GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Ebook Industry Statistics

The ebook industry continues to grow steadily, with increasing digital book sales and a shift towards self-publishing and mobile reading.

Highlights: Ebook Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the global eBook market was valued at $18.13 billion USD.
  • The global eBook market is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.3% from 2021 to 2028.
  • E-books accounted for 19.5% of all book sales in the U.S. in 2020.
  • As per 2021 data, over 1.71 billion eBooks were sold in the U.S.
  • In 2020, 55.2% of eBook users stated that they read eBooks daily.
  • As of 2021, 26% of U.S. adults say they have read an eBook in the past year.
  • 72.4% of adults in the U.S. read a book in any format in 2020.
  • The most popular genre in eBooks among U.S. consumers in 2020 was "Mystery, Thriller, Crime".
  • 33% of eBook users in the U.S. reportedly used smartphones to read eBooks in 2020.
  • Amazon was by far the most popular eBook publisher in 2020, with a 67% market share..
  • In 2020, 40% of 18-29-year-olds in the United States had read an eBook.
  • 28% of American book-readers in general prefer eBooks over other formats.
  • In 2020, 51% of all eBooks were circulated by US Public libraries.
  • The Romance/erotica genre held 4% of the US eBook market in 2020.
  • Approximately 485,000 ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) were issued to eBooks in 2019.
  • The adult non-fiction segment in the eBook market accounted for more than 25% of the revenue share in 2020.
  • The eBook subscription service market was valued at $3.13 billion in 2020.
  • In Europe, eBook sales accounted for around 15% of the book market in 2020.
  • In 2020, 70% of millennials in the US reported purchasing an eBook.
  • Online retailers accounted for over 90% of eBook sales worldwide.

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The Latest Ebook Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the global eBook market was valued at $18.13 billion USD.

In 2020, the global eBook market was valued at $18.13 billion USD, indicating the total monetary worth of eBook sales and consumption worldwide during that year. This statistic conveys the significant and growing popularity of eBooks as a form of digital publication, highlighting the increasing trend towards digital reading and the evolution of the publishing industry. The monetary value reflects the economic impact of eBooks on the global market, demonstrating the potential for continued growth and innovation in the digital publishing sector.

The global eBook market is expected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.3% from 2021 to 2028.

The statistic indicates that the global eBook market is forecasted to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.3% between the years 2021 and 2028. A CAGR is a measure used to understand the year-over-year growth rate of an investment or market over a specified period, providing a smooth representation of growth that factors in the compounding effect. In this case, a CAGR of 3.3% suggests that the global eBook market is anticipated to exhibit a steady increase in market size over the specified time frame, highlighting a positive trend in the demand for electronic books worldwide. This projection informs stakeholders, industry analysts, and decision-makers about the expected pace of growth in the eBook market and can be used to guide strategic planning and investment decisions within the industry.

E-books accounted for 19.5% of all book sales in the U.S. in 2020.

The statistic indicates that electronic books (E-books) constituted 19.5% of total book sales in the United States in 2020. This means that nearly one-fifth of all book purchases in the country in that year were E-books. The increasing popularity of digital reading platforms and devices has likely contributed to this significant market share for E-books. This statistic provides valuable insight into the shifting preferences of consumers towards digital formats and highlights the importance for publishers and retailers to adapt to the evolving landscape of the book market by offering E-book options to meet the demand of tech-savvy readers.

As per 2021 data, over 1.71 billion eBooks were sold in the U.S.

The statistic stating that over 1.71 billion eBooks were sold in the U.S. as per 2021 data highlights a significant trend in the digital publishing market. This data point indicates a substantial adoption of eBooks among consumers, showcasing a shift towards digital reading formats. The high volume of eBook sales suggests a growing preference for electronic reading materials, potentially influenced by factors such as convenience, portability, and accessibility. The large number of eBooks sold also signifies the continued expansion of the digital publishing industry and the evolving reading habits of individuals in the United States.

In 2020, 55.2% of eBook users stated that they read eBooks daily.

The statistic ‘In 2020, 55.2% of eBook users stated that they read eBooks daily’ indicates that a significant portion of individuals who use eBooks reported reading them on a daily basis during the specific time period of 2020. This finding suggests a strong and consistent interest in eBook consumption among this group of users. The statistic provides insight into the reading habits and preferences of eBook users, highlighting the popularity of digital books and the frequency with which they are engaged with by individuals within this demographic. Overall, it showcases a notable trend in eBook usage patterns and signifies the potential impact of digital reading materials in the lives of readers during the year 2020.

As of 2021, 26% of U.S. adults say they have read an eBook in the past year.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, 26% of adults in the United States reported having read an eBook within the previous year. This suggests a significant portion of the adult population is engaging with digital reading materials, reflecting the increasing popularity of eBooks as a form of literary consumption. The statistic provides insights into the reading habits and preferences of U.S. adults, highlighting the shift towards digital platforms for accessing books and other written content. This data can be valuable for publishers, authors, and educators looking to understand and cater to the evolving reading landscape in the digital age.

72.4% of adults in the U.S. read a book in any format in 2020.

The statistic ‘72.4% of adults in the U.S. read a book in any format in 2020’ indicates the percentage of adult individuals in the United States who engaged in reading a book, regardless of the format, throughout the year 2020. This statistic highlights that a significant majority of adults participated in reading activities during the specified period, demonstrating a positive trend towards literacy and intellectual engagement in the population. The finding suggests that reading remains a prevalent activity among adults in the U.S., emphasizing the enduring importance of books as a medium for knowledge acquisition, entertainment, and personal development.

The most popular genre in eBooks among U.S. consumers in 2020 was “Mystery, Thriller, Crime”.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the genre of “Mystery, Thriller, Crime” was the most preferred by U.S. consumers when it came to eBooks. This means that a larger proportion of eBook readers in the U.S. chose to read books in the mystery, thriller, and crime categories compared to other genres. The popularity of this genre suggests that U.S. consumers have a strong interest in suspenseful and engaging stories filled with intrigue, mystery, and excitement, which may reflect a desire for entertainment, escapism, and mental stimulation in their reading preferences. This statistic is valuable for authors, publishers, and marketers in understanding consumer preferences and developing targeted strategies for eBook offerings in the future.

33% of eBook users in the U.S. reportedly used smartphones to read eBooks in 2020.

The statistic ‘33% of eBook users in the U.S. reportedly used smartphones to read eBooks in 2020’ indicates that one-third of individuals who read eBooks in the United States preferred using smartphones as their device of choice for accessing digital books. This statistic highlights the popularity and convenience of smartphones as a platform for reading eBooks among consumers in 2020. The use of smartphones for eBook consumption signifies a shift towards digital reading habits and emphasizes the importance of accessible and mobile-friendly reading options in today’s technology-driven society.

Amazon was by far the most popular eBook publisher in 2020, with a 67% market share..

The statistic indicates that Amazon dominated the eBook publishing market in 2020, holding a significant 67% market share. This means that Amazon accounted for nearly seven out of every ten eBooks sold or distributed throughout the year. The high market share reflects Amazon’s strong presence and popularity in the digital book industry, far surpassing its competitors. This statistic highlights Amazon’s strong position as a leading platform for both authors and readers in the eBook market, showcasing its influence and reach within the industry.

In 2020, 40% of 18-29-year-olds in the United States had read an eBook.

In 2020, 40% of 18-29-year-olds in the United States had read an eBook means that among individuals aged between 18 and 29 years in the U.S., 40% reported having read at least one eBook during the year 2020. This statistic provides insights into the reading habits and preferences of this specific age group, indicating a significant portion engaging with digital reading materials. The data suggests a trend towards digital consumption of books among younger adults, which may have implications for the publishing industry, educational institutions, and libraries in terms of catering to the preferences and needs of this demographic through digital platforms and content.

28% of American book-readers in general prefer eBooks over other formats.

This statistic indicates that approximately 28% of American book-readers have a preference for eBooks compared to other formats such as physical books or audiobooks. This suggests that a substantial minority of book-readers in the United States find eBooks to be their preferred reading format. The popularity of eBooks may be driven by factors such as convenience, accessibility, and technological advancements in e-reader devices. Understanding such preferences among book-readers can be valuable for publishers, authors, and other stakeholders in the book industry to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies to cater to the diverse preferences of their audience.

In 2020, 51% of all eBooks were circulated by US Public libraries.

The statistic that 51% of all eBooks were circulated by US public libraries in 2020 indicates the significant role that public libraries play in providing access to digital reading materials. This statistic suggests that a large portion of eBook readers are utilizing the resources and services offered by public libraries, highlighting the importance of these institutions in promoting literacy and access to information. It also reflects the changing trends in reading habits, with many individuals opting for digital formats over traditional print books. Overall, this statistic underscores the continued relevance and impact of public libraries in providing widespread access to literature and educational resources in an increasingly digital age.

The Romance/erotica genre held 4% of the US eBook market in 2020.

The statistic “The Romance/erotica genre held 4% of the US eBook market in 2020” indicates that out of all eBook sales in the United States during the year 2020, the Romance/erotica genre accounted for 4% of those sales. This suggests that Romance/erotica books were popular among eBook readers in the US during that year, capturing a notable share of the market. This information can be valuable for publishers, authors, and researchers to understand consumer preferences and trends in the digital book market, potentially guiding future content creation and marketing strategies within the Romance/erotica genre.

Approximately 485,000 ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) were issued to eBooks in 2019.

The statistic stating that approximately 485,000 ISBNs were issued to eBooks in 2019 indicates a significant volume of electronically published materials within that year. ISBNs are unique identifiers assigned to books and other publications to facilitate their organization and identification. The sheer number of ISBNs issued to eBooks suggests a growing trend in digital publishing, reflecting the increasing popularity and prevalence of electronic reading materials. This statistic highlights the continued shift towards digital formats in the publishing industry and the importance of unique identification for tracking and cataloging eBooks.

The adult non-fiction segment in the eBook market accounted for more than 25% of the revenue share in 2020.

This statistic indicates that the adult non-fiction segment in the eBook market generated significant revenue in 2020, contributing to more than a quarter of the total revenue share in the market. It suggests that there was a strong demand for non-fiction eBooks targeting adult audiences, possibly driven by factors such as an increased interest in self-improvement, professional development, or specific informational content. This data implies that publishers and authors focusing on adult non-fiction genres within the eBook market have a substantial opportunity to reach and engage with a substantial audience and capitalize on this growing segment of readers.

The eBook subscription service market was valued at $3.13 billion in 2020.

The statistic that the eBook subscription service market was valued at $3.13 billion in 2020 indicates the total monetary worth of this specific market segment within the eBook industry. This value represents the combined revenue generated by eBook subscription services, where customers pay a recurring fee to access a library of digital books. The $3.13 billion figure suggests the scale and financial significance of the eBook subscription service market in 2020, reflecting the growing popularity and adoption of digital reading platforms among consumers. This statistic provides insight into the market’s size and potential for further growth, highlighting opportunities for businesses and investors operating within this sector to capitalize on the increasing demand for digital content consumption.

In Europe, eBook sales accounted for around 15% of the book market in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in Europe in 2020, eBook sales represented approximately 15% of all book sales in the market. This suggests that digital books are gaining popularity and traction among consumers, making up a sizeable portion of the overall book market. The growth of eBook sales may be attributed to factors such as the convenience of digital reading, the increasing availability of e-readers and mobile devices, as well as the potential cost savings compared to traditional print books. The statistic reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards digital content and highlights the evolving landscape of the publishing industry in response to technological advancements.

In 2020, 70% of millennials in the US reported purchasing an eBook.

The statistic “In 2020, 70% of millennials in the US reported purchasing an eBook” indicates that a significant majority of individuals from the millennial generation in the United States engaged in buying eBooks during that particular year. This statistic suggests a high level of interest and adoption of digital reading materials among millennials, which could be attributed to factors such as convenience, affordability, and environmental consciousness. The data implies that eBooks are a popular choice among millennials for consuming content, reflecting a shift towards digital media consumption in today’s technological age.

Online retailers accounted for over 90% of eBook sales worldwide.

The statistic indicates that online retailers, such as Amazon, Apple Books, and other digital platforms, are the dominant distribution channel for eBook sales across the globe, capturing more than 90% of the market share. This suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards purchasing digital books online rather than through traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The rise of e-commerce and the widespread availability of digital reading devices have likely contributed to this trend, making it convenient and efficient for consumers to access and purchase eBooks anytime, anywhere. The data highlights the importance of online retailers in the eBook industry and the immense impact of digital technology on the publishing and book-selling landscape.

Conclusion

Based on the ebook industry statistics presented, it is clear that digital publishing continues to experience growth and innovation. The increasing popularity of ebooks among readers, coupled with advancements in technology and changing consumer habits, suggests that the ebook industry will only continue to expand in the coming years. Publishers and authors alike can leverage these statistics to better understand the market and tailor their strategies to meet the evolving needs of readers in this digital age.

References

0. – https://www.libraryjournal.com

1. – https://www.www.bookbrowse.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

4. – https://www.www.bowker.com

5. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

6. – https://www.goodereader.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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