regions across the country.

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
  • Demographics
  • Global Comparison
  • Methodology
  • Key Market Indicators
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