GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Webtoon Industry Statistics

The webtoon industry is expected to continue its rapid growth driven by increasing digital consumption and global expansion.

Highlights: Webtoon Industry Statistics

  • As of 2020, in South Korea alone, the webtoon industry has more than 10 million daily users.
  • In 2020, Webtoon platforms made $700 million in profits only from South Korea.
  • The global webtoon industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% between 2021 and 2026.
  • As of 2019, there were more than 60 platforms where people could read Webtoons globally.
  • Webtoon platform Line Webtoon has more than 10 million daily readers worldwide.
  • As per 2019 data, out of 7 million monthly users, some 36% of Line Webtoon users are aged between 18 and 24 in the US.
  • In 2018, it was reported that 88% of millennials in Korea spent an hour each week reading webtoons.
  • In 2019, the market size of South Korea's webtoon industry was estimated to be around 700 billion KRW (approximately 600 million USD).
  • The global readership base of webtoons increased by 41% in the first half of 2020 alone.
  • The most popular genre of Webtoons is Romance, followed by Fantasy and then Horror respectively.
  • South Korean webtoon "Tower of God" has been translated into 28 different languages.
  • In 2018, South Korea exported approximately $17.14 million worth of webtoon content.
  • The webtoon industry showed a fourfold increase from 150 billion KRW in 2013 to 700 billion KRW in 2019.
  • A survey conducted in 2019 showed that about 6.8 million people read webtoons daily in South Korea.
  • By 2021, nearly 66% of the entire world's webtoon content originated from South Korea.
  • 20% of the French population reported reading Korean webtoons in 2016.
  • As of 2021, the South Korean platform KakaoPage has 2.5 million daily users and 10 million monthly users.
  • As of 2021, content by the platform 'Daum Webtoon' was viewed around 400 million times.

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The Latest Webtoon Industry Statistics Explained

As of 2020, in South Korea alone, the webtoon industry has more than 10 million daily users.

The statistic provided indicates that as of 2020, the webtoon industry in South Korea has experienced significant growth, with over 10 million daily users engaging with webtoon content on a regular basis. This suggests a strong and active user base within the country, showcasing the popularity and widespread appeal of webtoons as a form of entertainment. The high number of daily users highlights the cultural significance of webtoons in South Korea, as well as the industry’s potential for further expansion and economic impact. Overall, this statistic underscores the importance of the webtoon industry within the country’s media landscape and its influence on consumer behavior and preferences.

In 2020, Webtoon platforms made $700 million in profits only from South Korea.

The statistic ‘In 2020, Webtoon platforms made $700 million in profits only from South Korea’ indicates the significant economic impact and success of Webtoon platforms within the South Korean market. The $700 million in profits reflects the amount of revenue generated by Webtoon platforms through their various services, such as digital comic subscriptions, advertising, and merchandise sales. This figure demonstrates the popularity and profitability of Webtoon platforms in South Korea, highlighting the growing influence of online entertainment and digital media platforms in the country. Additionally, it suggests that South Korea is a key market for Webtoon platforms, with a strong user base and revenue potential that contributes to the overall success and growth of the industry.

The global webtoon industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% between 2021 and 2026.

This statistic indicates that the global webtoon industry is projected to experience significant growth over the five-year period from 2021 to 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%. This means that on average, the industry is expected to expand by 14.6% each year during this timeframe. The high growth rate suggests a growing demand for webtoon content globally, possibly driven by increasing internet penetration, smartphone usage, and the popularity of digital entertainment platforms. This projection highlights a positive outlook for the webtoon industry, indicating potential opportunities for content creators, platforms, and investors operating within this sector.

As of 2019, there were more than 60 platforms where people could read Webtoons globally.

The statistic indicates that by 2019, there were at least 60 different platforms available worldwide for individuals to access and read Webtoons – digital comics typically optimized for mobile viewing through scrolling. This extensive availability highlights the popularity and widespread reach of Webtoons as a form of entertainment and artistic expression, as well as the globalization of digital media platforms. The increasing number of platforms offering Webtoons also suggests a growing market for this genre and reflects the diversity of options available to readers, creators, and publishers in the digital comics industry.

Webtoon platform Line Webtoon has more than 10 million daily readers worldwide.

The statistic that the webtoon platform Line Webtoon has more than 10 million daily readers worldwide indicates the high popularity and wide reach of the platform among audiences globally. With such a large and engaged daily readership, Line Webtoon is a significant player in the online webtoon and digital comics industry. This statistic demonstrates the platform’s ability to attract and retain a large user base, which is beneficial for creators and advertisers looking to connect with a large and diverse audience. The widespread appeal of Line Webtoon suggests that digital comics and webtoons continue to be a popular form of entertainment for millions of people around the world.

As per 2019 data, out of 7 million monthly users, some 36% of Line Webtoon users are aged between 18 and 24 in the US.

According to the 2019 data, Line Webtoon, a popular online platform, had a total of 7 million monthly users in the United States. Of these users, 36% were between the ages of 18 and 24. This statistic indicates that a significant portion of Line Webtoon’s user base falls within the young adult demographic, suggesting that the platform is particularly popular among this age group. Understanding the demographic breakdown of users can help Line Webtoon tailor its content and marketing strategies to better cater to the preferences and interests of its target audience.

In 2018, it was reported that 88% of millennials in Korea spent an hour each week reading webtoons.

In 2018, a statistic reported that 88% of millennials in Korea dedicated an hour each week to reading webtoons. This statistic suggests a high level of engagement with this digital comic medium among the millennial population in Korea. The significant percentage indicates that webtoons are a popular form of entertainment and leisure activity for this demographic group. This finding could have implications for the webtoon industry in Korea, highlighting the potential market size and demand for such content among millennials. Additionally, it may reflect the evolving trends in how young adults consume media and the increasing importance of digital platforms in their leisure activities.

In 2019, the market size of South Korea’s webtoon industry was estimated to be around 700 billion KRW (approximately 600 million USD).

The statistic provided indicates that in 2019, the market size of South Korea’s webtoon industry was estimated to be approximately 700 billion KRW, which is equivalent to around 600 million USD. This figure represents the total value of consumption, production, and trade within the webtoon industry in South Korea for that year. The market size serves as a critical indicator of the industry’s economic significance and growth potential, reflecting the demand for webtoon content and the revenue generated by related businesses such as publishers, artists, and platforms. This data point highlights the substantial economic impact of the webtoon industry in South Korea and underscores its position as a leading player in the global digital content market.

The global readership base of webtoons increased by 41% in the first half of 2020 alone.

The statistic indicates that the worldwide audience for webtoons, a form of digital comics, experienced a notable growth of 41% within just the first six months of 2020. This suggests a significant surge in interest and engagement with webtoons during that period, reflecting a growing trend of consuming online content. The increase could be attributed to various factors such as the convenience of accessing digital comics through smartphones and computers, as well as the variety of genres and stories available on webtoon platforms. This spike in global readership not only highlights the popularity of webtoons as a form of entertainment, but also hints at the potential for further expansion and diversification of the digital comics industry in the future.

The most popular genre of Webtoons is Romance, followed by Fantasy and then Horror respectively.

The statistic indicates that within the realm of Webtoons, the genre that garners the highest level of popularity among viewers is Romance. This suggests that a significant portion of audiences is drawn to stories and content centered around romantic relationships and themes. Following Romance is the Fantasy genre, implying that viewers also have a strong interest in fantastical elements and imaginative storytelling. Lastly, Horror emerges as the third most popular genre, indicating that there is still a substantial audience for content that evokes fear, suspense, and elements of the macabre. Overall, the data suggests a hierarchy of preference among Webtoon audiences, with Romance leading the way, followed closely by Fantasy, and Horror finding its place as a popular but slightly less favored genre.

South Korean webtoon “Tower of God” has been translated into 28 different languages.

The statistic that the South Korean webtoon “Tower of God” has been translated into 28 different languages indicates the widespread popularity and global appeal of the series. By being available in multiple languages, the webtoon is accessible to a diverse and international audience, allowing fans from different parts of the world to enjoy the story and characters. The translation into 28 languages suggests that there is a significant demand for the webtoon outside of its native language, highlighting its success and impact on a global scale. This statistic also reflects the power of digital platforms in facilitating the dissemination of cultural content across borders and languages, contributing to the increasing globalization of popular media.

In 2018, South Korea exported approximately $17.14 million worth of webtoon content.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2018, South Korea generated approximately $17.14 million in revenue from exporting webtoon content, which are digital comics or graphic novels published online. This suggests a significant market for South Korean webtoons internationally, as they are popular for their unique storytelling and aesthetic style. The export value of webtoon content reflects the growing global demand for Korean cultural products and the country’s success in capitalizing on the popularity of this digital media format. The strong performance in the export of webtoon content is not only a testament to South Korea’s creative industry but also highlights its economic potential in the global digital entertainment market.

The webtoon industry showed a fourfold increase from 150 billion KRW in 2013 to 700 billion KRW in 2019.

The statistic that the webtoon industry showed a fourfold increase from 150 billion KRW in 2013 to 700 billion KRW in 2019 indicates a substantial growth over the six-year period. This growth suggests a positive trend in the popularity and profitability of webtoons as a content format, with a fourfold increase representing a 350% rise in industry size. This significant expansion may be attributed to various factors such as increased internet penetration, the rise of digital platforms for content distribution, and the growing global appetite for Korean entertainment products. The statistic highlights the growing significance of webtoons as a lucrative industry with vast potential for further expansion and development in the future.

A survey conducted in 2019 showed that about 6.8 million people read webtoons daily in South Korea.

The statistic stating that about 6.8 million people read webtoons daily in South Korea is derived from a survey conducted in 2019. This figure represents the estimated number of individuals in South Korea who engage with webtoons, which are digital comics or graphic novels, on a daily basis. By providing this statistic, the survey offers insight into the popularity and widespread consumption of webtoons within the country. The data suggest that webtoons have become a significant form of entertainment and storytelling for a large segment of the South Korean population, highlighting the cultural and technological trends shaping media consumption habits in the digital age.

By 2021, nearly 66% of the entire world’s webtoon content originated from South Korea.

The statistic that by 2021, around 66% of the entire world’s webtoon content originated from South Korea highlights the significant and dominant presence of South Korean webtoons in the global digital entertainment industry. This statistic signifies the tremendous popularity and influence of South Korean webtoons, which are digital comics or graphic novels optimized for online viewing. The fact that the majority of webtoon content worldwide is from South Korea showcases the country’s strong position as a leading producer and exporter of digital content, garnering widespread international recognition and appeal among audiences across various cultures and demographics. This statistic underscores the global impact and success of South Korean webtoons as a driving force in shaping the modern digital media landscape.

20% of the French population reported reading Korean webtoons in 2016.

The statistic “20% of the French population reported reading Korean webtoons in 2016” indicates that a fifth of the French population, as determined through surveys or data collection methods, engaged in reading Korean webtoons during the specified year. This statistic can be used to gauge the level of interest and popularity of Korean webtoons among the French population at that time. It provides valuable insight into the cultural preferences and consumption habits of a segment of the French society with regards to digital content from South Korea, specifically webtoons. Further analysis and research may be warranted to understand the factors influencing this trend and to potentially explore opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and market expansion in the digital entertainment industry.

As of 2021, the South Korean platform KakaoPage has 2.5 million daily users and 10 million monthly users.

As of 2021, the South Korean platform KakaoPage boasts a substantial user base, with 2.5 million daily users and 10 million monthly users. This statistic indicates that KakaoPage has a consistent and engaged audience, with a significant portion of users accessing the platform on a daily basis. The high number of monthly users suggests that KakaoPage attracts a wide audience that visits the platform regularly for content consumption or engagement. Overall, these numbers highlight the platform’s popularity and reach within the South Korean market, positioning KakaoPage as a prominent player in the online content and entertainment industry.

As of 2021, content by the platform ‘Daum Webtoon’ was viewed around 400 million times.

The statistic that as of 2021, content by the platform ‘Daum Webtoon’ was viewed around 400 million times suggests the significant reach and popularity of the webtoon platform. This figure indicates the vast audience engagement with the content produced by ‘Daum Webtoon’, reflecting its influence and appeal within the digital entertainment landscape. The high number of views signifies a strong level of user interest and consumption of the platform’s offerings, highlighting its success in capturing the attention and interest of a large audience. This statistic underscores the platform’s impact and relevance in the realm of online content consumption and the growing importance of webtoons as a form of entertainment in contemporary digital culture.

References

0. – https://www.www.hani.co.kr

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3. – https://www.www.koreatimes.co.kr

4. – https://www.www.unlistedkart.com

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7. – https://www.thediplomat.com

8. – https://www.www.publishersweekly.com

9. – https://www.mediaradar.com

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11. – https://www.apnews.com

12. – https://www.www.scmp.com

13. – https://www.www.koreaherald.com

14. – https://www.www.techsciresearch.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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