Toronto’s creative economy just keeps expanding in ways that look more like a tech boom than a classic media city, from $13.6 billion in GDP contribution to $2.8 billion in digital ad spending. Even the street level is getting louder, with 12,000 TTC transit placements and 1,200 cycling digital billboard screens turning everyday commutes into high volume creative inventory. Let’s put these Toronto-specific figures side by side to see where the momentum is building and where it’s changing fastest.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto ad agencies produced 12,000 campaigns valued at $3.9 billion in 2022.
- Digital ad spend in Toronto: $2.8 billion, 65% of total ad market 2023.
- Creative directors in Toronto agencies: 1,800 leading teams 2022.
- Gaming Toronto studios released 180 titles grossing $1.9 billion in 2022.
- VR/AR developers in Toronto: 320 firms creating 950 experiences 2023.
- App downloads from Toronto devs: 450 million globally in 2022.
- Toronto's creative industries contributed $13.6 billion to GDP in 2021, or 7.2% of the city's total GDP.
- Film and TV production spending in Toronto reached $2.7 billion in 2022.
- Music industry generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in Toronto 2023.
- Toronto's creative industries employed 293,000 people in 2021, representing 8.5% of the city's total employment.
- In 2022, the film and television sector in Toronto supported 45,000 direct jobs including production crew, actors, and support staff.
- Creative sector freelancers in Toronto numbered over 75,000 in 2023, making up 25% of the workforce in design and digital media.
- Toronto had 1,250 foreign film/TV productions in 2022, generating $2.2 billion in spending.
- Ontario produced 45% of Canada's screen content in 2022, with Toronto accounting for 85% of that.
- Toronto film permits issued: 4,200 in 2023 for features, series, and commercials.
Toronto’s creative sector generated billions in ad, film, and digital impact, led by fast growing digital spending.
Related reading
01 · Category
Advertising and Marketing25 stats
01
Toronto ad agencies produced 12,000 campaigns valued at $3.9 billion in 2022.
02
Digital ad spend in Toronto: $2.8 billion, 65% of total ad market 2023.
03
Creative directors in Toronto agencies: 1,800 leading teams 2022.
04
Out-of-home (OOH) billboards: 5,200 in Toronto generating $420 million 2023.
05
Social media influencers based in Toronto: 4,500 with 10k+ followers monetizing 2022.
06
TV ad production: 2,100 spots filmed in Toronto studios 2023.
07
PR firms in Toronto: 650 handling $1.2 billion in client spend 2022.
08
Experiential marketing events: 1,800 branded activations in Toronto 2023.
09
Programmatic ad buys through Toronto platforms: $1.1 billion 2022.
10
Copywriters producing for GTA brands: 3,200 freelancers 2023.
11
SEO agencies: 420 in Toronto optimizing 15,000 client sites 2022.
12
Print media ad revenue: $650 million to Toronto pubs 2023.
13
Branded content studios: 95 producing 2,400 pieces yearly 2022.
14
Market research firms: 280 conducting 4,500 studies in Toronto 2023.
15
Radio ad spots: 1.2 million aired from Toronto stations 2022.
16
Guerrilla marketing campaigns: 450 executed in Toronto streets 2023.
17
Email marketing lists managed: 2.8 billion sends from Toronto firms 2022.
18
Podcast ad production: 1,100 shows sponsored via Toronto agencies 2023.
19
AR/VR ad experiences: 320 campaigns launched from Toronto 2022.
20
Billboards digital screens: 1,200 in Toronto cycling 45,000 creatives 2023.
21
Influencer collabs: 5,200 partnerships valued at $280 million 2022.
22
Transit ads on TTC: 12,000 placements generating $95 million 2023.
23
Creative awards won by Toronto agencies: 2,450 at Cannes Lions 2022.
24
Affiliate marketing networks: 150 hubs in Toronto driving $450m sales 2023.
25
Shopper marketing at 2,800 Toronto stores: $1.4 billion spend 2022.
Interpretation
Advertising and Marketing Interpretation
Toronto's creative industry is a multi-billion-dollar storytelling engine, where 1,800 creative directors orchestrate everything from 12,000 ad campaigns and 2,100 TV spots to 5,200 influencer deals and 450 guerrilla stunts, proving the city sells as powerfully on digital screens as it does on subway platforms.
02 · Category
Digital Media and Interactive25 stats
01
Gaming Toronto studios released 180 titles grossing $1.9 billion in 2022.
02
VR/AR developers in Toronto: 320 firms creating 950 experiences 2023.
03
App downloads from Toronto devs: 450 million globally in 2022.
04
Esports events hosted in Toronto: 65 tournaments with 1.2 million viewers 2023.
05
Web3 and NFT projects launched: 240 from Toronto creators 2022.
06
Animation pipelines for games: 120 studios processing 2.5 million assets 2023.
07
UX/UI designers: 8,900 in Toronto digital agencies 2022.
08
Interactive installations at festivals: 450 at DMZ events 2023.
09
Mobile game revenue per user: $4.20average from Toronto titles 2022.
10
AI content generation tools developed: 85 startups in Toronto 2023.
11
Metaverse real estate sales by Toronto devs: $120 million in virtual land 2022.
12
Streaming platforms built in Toronto: 45 apps with 15 million users 2023.
13
Hacks at Collision Conference: 1,800 projects from Toronto teams 2022.
14
Augmented reality filters: 2,200 created for Snapchat/IG by Toronto studios 2023.
15
Blockchain gaming titles: 65 live from Toronto with 500k DAU 2022.
16
Digital twins for creative projects: 180 simulations in Toronto labs 2023.
17
Podcast production studios: 250 outputting 4,500 episodes monthly 2022.
18
SaaS tools for creatives: 420 platforms from Toronto SaaS firms 2023.
19
EdTech gamified apps: 95 from Toronto reaching 2.8 million students 2022.
20
Social VR events: 320 hosted drawing 450k avatars 2023.
21
Motion capture stages: 12 facilities scanning 950 actors yearly 2022.
22
Generative art NFTs minted: 1.2 million by Toronto artists 2023.
23
Interactive theatre apps: 45 productions with AR overlays 2022.
24
Fintech gamification platforms: 75 from Toronto integrating creative design 2023.
25
E-learning modules produced: 12,000 interactive courses from Toronto 2022.
Interpretation
Digital Media and Interactive Interpretation
Toronto's creative sector is not just playing games; it's building the entire digital playground, from the VR headsets and NFTs to the educational apps and blockchain backbones, proving that the city's real superpower is turning imagination into a multi-billion-dollar, interactive reality.
03 · Category
Economic Impact26 stats
01
Toronto's creative industries contributed $13.6 billion to GDP in 2021, or 7.2% of the city's total GDP.
02
Film and TV production spending in Toronto reached $2.7 billion in 2022.
03
Music industry generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in Toronto 2023.
04
Advertising sector spend in Toronto: $4.2 billion annually in 2022.
05
Digital media exports from Toronto totaled $3.8 billion in 2021.
06
Gaming industry revenue in Toronto studios: $2.4 billion in 2022.
07
Visual arts sales through Toronto galleries: $450 million in 2023.
08
Publishing revenues in Toronto: $1.9 billion from book sales 2022.
09
Fashion design exports: $850 million from Toronto in 2023.
10
Architecture billings in Toronto firms: $5.1 billion in 2022.
11
Animation production value: $1.2 billion in Toronto 2023.
12
Live theatre ticket sales: $320 million in Toronto pre-2023 season.
13
Graphic design services market: $1.5 billion in Toronto 2022.
14
Video game app downloads from Toronto devs: generating $900 million revenue 2023.
15
Creative tourism spend: $2.8 billion from festivals in Toronto 2022.
16
Event production economic multiplier: 1.8x spend in Toronto creative events 2023.
17
Photography services to creatives: $280 million market in Toronto 2022.
18
Interior design projects value: $1.7 billion in Toronto 2023.
19
Craft beer and distillery tied to music events: $650 million in Toronto 2022.
20
Literary festivals economic draw: $150 million annually in Toronto.
21
Sound recording studios billings: $420 million in Toronto 2023.
22
Film post-production spend: $650 million in Toronto facilities 2022.
23
Prop fabrication economic output: $180 million from Toronto shops 2023.
24
Creative retail sales (art supplies, gear): $950 million in Toronto 2022.
25
MaRS creative ventures raised $1.3 billion VC in Toronto 2023.
26
TIFF festival economic impact: $180 million direct spend in 2023.
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
Forget the old adage that “money talks,” because in Toronto, it’s singing in a blockbuster movie, coding a hit video game, designing a skyline, and selling out a theatre—all while quietly contributing a formidable 7.2% to the city’s GDP and proving that culture is not just a decoration but a serious economic engine.
More related reading
04 · Category
Employment and Workforce30 stats
01
Toronto's creative industries employed 293,000 people in 2021, representing 8.5% of the city's total employment.
02
In 2022, the film and television sector in Toronto supported 45,000 direct jobs including production crew, actors, and support staff.
03
Creative sector freelancers in Toronto numbered over 75,000 in 2023, making up 25% of the workforce in design and digital media.
04
Women represent 48% of the creative industries workforce in Toronto as of 2022, with higher representation in advertising at 55%.
05
The average annual salary in Toronto's creative industries was $68,500CAD in 2021, 15% above the city average.
06
Over 12,000 international workers were employed in Toronto's screen industries via LMIA approvals in 2022.
07
Youth under 30 account for 32% of new hires in Toronto's gaming and interactive media sector in 2023.
08
Toronto's music industry employed 18,500 people full-time in live events and recording in 2022.
09
BIPOC workers make up 42% of Toronto's creative workforce, up from 35% in 2018.
10
Advertising agencies in Toronto employed 22,000 professionals in 2023, including 5,000 in digital marketing roles.
11
The fashion design sector in Toronto supports 15,200 jobs, with 60% in small studios and boutiques.
12
Visual artists and galleries employ 8,900 people in Toronto, including curators and educators.
13
Publishing industry in Toronto has 10,500 employees, with 40% in editorial and design roles.
14
Architecture firms in Toronto employ 14,000 architects and designers as of 2023.
15
Animation studios employed 7,200 artists in Toronto in 2022.
16
Theatre and performing arts sector jobs totaled 9,800 in Toronto pre-COVID, recovering to 8,500 in 2023.
17
Graphic design freelancers in Toronto: 28,000 active in 2023.
18
Video game developers in Toronto: 12,400 employed across 150 studios in 2022.
19
Creative tech startups employed 5,600 in Toronto's MaRS ecosystem in 2023.
20
Event production for creative festivals: 4,200 seasonal jobs annually in Toronto.
21
Photography and videography pros: 6,500 full-time in Toronto's creative scene 2022.
22
Interior design employment: 9,100 in Toronto firms 2023.
23
Culinary arts tied to creative events: 11,000 jobs in Toronto 2022.
24
Craft and artisan makers: 3,400 employed in Toronto markets 2023.
25
Literary agents and managers: 1,200 in Toronto publishing hub 2022.
26
Sound engineering for media: 2,900 jobs in Toronto 2023.
27
Costume and wardrobe for film: 1,800 specialists in Toronto 2022.
28
Set design and props: 2,200 crew in Toronto productions 2023.
29
Location scouting and management: 850 pros in Toronto film office 2022.
30
Creative education instructors: 4,500 teaching in Toronto colleges 2023.
Interpretation
Employment and Workforce Interpretation
Toronto’s creative sector doesn’t just colour outside the lines; it employs 293,000 people who collectively paint a picture of a vibrant, diverse, and surprisingly well-paid economic powerhouse that, quite frankly, is the city's coolest and most essential export.
05 · Category
Film and TV Production24 stats
01
Toronto had 1,250 foreign film/TV productions in 2022, generating $2.2 billion in spending.
02
Ontario produced 45% of Canada's screen content in 2022, with Toronto accounting for 85% of that.
03
Toronto film permits issued: 4,200 in 2023 for features, series, and commercials.
04
VFX spending in Toronto post houses: $450 million on international projects 2022.
05
Sound stages in Toronto: 28 major facilities operational in 2023.
06
Average feature film budget shot in Toronto: $85 million USD in 2022.
07
TV series episodes filmed in Toronto: 1,200 in 2023 season.
08
Location days for foreign shoots: 12,500 in Greater Toronto Area 2022.
09
DI (digital intermediate) services processed 150 major films in Toronto 2023.
10
Grip and lighting equipment rentals supported 900 productions in Toronto 2022.
11
Costume houses supplied 650 productions in Toronto with 2.5 million garments 2023.
12
Set construction firms built for 420 shows, using 1.2 million sq ft materials 2022.
13
Toronto as stand-in for NYC in 180 productions in 2023.
14
Streaming platforms spent $1.8 billion on Toronto shoots 2022.
15
Commercial productions: 2,800 shot in Toronto generating $450 million 2023.
16
Documentary films premiered from Toronto: 120 at Hot Docs 2023.
17
Animation co-productions: Toronto involved in 65 international deals 2022.
18
DIT (digital imaging tech) crew on 750 Toronto shoots 2023.
19
Film labs processed 5.2 million feet of negative in Toronto 2022.
20
Steadicam operators: 450 licensed in Toronto for productions 2023.
21
Drone filming permits for film: 1,200 issued in Toronto 2022.
22
Underwater filming tank usage: 45 projects in Toronto facilities 2023.
23
Car chase sequence shoots: 280 permitted on Toronto streets 2022.
24
TIFF screenings: 450 films from 75 countries in 2023.
Interpretation
Film and TV Production Interpretation
Toronto has become Hollywood North on steroids, with enough camera-wielding commotion and costume-clad chaos to not only fund a small nation but also convincingly fake New York while it's at it.
06 · Category
Music and Performing Arts26 stats
01
Music venues in Toronto: 650 active, hosting 15,000 shows annually in 2023.
02
Toronto musicians registered with SOCAN: 28,000 in 2022.
03
Annual live music ticket sales: $250 million in Toronto 2023.
04
Recording studios: 420 in Toronto, with average occupancy 72% in 2022.
05
Canadian Music Week attendance: 25,000 professionals in Toronto 2023.
06
Juno Awards economic impact in Toronto: $45 million in 2022 hosting year.
07
Music streaming royalties paid to Toronto artists: $180 million in 2023.
08
Festival attendance at NXNE: 150,000 over 5 days in Toronto 2022.
09
Symphony orchestra subscriptions: 120,000 seats sold annually by TSO 2023.
10
Opera productions at COC: 12 full seasons with 250 performances 2022.
11
Jazz fest Toronto: 1,500 sets over 10 days, 500,000 attendees 2023.
12
Indie labels in Toronto: 180, releasing 2,400 albums yearly 2022.
13
Songwriters workshops: 4,200 participants in Toronto programs 2023.
14
Music tech startups: 95 in Toronto ecosystem 2022.
15
Venue capacity total for music: 450,000 seats across Toronto 2023.
16
Dance performances: 2,800 shows at Harbourfront Centre 2022.
17
Choirs and ensembles: 650 groups with 45,000 singers in Toronto 2023.
18
Music education students: 112,000 enrolled in Toronto schools 2022.
19
Backline rental for tours: supporting 1,200 shows monthly in Toronto 2023.
20
World music festivals: 45 events drawing 300,000 in Toronto 2022.
21
Hip-hop scene releases: 1,200 tracks from Toronto artists on Spotify 2023.
22
Classical recording sessions: 280 in Toronto studios 2022.
23
EDM events: 450 raves and club nights weekly capacity 2023.
24
Folk fest attendance: 120,000 at Harbourfront 2023.
25
Music licensing deals: 3,500 for Toronto composers in film/TV 2022.
26
Theatre productions: 450 non-musical plays staged in Toronto 2023.
Interpretation
Music and Performing Arts Interpretation
Toronto isn't just a city that loves music, it’s a full-scale, wildly diverse, and economically roaring music factory that runs on 650 venues, 28,000 registered musicians, and a collective obsession that sells a quarter-billion dollars in tickets a year.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Kevin O'Brien. (2026, February 13). Toronto Creative Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/toronto-creative-industry-statistics
MLA
Kevin O'Brien. "Toronto Creative Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/toronto-creative-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Kevin O'Brien. 2026. "Toronto Creative Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/toronto-creative-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level