eBooks - China
- China
- In China, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach €1.90bn in 2025.
- Revenue in this sector is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 4.20%, which will result in a projected market volume of €2.24bn by 2029.
- By 2029, the number of eBook readers in China is anticipated to amount to 0.4bn users.
- User penetration in China's eBooks market will be 28.0% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 29.5% by 2029.
- The average revenue per user (ARPU) in China is projected to amount to €4.75.
- In a global context, the majority of revenue in the eBooks market will be generated the United States, which is forecasted to reach €4,903.00m in 2025.
- China's eBook market is rapidly evolving, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a growing appetite for digital content among younger consumers.
Analyst Opinion
The eBooks market within the media sector in China is witnessing moderate growth, influenced by factors such as the growing popularity of digital reading, increased smartphone penetration, and a shift in consumer preferences towards convenient, accessible content options.
Customer preferences: Consumers in China are increasingly gravitating towards eBooks as a reflection of their busy lifestyles and a desire for instant access to literature. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, who favor mobile reading platforms that align with their on-the-go habits. Additionally, the rise of social reading communities has fostered a culture of sharing recommendations and reviews, enhancing the overall reading experience. Cultural influences, such as a growing appreciation for personal development literature, are also shaping reading preferences, driving demand for diverse eBook offerings.
Trends in the market: In China, the eBooks market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumers' fast-paced lifestyles and the need for immediate access to reading materials. Young readers are particularly drawn to mobile eBook platforms, reflecting their preference for convenience and flexibility. Additionally, the emergence of social reading platforms is fostering vibrant communities where users can share book recommendations and reviews. This cultural shift towards diverse genres, especially in personal development and self-help literature, is reshaping reading habits and creating new opportunities for publishers and tech companies to innovate and engage with readers effectively.
Local special circumstances: In China, the eBooks market is rapidly evolving, influenced by a unique blend of cultural and technological factors. The widespread use of smartphones and a robust internet infrastructure enable seamless access to digital content. Furthermore, traditional Chinese values emphasize education and self-improvement, fueling demand for genres like personal development and self-help. Regulatory support for digital publishing has also encouraged innovation, allowing local platforms to flourish. This distinct environment fosters a thriving ecosystem where readers can easily discover, share, and engage with diverse literary works.
Underlying macroeconomic factors: The eBooks market in China is significantly shaped by macroeconomic factors such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing emphasis on digital literacy. As the national economy continues to expand, more consumers are willing to invest in digital content, particularly in educational resources and self-improvement literature. Additionally, government initiatives promoting technology and innovation bolster digital publishing, enhancing accessibility to eBooks. The global shift towards online content consumption further aligns with Chinese consumers’ preferences, driving demand. Moreover, competitive pricing strategies and subscription models are making eBooks more attractive, fostering a vibrant market landscape.
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.Visión general
- Revenue
- Analyst Opinion
- Users
- Demographics
- Global Comparison
- Methodology
- Key Market Indicators