Webcomics Global Market Report 2024

Webcomics are digital cartoons, comic strips, or graphics created for online publication. Artists typically publish webcomics on their websites, blogs, social media profiles, or dedicated art platforms. The creation of webcomics often involves the use of digital art applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

The main types of webcomics are subscription-based and advertising-supported. In a subscription-based webcomic model, readers pay a monthly fee to access the content released during that period. Readers can view these webcomics on various devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and others. This subscription model allows artists to offer their work directly to an audience while generating revenue to support their creative endeavors.

The webcomics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides webcomics market statistics, including webcomics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a webcomics market share, detailed webcomics market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the webcomics industry. This webcomics market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The webcomics market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.63 billion in 2023 to $9.21 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to various factors, including the empowerment of independent creators, increased global accessibility, enhanced engagement through interactivity, adaptation of webcomics into other media, and the evolution of webcomic platforms.

The webcomics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.72 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to various factors, including the adoption of mobile-friendly formats, integration with subscription models, enhanced analytics tools for creators, a focus on inclusive representation, and the incorporation of interactive storytelling elements. Major trends expected in the forecast period include the development of diverse content and genres in webcomics, the use of digital platforms and apps for distribution, integration with social media platforms, collaborations and crossovers between creators, the inclusion of interactive and multimedia elements, efforts towards localization and global accessibility, and real-time updates and scheduling features.

The anticipated rise in the usage of smart devices is set to drive the growth of the webcomics market in the projected period. Smart devices, encompassing interactive electronic gadgets like smartphones and computers, offer convenience and easy access to a myriad of content at one's fingertips. The increasing prevalence and user-friendly features of smartphones and computers contribute to their growing usage. As the adoption of smart devices, particularly smartphones and computers, continues to expand, there will be a corresponding demand for webcomics. For instance, Data Reportal reports that in 2019, there were 5.11 billion unique mobile users globally, and out of them, 2.71 billion used smartphones, a figure that increased to 2.87 billion in 2020. Additionally, the Pew Research Center predicts that over 285 million people in the US are expected to own smartphones by 2023. Hence, the escalating use of smart devices is a catalyst for the growth of the webcomics market.

The increasing count of social media users is anticipated to drive the growth of the webcomics market in the foreseeable future. Social media users, individuals actively engaged on various social platforms, find webcomics captivating and entertaining due to their visually engaging storytelling. Webcomic creators leverage social media to promote their content, gain followers, and interact with their audience. According to DataReportal, there were 4.62 billion social media users globally in January 2022, up from 4.19 billion in January 2021. This surge in social media users is a key driver for the webcomics market.

The emergence of new romantic comics stands out as a notable trend gaining traction in the webcomics market. Companies are actively producing new romantic comics to meet market demands and attract a broader readership. Romantic comics, with a primary focus on romantic relationships, generate heightened interest among readers. Major players are introducing fresh romantic comics to appeal to readers and boost their revenue. For instance, 'Lore Olympus,' a romance webcomic by New Zealand artist Rachel Smythe, has achieved significant success, hitting #1 on both the NYT (New York Times) and PBD Bookscan sales charts. Published by South Korean webtoon publisher Naver Webtoon, the comic retells the relationship between the Greek goddesses Persephone and Hades.

Key companies in the webcomics market are actively launching new webcomic series to attract customers, boost sales, and achieve their business objectives. An example is the collaboration between WEBTOON, a US-based digital comics platform, and HYBE, a South Korea-based entertainment company. They introduced the webcomic series '7FATES: CHAKHO' in collaboration with the South Korean boy band BTS. To celebrate the debut, digital billboards featuring the series were displayed in major cities worldwide.

In May 2021, Kakao Entertainment, a South Korea-based entertainment, mass media, and publishing company, acquired Tapas Media for $510 million. This strategic acquisition enhances Kakao Entertainment's presence and expansion into the US market through Tapas Media, a South Korean-based company specializing in the publication of webcomics and other stories.

Major companies operating in the in the webcomics market report are Naver Corp.,Kakao Entertainment Corp., Lezhin Entertainment Co Ltd.,Contents First Inc., ToryComics Co Ltd.,Graphic India,Tapas Media Inc.,Webzen Inc.,Pixton Electronics Private Limited,Comic Fury,Smack Jeeves,Comic Book Plus,Stelae Technologies,Lezhin Comics,Hiveworks Comics,ToonBoom Animation,ComiXology,Drunk Duck,Clip Studio Paint, Bitstrips, Wacom,Infinite Painter,Medibang Paint,Procreate, JAM Network,Doodle Labs,Line Manga,Taptastic,WEBTOON Canvas,Comicker Digital,

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the webcomics market in 2023. The regions covered in the webcomics market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa

The countries covered in the webcomics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain.

The webcomics market includes revenues earned by entities by including e-reading webcomics materials, specific assignments, online entertainment games. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified)).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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