PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1849141
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1849141
VFX software refers to a category of computer programs and applications used in the creation, manipulation, and enhancement of visual effects in digital media. These software tools are designed to simulate and generate imagery or effects that may be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional filmmaking or photography methods. The use of VFX software enhances storytelling, creates immersive environments, and adds spectacular effects.
The main offerings of visual effects (VFX) software are software, and services. Software refers to a set of programs, or data that enables a computer to perform specific tasks, execute commands, and carry out operations. The various operating systems include windows, linux, mac os, and other operating systems that are deployed through various deployment modes such as on-premise, and cloud. These are used in various applications such as feature film, advertising, gaming, music video, short film, web series, episodic, and others.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp rise in U.S. tariffs and the ensuing trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a significant impact on the information technology sector, especially in hardware manufacturing, data infrastructure, and software deployment. Increased duties on imported semiconductors, circuit boards, and networking equipment have driven up production and operating costs for tech companies, cloud service providers, and data centers. Firms that depend on globally sourced components for laptops, servers, and consumer electronics are grappling with extended lead times and mounting pricing pressures. At the same time, tariffs on specialized software and retaliatory actions by key international markets have disrupted global IT supply chains and dampened foreign demand for U.S.-made technologies. In response, the sector is ramping up investments in domestic chip production, broadening its supplier network, and leveraging AI-powered automation to improve resilience and manage costs more effectively.
The main offerings of visual effects (VFX) software are software, and services. Software refers to a set of programs, or data that enables a computer to perform specific tasks, execute commands, and carry out operations. The various operating systems include windows, linux, mac os, and other operating systems that are deployed through various deployment modes such as on-premise, and cloud. These are used in various applications such as feature film, advertising, gaming, music video, short film, web series, episodic, and others.
The visual effects (vfx) software market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.74 billion in 2024 to $1.97 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to an increased demand for visual effects in entertainment, globalization of film production, increasing budgets for films, emergence of streaming platforms.
The visual effects (vfx) software market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for 3d content creation tools, integration of vfx in live events, expansion of e-sports and live streaming, focus on sustainability and green production. Major trends in the forecast period include integration of ai and machine learning, cloud-based rendering solutions, real-time collaboration tools, cross-platform integration, focus on diversity and inclusion.
The forecast of 13.7% growth over the next five years reflects a slight reduction of 0.2% from the previous projection. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. Rising import costs for 3D modeling and compositing tools due to tariffs may constrain small and mid-size VFX firms in the US looking to compete globally. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The growing popularity of digital video content platforms is expected to drive the expansion of the visual effects (VFX) software market in the future. Digital video content platforms are online services that allow users to create, upload, share, and view video content on the internet. The demand for these platforms is driven by factors like monetization opportunities, changing consumer behaviors, and increased demand for personalized content. The use of VFX software on these platforms improves the quality, creativity, and visual appeal of videos, enhancing production value and enabling interactive content. For example, in February 2023, a survey by Wyzowl, a UK-based video marketing agency and software provider, revealed that 91% of businesses were using video content marketing, up from 86% in 2022, based on responses from 528 participants. Therefore, the growing popularity of digital video content platforms is fueling the growth of the VFX software market.
Major companies operating in the visual effects (VFX) software market are developing innovative products such as Maya Creative to enhance product offerings and drive the revenues in the market. This is a cost-efficient and flexible solution for individual creators and smaller teams, allowing them to compete and create content more effectively in the industry. For instance, in September 2022, Autodesk Inc., a US-based software company, launched Maya Creative, a more affordable version of Autodesk's Maya 3D animation software. This is designed to provide powerful modeling, animation, rigging, and rendering tools for film, television, and game development. It also includes Maya's complete suite of industry-standard creative capabilities, including advanced 3D modeling, look development, and texturing, as well as motion graphics, animation deformation and camera sequencing.
In August 2023, Boris FX, a US-based software company, acquired SynthEyes for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to incorporate SynthEyes' advanced tracking technology into Boris FX's current product offerings, enabling more streamlined workflows in VFX production. The move is expected to expand the user bases of both companies by enhancing visual storytelling capabilities. SynthEyes is a US-based company that specializes in 3D camera tracking software to improve visual effects (VFX) capabilities.
Major companies operating in the visual effects (VFX) software market are Apple Inc., E-on Software, Adobe Inc., Autodesk Inc., Framestore Limited, DNEG Limited, Avid Technology Inc., Blackmagic Design Pty Ltd., Chaos Software, NewTek Inc., Pixar Animation Studios, The Foundry Visionmongers, iToo Software, Side Effects Software Inc., Maxon Computer GmbH, Next Limit Technologies S.L., Artlist UK Limited, Red Giant Software, Isotropix SAS, Greyscalegorilla Inc., BORIS FX INC., Fxhome Ltd., The Pixel Farm Limited, Laubwerk GmbH
North America was the largest region in the visual effects (VFX) software market in 2024. The regions covered in the visual effects (VFX) software market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the visual effects (VFX) software market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The visual effects (VFX) software market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as 3D modeling, animation, texturing, digital sculpting, color grading and finishing, and rendering. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Visual effects (VFX) software market also includes sales of virtual production tools, render engines, plug-ins and extensions, and substance painter. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
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.
Visual Effects (VFX) Software Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on visual effects (vfx) software market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for visual effects (vfx) software ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The visual effects (vfx) software market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.