GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Digital Goods Industry Statistics

The digital goods industry is thriving, with revenue projected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2025.

Highlights: Digital Goods Industry Statistics

  • The North American market for digital goods was valued at $30 billion in 2016.
  • By 2023, global digital services spending is expected to reach approximately $508 billion.
  • Approximately 5% of U.S. consumers have used a mobile payment service to buy digital goods.
  • The largest digital goods market is Asia, valued at $41 billion in 2016.
  • The European digital goods market was valued at $15 billion in 2016.
  • More than 60% of worldwide internet users have purchased digital goods in 2018.
  • 58% of U.S. consumers have bought digital goods as of 2019.
  • Mobile digital goods purchases accounted for nearly 40% of all digital purchases in 2019.
  • 48% of digital goods buyers had purchased music downloads in 2019.
  • The worldwide digital music revenue will reach $11.1 billion by 2020.
  • E-books sales are expected to reach $29.7 billion by 2023.
  • The global digital publishing market will reach $64 billion by 2021.
  • 75% of mobile applications are now paid for with digital goods.
  • In 2023, the global mobile apps revenue is projected to amount to $935.2 billion.
  • In 2019, consumer spending on digital media surpassed $100 billion for the first time.
  • 80% of the highest-earning mobile apps in 2019 were for games.
  • Creating digital goods creates 98% fewer carbon emissions than producing physical goods.

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The Latest Digital Goods Industry Statistics Explained

The North American market for digital goods was valued at $30 billion in 2016.

The statistic indicates that the total value of digital goods sold in the North American market was $30 billion in the year 2016. This value encompasses sales of various digital products and services such as software, games, music, videos, e-books, and virtual goods. The figure reflects the substantial size and economic significance of the digital goods industry in North America, demonstrating the strong demand for digital content and services within the region. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the market potential and growth opportunities for businesses operating in the digital goods sector in North America.

By 2023, global digital services spending is expected to reach approximately $508 billion.

This statistic signifies that the worldwide expenditure on digital services is projected to increase significantly by the year 2023, reaching an estimated total of $508 billion. This considerable growth in digital services spending reflects the ongoing trend towards digital transformation and the increasing reliance on technology to drive business operations and consumer interactions. The figure serves as an indicator of the expanding digital economy and the growing importance of digital services in contributing to overall economic activity and innovation on a global scale.

Approximately 5% of U.S. consumers have used a mobile payment service to buy digital goods.

This statistic indicates that a small proportion, approximately 5%, of consumers in the United States have utilized a mobile payment service to make purchases of digital goods. This finding suggests that mobile payment services are still relatively underutilized for transactions involving digital products within the U.S. consumer market. Factors such as convenience, security concerns, and familiarity with mobile payment technology may influence the adoption rate of these services among consumers. Understanding and targeting the preferences and needs of this segment of mobile payment users can help businesses and service providers better tailor their offerings to the evolving trends in consumer behavior.

The largest digital goods market is Asia, valued at $41 billion in 2016.

The statistic suggests that Asia holds the position of having the largest market for digital goods, such as software, music, videos, and online games, among others. This market was estimated to be worth $41 billion in 2016, highlighting the significant economic importance of digital goods in the region. The data indicates that consumers in Asia have a strong appetite for digital products and services, leading to substantial spending in this sector. This trend could be driven by factors such as a tech-savvy population, increasing internet penetration, and a growing digital economy in Asian countries. The statistic underscores the potential for businesses to capitalize on the thriving digital goods market in Asia and the region’s role as a key player in the global digital economy.

The European digital goods market was valued at $15 billion in 2016.

The statistic “The European digital goods market was valued at $15 billion in 2016” indicates that the total worth of digital products and services sold in the European market in 2016 was estimated to be $15 billion. This value represents the economic activity generated by the trade of digital goods such as software, e-books, online subscriptions, and other digital services within the European region during that specific year. This statistic provides insight into the size and scope of the digital economy in Europe and highlights the significant market potential for digital goods in that region.

More than 60% of worldwide internet users have purchased digital goods in 2018.

The statistic suggests that a significant majority of internet users globally, accounting for over 60%, engaged in purchasing digital goods in the year 2018. This statistic highlights the increasing trend of online consumption and digital transactions among internet users, showcasing a growing preference for digital products over traditional physical goods. The data implies that the digital economy is thriving, with consumers readily adopting digital services, such as software, media, and online subscriptions. This trend underscores the importance of digital commerce and the significant role it plays in the global economy, with more consumers embracing the convenience and accessibility of online transactions for their purchasing needs.

58% of U.S. consumers have bought digital goods as of 2019.

The statistic ‘58% of U.S. consumers have bought digital goods as of 2019’ indicates the proportion of consumers in the United States who have made purchases of digital goods, such as e-books, music downloads, software, or mobile apps, as of the year 2019. This statistic suggests that a majority of consumers in the U.S. have engaged in online transactions for digital products, highlighting the increasing popularity and prevalence of digital commerce in modern consumer behavior. Understanding the extent to which consumers are purchasing digital goods can provide valuable insights for businesses looking to capitalize on this trend and tailor their offerings to meet consumer preferences in the digital marketplace.

Mobile digital goods purchases accounted for nearly 40% of all digital purchases in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, purchases of digital goods made through mobile devices constituted a significant proportion, nearly 40%, of all digital purchases overall. This highlights the growing trend of consumers opting to make digital purchases on their smartphones or tablets, emphasizing the importance of mobile technology in facilitating commerce. The data suggests that the convenience and accessibility of mobile devices have played a substantial role in shaping consumer behavior and preferences in the digital marketplace. Businesses and marketers may need to prioritize mobile-friendly strategies and platforms to capitalize on this trend and cater to the increasing demand for mobile digital goods purchases.

48% of digital goods buyers had purchased music downloads in 2019.

The statistic ‘48% of digital goods buyers had purchased music downloads in 2019’ indicates that nearly half of the individuals who bought digital goods in 2019 included music downloads as part of their purchases. This suggests that music downloads are a popular choice among consumers of digital goods, with a significant portion of buyers choosing to acquire music in this format. Understanding this statistic can provide insights into consumer preferences and behavior within the digital goods market, highlighting the ongoing demand for music downloads despite the availability of other digital content options.

The worldwide digital music revenue will reach $11.1 billion by 2020.

The statistic stating that worldwide digital music revenue is projected to reach $11.1 billion by 2020 illustrates the substantial growth and economic impact of the digital music industry. This figure indicates a significant increase in revenue compared to previous years, reflecting the shift in consumer behavior towards streaming services and online music purchasing. The projection suggests that the digital music market continues to expand rapidly, driven by the widespread availability of digital platforms and services, as well as increasing internet penetration globally. This statistic underscores the importance of digital technology in revolutionizing the music industry and highlights the continued evolution towards a more digitized and interconnected music ecosystem.

E-books sales are expected to reach $29.7 billion by 2023.

The statistic indicates a projection that sales generated from electronic books (E-books) are anticipated to reach a total of $29.7 billion by the year 2023. This prediction suggests a significant growth trajectory within the digital publishing industry over the next few years. Factors such as the increasing popularity and accessibility of E-books, coupled with advances in technology and changing consumer preferences towards digital content consumption, are likely driving this upward trend. This statistic not only highlights the expanding market for E-books but also underscores the evolving landscape of the publishing industry as it adapts to the digital age.

The global digital publishing market will reach $64 billion by 2021.

The statistic “The global digital publishing market will reach $64 billion by 2021” indicates the projected total revenue generated from digital publishing industry worldwide by the year 2021. This statistic suggests a significant growth and expansion in the digital publishing sector, reflecting the increasing demand for digital content consumption across various platforms such as e-books, online journals, digital magazines, and audiobooks. Factors contributing to this growth may include the rising popularity of e-readers and mobile devices, the convenience of accessing digital content on-the-go, and the ongoing shift towards digitization in the publishing industry. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, the digital publishing market is expected to thrive and surpass the $64 billion mark by 2021.

75% of mobile applications are now paid for with digital goods.

The statistic indicates that a majority, specifically 75%, of mobile applications are being purchased using digital goods, rather than traditional payment methods like credit cards or cash. This shift towards digital payment methods can be attributed to the increasing popularity and convenience of digital wallets, in-app purchases, and mobile payment platforms. This trend highlights the evolving nature of consumer behavior in the digital age, where users are increasingly opting for seamless and secure digital payment options when making purchases on their mobile devices. This statistic underscores the importance for businesses and developers to adapt their monetization strategies to accommodate this preference for digital payment methods in the mobile app market.

In 2023, the global mobile apps revenue is projected to amount to $935.2 billion.

The statistic indicating that the global mobile apps revenue is projected to reach $935.2 billion in 2023 represents the anticipated total amount of revenue generated by mobile applications worldwide within that year. This figure reflects the significant and ongoing growth of the mobile app industry, driven by factors such as increasing smartphone ownership, improving mobile technologies, and the growing demand for convenient and innovative digital services. The projection underscores the continued relevance and profitability of mobile apps as an integral part of today’s digital economy, highlighting the opportunities for businesses and developers to capitalize on this thriving market.

In 2019, consumer spending on digital media surpassed $100 billion for the first time.

The statistic “In 2019, consumer spending on digital media surpassed $100 billion for the first time” indicates that during the year 2019, consumers collectively spent more than $100 billion on various digital media products and services, such as online streaming, digital downloads, and digital subscriptions. This significant milestone reflects the increasing shift towards digital consumption habits among consumers, as well as the growing importance of digital media in our daily lives. The rise in consumer spending on digital media signifies a shift away from traditional forms of media consumption and highlights the ongoing evolution of the media and entertainment industry towards digital platforms.

80% of the highest-earning mobile apps in 2019 were for games.

The statistic that 80% of the highest-earning mobile apps in 2019 were for games indicates that a significant majority of the top revenue-generating apps in that year belonged to the gaming category. This suggests that the mobile gaming industry was highly lucrative and dominated the app market in terms of revenue generation. It reflects the popularity and profitability of mobile games among consumers, potentially driven by factors such as engaging gameplay, in-app purchases, and advertising revenue. Marketers, developers, and investors may take note of this trend to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the mobile gaming sector for future business strategies and investments.

Creating digital goods creates 98% fewer carbon emissions than producing physical goods.

The statistic states that the process of creating digital goods generates significantly lower carbon emissions compared to the production of physical goods, with a reduction of 98%. This suggests that the environmental impact of digital goods, such as software, multimedia content, and online services, is substantially lower due to their intangible nature and reduced reliance on material resources and transportation. The shift towards digital production can contribute to mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing, packaging, and distribution processes. This statistic highlights the potential benefits of embracing digital solutions to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability in various industries.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.businessofapps.com

2. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

3. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

4. – https://www.www.globalwebindex.com

5. – https://www.www.appsflyer.com

6. – https://www.www.idc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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