PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1888548
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1888548
The global books market size was estimated at USD 150.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 215.89 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2033. Different types of genres, such as Japanese fiction, have surged in popularity, capturing a significant share of the translated fiction market in the UK, according to an article published by The Guardian in November 2024.
In 2022, it accounted for 25% of all translated fiction sales, and by 2024, 43% of the top 40 translated titles were Japanese, led by Asako Yuzuki's Butter. Publishers like Doubleday have embraced this trend, with Jane Lawson pioneering the introduction of Japanese "comfort books" to English audiences. Titles like The Travelling Cat Chronicles have sold over a million copies, showcasing enduring appeal. Niche genres like romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy, have witnessed remarkable growth, driven by platforms like TikTok's BookTok community. Sales of science fiction and fantasy books surged by 41.3% between 2023 and 2024, with Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing leading the charge as a bestseller. Romance and erotic fiction also thrived, with sales increasing by 9.8% and 18.1% respectively. This shift reflects changing attitudes and greater prominence given to these genres in bookstores, appealing to a wider audience. Beyond romantasy, general and literary fiction, along with crime and thrillers, have achieved their best sales performances in over a decade, showing renewed interest in these categories. However, war fiction has seen a significant decline, with an 18.3% decrease in sales value. The success of niche genres demonstrates evolving reader preferences, with audiences gravitating towards creative and emotionally resonant storytelling, amplified by online communities and changing perceptions of genre fiction.
Audiobook subscriptions have also experienced steady growth, reflecting changing consumer preferences. In 2024, 63% of audiobook listeners subscribed to at least one service, a slight increase from 62% in 2023. The American Publishers Association's (APA) 2024 survey revealed that 52% of U.S. adults, or nearly 149 million people, have listened to an audiobook, with 38% having done so in the past year. This growth indicates that subscription models are fostering consistent engagement with books through audio platforms.
An increase in engagement among families accompanies the rise in audiobook consumption. The APA survey found that 53% of audiobook listeners with children reported that their kids also listen to audiobooks, with 77% highlighting the benefit of reducing screen time. The average number of audiobooks consumed by avid listeners rose from 6.3 titles in 2022 to 6.8 in 2023. This trend demonstrates how audiobook subscriptions cater to diverse audiences, including families, further solidifying their importance in the industry.
Social media platforms, particularly trends like #BookTok, have emerged as significant drivers of demand for books, especially among younger readers. According to the Borsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the German book industry experienced a 2.8% turnover growth in 2023 and a 1.2% increase in the first half of 2024, driven by increased interest in fiction, children's, and young adult titles. Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, the association's chair, notes that social media recommendations have made books "very popular among young people, transforming them into a creative pastime and a means of navigating a complex world.
Publishers and booksellers are adapting their strategies to meet this new demand by curating programs and presentations that resonate with young, social media-savvy consumers. As Schmidt-Friderichs observes, many bookstores and publishers actively engage on these platforms to reach audiences directly. Echoing this sentiment, Peter Kraus vom Cleff highlights the potential of youthful consumer dynamics while acknowledging the challenges posed by broader economic pressures. This shift highlights how platforms like #BookTok are transforming the book market, driving sales, and revitalizing industry engagement.
Global Books Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global books market report based on type, format, distribution channel, and region: