Top 90+ Ebook Statistics To Note In 2024

Gabrielle Solomons

Junior Editor and Content Writer

Gabrielle is a professional junior editor and content writer who is passionate about content creation and writing. With 2 year's worth of experience in marketing and creative writing, she has excelled in editorial and publishing roles with ease. Gabrielle has a unique perspective and understanding for market research and editing. She is a bright and lively individual who loves learning and experiencing new things in order to upskill and redefine her role.

Reading a book and sipping coffee on rainy days isn't the only thing readers do. Books are a crucial part of a reader's life. Ebooks, which have become very popular, comprise about 20% of the global market. They offer easy and instant access to books and provide passive income for many new self-published authors. These statistics offer a global view of the ebook market in 2024. Let’s get into it!

Top 10 Ebook Statistics

1. The global e-reader market was valued at $301.3 million in 2020 and is expected to drop to $80 million by 2027, with an annual decline rate of 17.2% from 2021 to 2027.15
2. The global ebooks market is expected to generate $14.61 billion in revenue by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 1.62%, reaching a projected market volume of $15.33 billion by 2027.5
3. By 2027, the ebooks market is expected to have 1.1 billion readers, with user penetration increasing from 13.3% in 2024 to 14.1% in 2027, and the average revenue per user projected to be $14.18.5
4. The European ebooks market is expected to reach $2.63 billion by 2027, growing at an annual rate of 1.26%.14
5. For the first time in the past seven years, annual revenue from ebooks has fallen below $2 billion.4
6. Forecasts predict that ebook publishing revenue could reach $5.4 billion by 2027, nearly double the revenue from digital newspapers.10
7. In the United States, ebook Statistics predicts that the market will reach $5.86 billion and grow at an annual rate of 0.82% by 2027.14
8. Since e-content became available, 41% of tablet owners and 35% of e-reader owners said they were reading more.6
9. Most print readers (54%) and ebook readers (61%) prefer to buy their copies.6
10. By 2027, ebooks are expected to make up just 54% of all e-publishing, with e-papers increasing to 28.4% and e-magazines to 17%.4
    
    

Ebook and Ereader Platform Statistics

With the rise of ebooks, e-readers have become a convenient way to read digital content like ebooks, magazines, and other documents using wireless connectivity. E-readers are advantageous over printed books due to their compact size and portability. Additionally, compared to laptops, e-readers are cheaper, have longer battery life, and their screens are designed to be easier on the eyes.

1. In 2022, there were 555 million digital checkouts from libraries and schools, a 10% increase from 2021.3
2. Libby app checkouts increased by 30%, and 42% more readers installed the app in 2022.3
3. Sora app checkouts grew by 10%, and in 2022, a record number of four school systems borrowed 1 million digital books through the app.3
4. In 2022, 331 million ebooks were borrowed, a 4% increase from the previous year.3
5. In 2022, 191 million audiobooks were borrowed, an increase of 17%.3
6. In 2022, 32 million magazines were borrowed, an increase of 38% from 2021.3
7. Comics and graphic novels saw an 18% increase in sales, reaching 33 million in 2022.3
   
   

Digital checkouts and app installations surged dramatically in 2022, proving e-readers and reading platforms' popularity. This growth is driven by affordable, eye-friendly e-readers. Increased audiobook and magazine borrowing indicates digital media diversity. The popularity of Libby and Sora shows that public and educational libraries are incorporating digital reading, demonstrating a trend toward appreciating digital resources for reading and learning.

8. Students borrowed 4.8 million digital books from the classroom through Public Library CONNECT in 2022, a 3% increase from the previous year.3

9. In 2022, ebook and audiobook hold and waitlists increased by 13%, reaching 214 million.3

10. In 2022, 129 public library systems across seven countries achieved over 1 million digital book checkouts, a 7% increase. This includes one system with over 10 million checkouts and 61 systems with over 2 million checkouts.3

11. In 2022, over 14,000 libraries hosted local digital book clubs, with Big Library Read (global) and Together We Read (in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand) titles being borrowed more than 600,000 times.3

12. Ownership of ebook readers like the original Kindle and Nook increased from 10% in December 2011 to 19% in January 2012, while ownership of tablet computers such as iPads and Kindle Fires also rose from 10% in mid-December to 19% in January.6

13. On any given day, 49% of ebook reader owners, like those with original Kindles and Nooks, are reading an ebook. Meanwhile, 59% of these e-reader owners are reading a printed book.6

14. Amazon’s Kindle Fire, a tablet released in late 2011, increased its market share from 5% in mid-December to 14% of the tablet market by mid-January.6

15. Amazon Kindle holds 72% of the e-reader market.9

Library attendance and digital book borrowing are rising, indicating a move toward digital reading. Many library systems have witnessed more digital checkouts, reflecting ebook and audiobook demand. Popular local and global digital book clubs demonstrate communal digital reading. Digital reading technology is becoming more popular, as e-reader and tablet ownership and use rise. Amazon Kindle's e-reader domination emphasizes its relevance in digital reading.

16. Barnes & Noble Nook holds 10% of the e-reader market.9

17. 18% of e-reader users prefer using a different app for reading.9

18. A global report found that Amazon is the top place for buying ebooks in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with over 60% of people in each country saying they purchase e-books there.10

19. 72% of book lovers in America read digital books on Amazon Kindle, while 10% use the Barnes and Noble Nook platform.14

E-readers have revolutionized reading by offering convenience and accessibility that books and computers cannot. With widespread use in public and school libraries, digital checkouts and app use show a shift toward digital media. This shows the relevance of sites like Amazon Kindle in the developing digital reading environment and the wider usage of technology in reading and learning.

"Have they all bought Kindles? I have one, and I use it most nights. I always imagine the books staring and whispering, Traitor! – but come on, I have a lot of free first chapters to get through."

Robin Sloan

American Author

Source: Guy Portman

Ebook Statistics by Market Share and Size

The global ebook market is growing due to the advanced development of reading devices that mimic the experience of reading a physical book. The rising use of smartphones and the availability of ebooks in multiple languages also boost the demand for ebooks worldwide.

1. The global book publishing market grew from $87.92 billion in 2020 to $92.68 billion in 2021, with an annual growth rate of 5.4%. By 2025, it is expected to reach $104.21 billion, growing at an annual rate of 3%.2
2. In 2017, over 65% of all e-publishing income came from e-books, but by 2023, this share dropped to 56%, marking a 15% decline over six years. Meanwhile, e-papers increased their share by 25% since 2017, reaching 27.24% of the total e-publishing revenue.4
3. By 2027, ebooks are expected to make up just 54% of all e-publishing, with e-papers increasing to 28.4% and e-magazines to 17%.4
4. The global ebooks market is expected to generate $14.61 billion in revenue by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 1.62%, reaching a projected market volume of $15.33 billion by 2027.5
5. By 2027, the ebooks market is expected to have 1.1 billion readers, with user penetration increasing from 13.3% in 2024 to 14.1% in 2027, and the average revenue per user projected to be $14.18.5
6. The United States is expected to generate the highest revenue globally, reaching $5,336 million in 2024.5
7. Digital audiobooks kept growing and saw a 13.2% increase compared to 2019, reaching an estimated revenue of $1.42 billion in 2020.8
8. In 2021, ebook revenue in the United States was $1.1 billion, the same as the previous year, indicating no growth.10
   
   

Reading technology and smartphone use are making ebooks more accessible and appealing, growing the global ebook market. Although e-papers and e-magazines are growing in popularity, ebooks are losing market share. Despite this transition, US donations keep the ebook business increasing in income and users. Digital audiobooks, which reflect changing consumer interests in digital reading media, are also growing.

9. Forecasts predict that ebook publishing revenue could reach $5.4 billion by 2027, nearly double the revenue from digital newspapers.10

10. China holds the largest market share for e-readers, accounting for about 70%.15

11. The global e-reader market was valued at $301.3 million in 2020 and is expected to drop to $80 million by 2027, with an annual decline rate of 17.2% from 2021 to 2027.15

The worldwide ebook industry is rising due to reading device and smartphone improvements that make digital reading easier. Even as consumers prefer e-papers and e-magazines, ebooks are growing more profitable and popular, especially in the US. The digital publishing landscape is changing, with audiobooks growing.


Ebook Statistics by Country
The way different countries interact with digital reading is given in this part of this article. From rising markets to the greatest ebook consumption rates, this section thoroughly analyzes ebook trends and consumption worldwide.

1. Asia Pacific was the largest region in the global book publishers market, making up 34% of the market in 2020.2
2. In 2020, North America was the second largest region in the global book publishing market, making up 34% of it.2
3. In 2020, Africa had the smallest global book publishing market share.2
4. The revenue in the ebooks segment of the media market in China is expected to steadily rise by a total of $502 million (25.6%) between 2024 and 2029.7
5. A 2021 survey found that print books were still the most popular format in the United States, but 30% preferred ebooks over print or audiobooks.10
6. The top two countries with the most ebook readers are China and Egypt. In China, 51% of people read eBooks, while in Egypt, 49%.11
7. In 2022, Spain accounted for 66.3% of the global revenue from Spanish-language ebooks. Mexico was the second-largest market, with over 16.2%, and the United States came in third.12

 

Global book publication is geographically diverse, with Asia Pacific leading and Africa trailing. Although print books are still popular in the US, ebooks are growing more popular in China and Egypt, where over half the population uses them. China's ebook market should grow according to this trend. Spain, Mexico, and the US dominate the Spanish-language ebook market, demonstrating language-specific market geography.

8. In 2022, ebook sales in Spanish across Latin America made about €27.7 million. Mexico contributed €19.3 million, or 69.7% of the total. Chile came next with €2.38 million, almost 8.6% of the total.13

9. In Brazil, the only Portuguese-speaking country in the Americas, about 13% of internet users downloaded ebooks in 2022.13

10. In the United States, ebook Statistics predicts that the market will reach $5.86 billion and grow at an annual rate of 0.82% by 2027.14

11. By 2027, the American market is expected to have 155.50 million readers.14

12. The European ebooks market is expected to reach $2.63 billion by 2027, growing at an annual rate of 1.26%.14

13. Ebooks Statistics predicts that there will be 96.99 million ebook readers by 2027.14

14. By 2027, ebooks Statistics predicts that the number of readers in the Asian market will reach 0.72 billion, growing at a rate of 13.8% in 2023 and 15.5% by 2027.14

15. Ebook statistics for the African region predict that the number of readers will reach 147.30 million by 2027.14

16. The African ebooks market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.76%, reaching $201.30 million by 2027. User penetration was 9.4% in 2023 and 10.7% in 2027.14

17. As of 2022, people in India, Thailand, and China spend the most time reading each week, with averages of 10 hours and 42 minutes, 9 hours and 24 minutes, and 8 hours, respectively.14

18. The countries where people spend the least time reading books are Taiwan (5 hours), Japan (4 hours and 6 minutes), and Korea (3 hours and 6 minutes).14

 
Asia Pacific dominates the ebook market, while Africa follows. Digital reading is growing in China and Egypt, even if paper books are still popular in the US. Spain, Mexico, and the US remain important players in the Spanish-language ebook business, which is growing.


Ebook Statistics by Demographics

Who are ebook readers, and what are their reading habits? They are highly engaged readers who enjoy both digital and print formats. These tech-savvy individuals are now easier to reach through various online and offline channels.

1. Since e-content became available, 41% of tablet owners and 35% of e-reader owners said they were reading more.6
2. In 2012, 42% of ebook readers said they read more because long-form reading material was available in digital format.6
3. People who have had an ebook reader or tablet for over a year are more likely to say they read more (41%) compared to those who have had one for less than six months (35%).6
4. Men with e-reading devices and people under 50 who consume e-content are especially likely to say they are reading more.6
5. Most print readers (54%) and ebook readers (61%) prefer to buy their copies.6
6. For internet users who read ebooks, online bookstores are the first place they go. When asked where they begin looking for an ebook they want to read, 75% of ebook readers say they start at an online bookstore or website, while 12% begin at the library.6
7. Americans read for various reasons, often citing multiple motives:
   1. 80% of Americans aged 16 and older read for pleasure at least occasionally, with 36% doing so daily or almost daily.6
   2. For this reason, 78% read to keep up with current events at least occasionally, with 50% reading daily or almost daily.6
   3. 74% read to research specific topics that interest them at least occasionally, with 24% doing so daily or almost daily.6
   4. 56% read for work or school at least occasionally, with 36% reading daily or almost daily.6
      
      

"Nobody’s going to print these books out. 20 or 30 years from now, there’s going to be some gizmo that kids carry around in their back pocket that has everything in it – including our books, if they want."

Michael Stern Hart

American Author

Source: Ebook Friendly

Ebook users enjoy the versatility of digital and physical versions. Tablet and e-reader owners read more, highlighting the attractiveness of digital long-form books. Using e-reading technology, these men and women under 50 have read more in the past year. This generation enjoys paper and digital literature. They buy ebooks from online retailers, proving digital markets' value. Reading is motivated by enjoyment, knowledge, research, work, or education.

8. In 2018, 58% of French people aged 15 to 25 said they used their smartphone to read an ebook.8

9. On average, 56% of women are avid book readers compared to 42% of men.14

10. In 2022, 79% of high-income Americans bought ebooks from Amazon.14

11. Millennials and Gen Z are the biggest contributors to the ebook market.14

12. Gen Z looks for ebook recommendations on social media, while Silent Generation and Baby Boomers rely on bestseller lists.14

13. 61% of readers from all generations prefer fiction to nonfiction.14

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Tech-savvy, involved ebook users love the convenience of digital and print formats. More frequent reading, especially among tablet and e-reader users, highlights the attractiveness of easily available long-form content. Online bookstores are their main destination, demonstrating digital channels' importance in reading.


Ebook Sales and Genre Statistics

This section gives a good summary of the latest developments in the digital book market. Find out what types of books people are interested in and how ebook sales are changing in the current writing scene.

1. Digital book sales in the United States dropped by 6.6% in 2022, earning $1 billion.1
2. Digital audiobooks grew by 7.0% in 2022, reaching $839.5 million in revenue.1
3. Physical audio sales dropped by 29.8% to $15.8 million in 2022.1
4. In 2022, ebook sales comprised 11% of the publishing industry, and digital audiobooks accounted for 9%.1
5. Trade revenues decreased by 6.2% to $9.1 billion in 2022.1
6. In 2022, hardback sales dropped by 13.9% to $3.2 billion. Paperback sales increased by 1.1%, reaching $3.3 billion. Mass market sales fell by 25.5% to $181.6 million, and special bindings decreased by 8.1%, totaling $206.4 million.1
7. Religious press revenues fell by 6.1% to $757.7 million in 2022.1

US digital book sales are leaning toward audiobooks as ebook sales fall. Paperback sales have climbed despite a trade dip, showing a demand for cheaper books. Due to shifting consumer preferences and economic realities, hardback and mass market sales have plummeted along with religious press profits, making publication difficult.

8. Hardback sales dropped by 6.6% to $452.5 million. Paperback sales fell by 9.7% to $126.3 million. Ebook sales decreased by 12.4% to $55.2 million. However, digital audiobook sales increased by 5.6% to $42.0 million in 2022.1

9. Revenue from higher education course materials was $2.9 billion, a decrease of 7.5% compared to 2021.1

10. Professional Books revenue for 2022 was $457.4 million, a 5.5% decrease from 2021.1

11. In 2020, 191 million ebooks were sold, marking a 12.35% increase from 2019, though this figure is down 21.07% from the peak in 2013.4

12. In the first half of 2021, ebook sales were down 8% compared to the same period in 2020, but they were still 8% higher than before the pandemic in 2019.4,14

13. Over the past decade, the annual sales of ebooks nearly tripled, rising from 69 million in 2010 to 191 million in 2020.4

14. In 2021, adult fiction made up 41% of all ebook sales.4

15. Based on 191 million ebooks being sold annually in 2020, it’s estimated that 15.92 million were sold monthly, 3.67 million per week, 524.72 thousand per day, 21.86 thousand per hour, and 364.38 per minute.4,14

16. Ebook sales revenue dropped 8.5% in 2022, reaching $1.95 billion.4

Book formats including hardbacks, paperbacks, and ebooks have fallen owing to changing customer tastes and maybe economic constraints. Despite this reduction, digital audiobook sales are growing, showing a desire for more flexible and accessible book consumption. Even though higher education product income is declining, educational resource need remains. Market saturation or competition from other media has lowered numbers. However, the decade-long ebook sales boom indicates a larger digital consumption trend.

17. For the first time in the past seven years, annual revenue from ebooks has fallen below $2 billion.4

18. Since 2018, ebook revenue has decreased by 7.67%.4

19. As of 2022, revenue from ebooks makes up 6.94% of the total publishing industry's revenue in the United States, down from 7.27% in 2021 and 8.59% in 2020.4

20. For the first time in seven years, ebooks account for less than 7% of publishing revenue, with their share dropping by 16.51% over this period.4

21. Ebook sales in the United States grew by 11.7%, bringing in $2.12 billion in revenue in 2020.8

22. Ebook sales increased by 22% in 2020.9

23. In January 2023, ebook sales in the US went up by 3.7% compared to January 2022, bringing in $85 million in revenue.9

24. In 2020, about 191 million ebooks were sold in the United States, showing a steady increase each year since 2018.10

The US ebook market has fluctuated in recent years. After a significant surge in sales in 2020, largely due to the pandemic, ebook revenue has declined and now accounts for less of the publishing sector's revenue. This reduction may indicate market saturation or consumer tastes reverting to print or digital media. Despite occasional spikes, ebook income and market share are declining.

25. Revenue from Spanish-language ebook sales is also increasing, reaching €10.91 million (around $11.3 million) in 2021.10

26. Women tend to read fiction more often than men.14

27. The Romance/Erotica genre is Amazon's most profitable ebook category, with average sales of $1.44 billion.14

28. Additionally, Crime/Mystery ($728.2 million), Religious/Inspirational ($720 million), Science Fiction/Fantasy ($590.2 million), and Horror ($79.6 million) follow in that order.14

The American digital book sector is changing, with ebook sales falling and digital audiobooks rising. Trade revenues have declined, while paperback sales have risen, indicating a need for affordable handbooks. These trends highlight evolving consumer tastes and the publishing industry's fluidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special software or hardware to read ebooks?

• No, you don’t need any special hardware. Using free Reader software, you can read ebooks on your PC, laptop, or handheld device. Formats include PDF download, EPUB download, and Online Reader. The Online Reader requires only an internet browser.

Can I download ebooks onto my handheld device?

• Yes, you can download ebooks onto your handheld device using the appropriate Reader software. Make sure to choose a compatible format for your device.

How do I find free ebooks?

There are several ways to discover free ebooks:

• Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free ebooks, including many classics. You can download them in formats like EPUB, Kindle, and plain text.
• Libraries: Check if your local library provides access to digital collections. Many libraries offer ebooks for borrowing.
• Online Retailers: Some online retailers (like Amazon) have a section for free ebooks. 
• Author Websites: Some authors offer free ebooks directly on their websites.
• BookBub: Sign up for BookBub’s newsletter to receive daily emails with free and discounted ebook deals.
• Google Books: Google Books has a large collection of free ebooks, especially older works that are in the public domain.

How can I effectively market my self-published ebooks?

Marketing is crucial for ebook success. Here are some strategies:

• Build an Author Platform: Create a website or blog where readers can learn about you and your work. Engage with your audience through social media.
• Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share snippets, behind-the-scenes content, and updates about your ebooks.
• Email Marketing: Collect email addresses from interested readers and send regular newsletters with ebook announcements, discounts, and exclusive content.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your ebooks.
• Offer Limited-Time Discounts: Create a sense of urgency by periodically discounting your ebooks for a short period.
• Optimize Your Book Cover and Description: A compelling cover and an engaging book description are essential for attracting readers.
• Participate in Virtual Book Tours: Join online book tours or author interviews to reach a wider audience.

What are some popular ebook genres?

Ebooks cover a wide range of genres. Some popular ones include:

• Fiction: Novels, short stories, romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and thrillers.
• Non-Fiction: Self-help, memoirs, biographies, business, health, and travel.
• Educational: Textbooks, study guides, and how-to manuals.
• Cookbooks: Recipes and culinary tips.
• Children’s Books: Illustrated stories for young readers.

Sources

Ebook revenues in 2022
Global Book Publishers Market Report (2021 to 2030)
2022 Digital Book Circulation Data
Ebooks Sales Statistics 2023
eBooks
The rise of e-reading
Revenue in the ebooks market China 2019 to 2029
US ebook sales
Printed Books vs eBooks Statistics
E-books in the U.S.
Share of eBook users
Distribution of Spanish-language e-book sales revenue
Spanish-language e-book sales revenue
eBooks Statistics
E-reader Market Size