Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계 전자책 시장은 2025년에 201억 1,000만 달러, 2032년에는 312억 6,000만 달러에 이를 것으로 예측되며, 예측 기간 중 CAGR은 6.5%를 나타낼 전망입니다.
전자책(eBook)은 전자책 리더, 태블릿, 스마트폰, 컴퓨터 등의 전자기기에서 읽을 수 있는 인쇄된 책의 디지털판입니다. 실물 책과 동일한 콘텐츠를 제공하지만 휴대하기 쉽고 접근하기 쉬운 형식으로 제공됩니다. 전자책에는 조정 가능한 폰트, 하이퍼링크, 멀티미디어 요소 등의 기능이 포함되어 있어 독서 체험을 향상시킵니다.
영국 내셔널 리터러리 트러스트가 2019년에 실시한 조사에 따르면 8세에서 18세 사이의 청소년 중 45%가 디지털 기기에서 독서를 선호했으며 인쇄된 책을 선호하는 젊은이는 30%에 불과했습니다.
온라인 학습과 디지털 교육의 인기 증가
스마트폰, 태블릿, 전자책 리더로 책에 액세스할 수 있는 편의성으로 인해 기존의 인쇄매체에서 디지털 형식으로의 전환이 현저합니다. 툴과 인터랙티브 컨텐츠의 진보가 사용자의 독서 체험을 향상시키고 있습니다.
디지털 저작권 침해 및 저작권 문제
디지털 파일의 복사 및 배포가 용이하다는 것은 전자책의 무허가 버전이 종종 저자와 출판사의 허가 없이 인터넷에서 빠르게 확산된다는 것을 의미합니다. 디지털 권리 관리(DRM) 기술은 부정 액세스나 부정 복사를 방지하는 것을 목적으로 하고 있습니다만, 회피되는 일도 많고, 인터넷의 세계적인 성질이 저작권법의 집행을 곤란하게 하고 있습니다.
인터넷과 모바일 연결 확대
디지털 인프라가 강화됨에 따라 사용자는 언제 어디서나 편리하게 전자책에 액세스할 수 있게 되었습니다. 온라인 교육과 디지털 리터러시를 촉진하는 정부 이니셔티브는 시장 확장을 더욱 지원하고 있습니다.
무료 온라인 컨텐츠와의 높은 경쟁
독자는 방대한 수의 무료 기사, 블로그, 포럼, 사용자 제작 컨텐츠에 액세스할 수 있으며, 많은 경우 유료가 아니더라도 즉시 답변과 오락을 제공할 수 있습니다. 출판사나 저자는 뛰어난 품질, 독자적인 관점, 면밀한 조사, 사용자 체험의 향상 등을 통해 제공하는 것을 차별화해야 합니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19의 유행은 전자책 시장에 큰 영향을 주었고, 디지털 독서로의 이동을 가속화했습니다. 온라인 학습 플랫폼의 수요가 급증하면서 전자책 소비가 더욱 증가했습니다. 팬데믹 후에도, 편리성과 액세스의 용이함으로부터, 디지털 독서에의 동향은 계속되고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 태블릿 단말 부문이 최대가 될 전망
태블릿 단말기 분야는 사용 편의성과 독서 경험의 향상으로 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 뛰어난 기능을 제공합니다.전자책 리더도 눈에 띄는 디스플레이와 긴 배터리 수명으로 인기를 끌고 있습니다.
개인 소비자 분야는 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상된다.
예측 기간 동안 개인 독자의 전자 책 구매 증가로 인해 개인 소비자 부문이 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. 구독 서비스와 번들 서비스는 열성적인 독자들에게 비용 효율적인 솔루션을 제공합니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예상되는 이유는 디지털 인프라가 확대되고 모바일 보급률이 높아지기 때문입니다. 에어북의 도입을 리드하고 있습니다. 급속한 도시화와 인터넷 접속의 보급이, 전자책의 소비를 한층 더 끌어 올리고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 주요 전자책 플랫폼의 존재와 디지털 독서에 대한 선호도 증가가 주요 성장 요인입니다. 북미의 소비자는 구독 기반 모델과 대화형 컨텐츠를 채택하여 시장의 매력을 높이고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Ebook Market is accounted for $20.11 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $31.26 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. An eBook, or electronic book, is a digital version of a printed book that can be read on electronic devices such as eReaders, tablets, smartphones, and computers. It offers the same content as a physical book but in a portable, accessible format. EBooks often include features like adjustable fonts, hyperlinks, and multimedia elements, enhancing the reading experience. They are widely used for education, entertainment, and professional reference purposes.
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the National Literary Trust in the United Kingdom, 45% of youngsters aged 8 to 18 preferred to read on a digital device, while just 30% preferred print books.
Growing popularity of online learning and digital education
The convenience of accessing books on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers has led to a significant shift from traditional print media to digital formats. Educational institutions and self-learning platforms are adopting ebooks as a primary resource for teaching and learning. Additionally, advancements in e-learning tools and interactive content are enhancing the reading experience for users. The rising trend of self-publishing and digital libraries is further expanding the market. As digital education continues to grow, the demand for ebooks will continue to increase.
Digital piracy and copyright issues
The ease of copying and distributing digital files means that unauthorized versions of ebooks can spread rapidly across the internet, often without the author or publisher's permission. This illegal sharing leads to substantial revenue losses for creators and publishers, directly impacting their ability to invest in new content and innovation. While Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies aim to prevent unauthorized access and copying, they are often circumvented, and the global nature of the internet makes enforcement of copyright laws challenging. This ongoing struggle with piracy necessitates continuous efforts in monitoring, legal action, and consumer education to protect intellectual property and ensure fair compensation for creative work.
Expanding internet and mobile connectivity
Enhanced digital infrastructure is allowing users to access ebooks conveniently from anywhere at any time. The availability of affordable smartphones and tablets is driving higher ebook consumption, especially in developing regions. Government initiatives promoting online education and digital literacy are further supporting market expansion. Subscription-based models and cloud libraries are emerging as popular options for ebook distribution. As connectivity improves worldwide, ebooks will reach a broader audience and expand their market potential.
High competition from free online content
Readers have access to a vast array of free articles, blogs, forums, and user-generated content, often providing immediate answers or entertainment without a paywall. This free content, coupled with the rise of ad-supported platforms and open-access initiatives, sets a high bar for paid ebooks. Publishers and authors must differentiate their offerings through superior quality, unique perspectives, in-depth research, or enhanced user experiences. The perception that information should be free makes it challenging to convince consumers to pay for digital books, intensifying competition and pressuring pricing models within the ebook industry.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the Ebook Market, accelerating the shift toward digital reading. With physical bookstores closing, consumers increasingly turned to ebooks for entertainment and education. Online learning platforms saw a surge in demand, further driving ebook consumption. Post-pandemic, the trend toward digital reading has persisted due to convenience and accessibility. Publishers have continued to expand their digital offerings, ensuring users have access to a wide range of ebooks.
The tablets segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The tablets segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to their ease of use and enhanced reading experience. Tablets provide larger screens, better resolution, and advanced features like adjustable lighting for optimal reading comfort. E-readers are also gaining traction due to their eye-friendly displays and long battery life. The growing adoption of tablets among students and professionals is driving market growth.
The individual consumers segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the individual consumers segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to increasing ebook purchases by personal readers. The availability of diverse genres and personalized reading experiences is attracting more individual consumers. Subscription services and bundled offerings provide cost-effective solutions for avid readers. The convenience of downloading and storing multiple books on a single device enhances user engagement.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to its expanding digital infrastructure and increasing mobile penetration. Countries like China and India are leading ebook adoption, supported by government initiatives promoting digital education and online learning. Rapid urbanization and widespread internet connectivity are further boosting ebook consumption. The growing acceptance of digital content among students and professionals is driving sustained market demand.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to technological advancements and strong ebook sales in the U.S. and Canada. The presence of major ebook platforms and increasing preference for digital reading are key growth factors. Consumers in North America are adopting subscription-based models and interactive content, enhancing the market appeal. Rising investments in e-learning and digital publishing are further supporting market expansion.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Ebook Market include Amazon.com, Inc., Rakuten Kobo Inc., Apple Inc., Barnes & Noble, Inc., Google, Scribd Inc., Draft2Digital, Smashwords Inc., Lulu Press Inc., IngramSpark, Blurb Inc., Macmillan Publishers Ltd., HarperCollins Publishers LLC, Penguin Random House, and Hachette Livre.
In May 2025, HarperOne announced it has acquired ETHEL: Faith, Hope, Family, and an Extraordinary American Life, a moving biography of her mother by human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy. This intimate portrait of Ethel Skakel Kennedy offers a unique window into the life of a woman whose compassion, resilience, and dedication to justice have left an indelible mark on American history.
In May 2023, Apple and Google jointly submitted a proposed industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking. The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorised tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms.