Webtoons Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type, By Platform, By Demographics, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

The Global Webtoons Market was valued at USD 10.87 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 45.17 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 26.8% during the forecast period. This market has witnessed remarkable expansion, driven by the surge in digital comic consumption, widespread smartphone usage, and increasing preference for mobile-first content. Webtoons distinguish themselves from traditional comics through their vertical scrolling format tailored for smartphones, resonating strongly with younger, digitally engaged audiences. Platforms such as NAVER WEBTOON, Kakao Webtoon, and Lezhin Entertainment have scaled internationally by offering localized narratives and genre diversity, including romance, action, horror, and sci-fi. Monetization models like advertisements, episode-based payments, and subscription services are improving profitability and enhancing creator engagement. As digital content consumption intensifies, the webtoons market is emerging as a dominant force in the global entertainment ecosystem.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 10.87 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 45.17 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	26.8%
Fastest Growing Segment	Laptop & Computer
Largest Market	Asia-Pacific

Key Market Drivers

Rising Smartphone Penetration and Mobile-First Content Consumption

The global proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet access is a major factor propelling the webtoons market. Unlike traditional comics, webtoons are developed for vertical scrolling, making them seamlessly readable on mobile screens. With over 6.8 billion smartphone users globally in 2024, mobile-optimized entertainment content has become a mainstream demand. Leading platforms like NAVER WEBTOON, WebComics, and Tapas have capitalized on this trend by delivering smooth, app-based reading experiences that cater to users on the move. The adoption of affordable data plans and the rollout of 5G technology have further fueled mobile content consumption, particularly in fast-growing markets such as India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Webtoons' episodic, easy-to-digest format fits well with modern digital consumption habits, positioning them as a preferred entertainment choice for younger demographics.

Key Market Challenges

Piracy and Unauthorized Distribution

Piracy and unlicensed content distribution present a significant challenge to the global webtoons industry. High-quality webtoons require considerable investment, but illegal websites frequently redistribute this content without authorization, resulting in lost revenue for both creators and platforms. This widespread issue hampers monetization efforts and discourages new creators due to concerns over intellectual property theft. Although some platforms have implemented digital rights management (DRM) and pursued takedown actions, enforcement remains difficult given the decentralized and anonymous nature of illegal distribution. In markets with limited access to paid content, piracy often becomes the default means for consumption, exacerbating the problem. The industry's long-term growth and sustainability hinge on stronger global copyright protections and the deployment of more robust anti-piracy strategies.

Key Market Trends

AI and Automation in Webtoon Creation & Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are increasingly shaping the webtoons ecosystem. Content creation tools powered by AI are being used to support artists with tasks like coloring, background generation, and translation, significantly reducing production time and costs. Major platforms such as NAVER WEBTOON are implementing AI-based recommendation engines to deliver personalized content feeds that align with users' preferences, thereby enhancing engagement. Startups are also exploring AI-generated webtoons, where scripting and visuals are partly automated to speed up content delivery. While such advances raise questions about creative authenticity and the role of human artists, they also democratize content production and make high-quality storytelling more accessible. As AI capabilities grow, their role in content creation, curation, and distribution within the webtoons industry is expected to expand further.

Key Market Players

KidariStudio Inc.
Kakao Entertainment Corp.
Izeno Co., Ltd.
Lezhin Entertainment, Inc.
Marvel Entertainment, LLC
NAVER WEBTOON Ltd.
Netcomics, Inc.
NHN Comico Corporation
RIDI Corporation
Sidewalk Group, Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global webtoons market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Webtoons Market, By Type:

Comedy
Action
Romance
Horror
Sci-Fi
Others

Webtoons Market, By Platform:

Mobile & Tablets
Laptop & Computer
Television
Others

Webtoons Market, By Demographics:

Below 18 Years
18 to 25 Years
25 to 35 Years
Above 35 Years

Webtoons Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- United Kingdom
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Vietnam
- South Korea
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Turkey
- Kuwait
- Egypt
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global webtoons market.

Available Customizations:

Global Webtoons Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Introduction

1.1. Market Overview
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Webtoons Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis (Comedy, Action, Romance, Horror, Sci-Fi, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis (Mobile & Tablets, Laptop & Computer, Television, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis (Below 18 Years, 18 to 25 Years, 25 to 35 Years, Above 35 Years)
- 5.2.4. By Regional Market Share Analysis
  - 5.2.4.1. North America Market Share Analysis
  - 5.2.4.2. Europe Market Share Analysis
  - 5.2.4.3. Asia-Pacific Market Share Analysis
  - 5.2.4.4. Middle East & Africa Market Share Analysis
  - 5.2.4.5. South America Market Share Analysis
- 5.2.5. By Top 5 Companies Market Share Analysis, Others (2024)
5.3. Global Webtoons Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
- 5.3.1. By Type Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
- 5.3.2. By Platform Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
- 5.3.3. By Demographics Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment
- 5.3.4. By Regional Market Mapping & Opportunity Assessment

6. North America Webtoons Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
- 6.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
- 6.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
- 6.2.4. By Country Market Share Analysis
  - 6.2.4.1. United States Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 6.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.1.1.1. By Value
    - 6.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.1.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.1.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.1.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 6.2.4.2. Canada Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 6.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.2.1.1. By Value
    - 6.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.2.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.2.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.2.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 6.2.4.3. Mexico Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 6.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.3.1.1. By Value
    - 6.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 6.2.4.3.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.3.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 6.2.4.3.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis

7. Europe Webtoons Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
- 7.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
- 7.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
- 7.2.4. By Country Market Share Analysis
  - 7.2.4.1. France Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 7.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.1.1.1. By Value
    - 7.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.1.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.1.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.1.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 7.2.4.2. Germany Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 7.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.2.1.1. By Value
    - 7.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.2.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.2.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.2.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 7.2.4.3. Spain Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 7.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.3.1.1. By Value
    - 7.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.3.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.3.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.3.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 7.2.4.4. Italy Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 7.2.4.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.4.1.1. By Value
    - 7.2.4.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.4.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.4.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.4.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 7.2.4.5. United Kingdom Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 7.2.4.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.5.1.1. By Value
    - 7.2.4.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 7.2.4.5.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.5.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 7.2.4.5.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis

8. Asia-Pacific Webtoons Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
- 8.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
- 8.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
- 8.2.4. By Country Market Share Analysis
  - 8.2.4.1. China Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 8.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.1.1.1. By Value
    - 8.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.1.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.1.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.1.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 8.2.4.2. Japan Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 8.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.2.1.1. By Value
    - 8.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.2.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.2.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.2.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 8.2.4.3. India Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 8.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.3.1.1. By Value
    - 8.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.3.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.3.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.3.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 8.2.4.4. Vietnam Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 8.2.4.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.4.1.1. By Value
    - 8.2.4.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.4.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.4.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.4.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 8.2.4.5. South Korea Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 8.2.4.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.5.1.1. By Value
    - 8.2.4.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 8.2.4.5.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.5.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 8.2.4.5.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis

9. Middle East & Africa Webtoons Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
- 9.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
- 9.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
- 9.2.4. By Country Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.1. South Africa Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.1.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.1.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.1.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.1.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.2. Saudi Arabia Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.2.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.2.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.2.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.2.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.3. UAE Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.3.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.3.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.3.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.3.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.4. Turkey Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.4.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.4.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.4.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.4.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.5. Kuwait Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.5.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.5.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.5.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.5.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 9.2.4.6. Egypt Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 9.2.4.6.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.6.1.1. By Value
    - 9.2.4.6.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 9.2.4.6.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.6.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 9.2.4.6.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis

10. South America Webtoons Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
- 10.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
- 10.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
- 10.2.4. By Country Market Share Analysis
  - 10.2.4.1. Brazil Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 10.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.1.1.1. By Value
    - 10.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.1.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.1.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.1.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 10.2.4.2. Argentina Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 10.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.2.1.1. By Value
    - 10.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.2.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.2.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.2.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis
  - 10.2.4.3. Colombia Webtoons Market Outlook
    - 10.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.3.1.1. By Value
    - 10.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
      - 10.2.4.3.2.1. By Type Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.3.2.2. By Platform Market Share Analysis
      - 10.2.4.3.2.3. By Demographics Market Share Analysis

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Type Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Disruptions: Conflicts, Pandemics and Trade Barriers

14. SWOT Analysis

14.1. Strength
14.2. Weaknesses
14.3. Opportunity
14.4. Threat

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Company Profiles
- 15.1.1. KidariStudio Inc.
  - 15.1.1.1. Business Overview
  - 15.1.1.2. Company Snapshot
  - 15.1.1.3. Product & Services
  - 15.1.1.4. Financials (As Reported)
  - 15.1.1.5. Recent Developments
  - 15.1.1.6. Key Personnel Details
- 15.1.2. Kakao Entertainment Corp.
- 15.1.3. Izeno Co., Ltd.
- 15.1.4. Lezhin Entertainment, Inc.
- 15.1.5. Marvel Entertainment, LLC
- 15.1.6. NAVER WEBTOON Ltd.
- 15.1.7. Netcomics, Inc.
- 15.1.8. NHN Comico Corporation
- 15.1.9. RIDI Corporation
- 15.1.10.Sidewalk Group, Inc.

16. Strategic Recommendations/Action Plan

16.1. Key Focus Areas
- 16.1.1. Target Type
- 16.1.2. Target Platform
- 16.1.3. Target Demographics