Webtoons Market to Grow with a CAGR of 26.8% through 2030

The global webtoons market is booming due to mobile-first consumption, cross-media adaptations, and creator-friendly platforms. Rising smartphone penetration, multimedia IP expansion, and innovative monetization models are driving rapid industry growth across diverse demographics worldwide.

According to TechSci Research report, “Webtoons Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, Global webtoons market was valued at USD 10.87 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 45.17 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 26.8%. The global webtoons market is experiencing transformative growth driven by evolving digital consumption patterns and innovative content delivery models. A key catalyst is the shift toward creator-centric platforms that empower independent artists through monetization tools and direct fan engagement, lowering barriers to entry and fostering diverse storytelling. The integration of vertical-scrolling technology with advanced mobile interfaces has created a seamless reading experience that appeals to digitally-native audiences worldwide.

Simultaneously, the market benefits from the convergence of webtoons with other entertainment mediums, as platforms increasingly serve as IP incubators for television dramas, animations, and gaming content. This multimedia synergy not only expands revenue streams but also elevates the cultural significance of webtoons beyond niche comic formats. However, the industry faces structural challenges including platform fragmentation, where readers must navigate multiple apps with different payment systems, creating subscription fatigue. Content moderation presents another hurdle as platforms struggle to balance creative freedom with the need to filter inappropriate material across diverse global markets.

Additionally, the reliance on ad-supported models in developing economies creates monetization imbalances, where creators in these regions often earn significantly less than their counterparts in mature markets. The industry is responding through technological solutions like blockchain-based content verification and regional pricing strategies, while platforms are experimenting with hybrid monetization approaches to create more sustainable ecosystems. These dynamics position the webtoons market at an inflection point, where its ability to harmonize global scalability with local relevance will determine its trajectory as eit    her a mainstream entertainment pillar or a segmented digital niche.

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The Webtoons Market is segmented into type, platform, demographics and region.

Based on platforms, Webtoons are consumed across mobile devices, laptops/desktops, televisions, and others, with mobile being the leading platform. Over 90% of webtoon readers use smartphones or tablets, as the vertical-scrolling format is optimized for touchscreens and on-the-go reading. Apps like NAVER WEBTOON and Tapas prioritize mobile-first designs, offering offline reading and push notifications to boost engagement. However, laptops/desktops are the fastest-growing segment, particularly for long-form or binge-reading sessions, as larger screens enhance artwork appreciation. Some platforms are also experimenting with TV adaptations, converting webtoons into animated shorts or interactive series for smart TVs, leveraging the rise of connected TV platforms like Samsung TV Plus and Roku. Emerging platforms include AR/VR devices, where experimental webtoons offer 360-degree immersive experiences, though this remains a nascent trend.

Based on region, North America is the fastest-growing market for webtoons, driven by the explosive popularity of translated Korean webtoons and the rise of local platforms like Webtoon (NAVER’s global arm) and Tapas. The U.S. and Canada have seen a surge in demand for diverse genres, including romance, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ stories, catering to a multicultural audience. The region’s growth is fueled by strategic partnerships with streaming services (Netflix, Crunchyroll) for adaptations, as well as aggressive marketing campaigns on social media. Unlike APAC, where mobile consumption dominates, North American audiences also engage heavily via desktops and tablets, reflecting broader digital content habits. The influx of independent Western creators onto global platforms is further diversifying content, making North America a hub for innovation in the webtoon space.

Major companies operating in the global webtoons market are:

• 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.

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“A key trend in the webtoons market is ad revenue remain core monetization methods, platforms and creators are exploring alternative revenue streams to enhance profitability. NFT-based collectibles tied to popular webtoons have gained traction, allowing fans to purchase exclusive digital art or character skins. Some platforms are integrating microtransactions for bonus episodes or early access, mimicking mobile gaming monetization tactics. Meanwhile, crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter are becoming vital for independent creators to fund projects directly from fans. Another emerging trend is branded webtoons, where companies sponsor original series as a form of native advertising—similar to product placements in TV shows. Additionally, merchandising (apparel, figurines) and offline events (fan meets, exhibitions) are growing revenue channels, particularly for hit series. As the market matures, hybrid monetization models will likely become the norm, reducing reliance on any single income source and creating a more sustainable ecosystem for creators”, said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

"Webtoons Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Comedy, Action, Romance, Horror, Sci-Fi, Others), By Platform (Mobile & Tablets, Laptop & Computer, Television, Others), By Demographics (Below 18 Years, 18 to 25 Years, 25 to 35 Years, Above 35 Years), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of global webtoons market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global webtoons market.

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