Mumbai: The global entertainment and media (E&M) industry is projected to generate $4.2 trillion in revenues by 2030, adding nearly $600 billion in new revenue over the next five years, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026-2030.
The report highlights advertising as the primary engine of growth for the sector, with advances in artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, and personalized consumer experiences reshaping revenue models across media, entertainment, and technology platforms.
Global advertising revenues, which crossed the $1 trillion mark for the first time in 2025, are expected to climb to $1.4 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. AI-powered hyper-personalisation is expected to play a central role in this expansion, enabling marketers to deliver highly targeted campaigns and command premium advertising rates.
Within the advertising segment, internet advertising continues to dominate. Digital ad spending across social media, video, search, and other online channels surged 12.2% in 2025 to reach $755.6 billion and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% through 2030.
Commenting on the outlook, Bart Spiegel, Global Entertainment & Media Sector Leader, PwC, said, “Advertising continues to remain a powerhouse driving the global entertainment and media industry’s revenues, and it will play an increasingly greater role as AI-powered hyper-personalisation transforms engagement with end-users. As competition intensifies, businesses must rethink service offerings through bundling strategies and premium experiences that consumers continue to value.”
The report also points to a gradual recovery in the global cinema business. Worldwide box-office revenues are forecast to rise from current levels to $39.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.5%. Asia-Pacific is expected to lead the recovery, with revenues projected to increase from $13.8 billion in 2025 to nearly $17 billion by the end of the decade.
Streaming services are also expected to maintain growth momentum, with OTT revenues forecast to expand at a CAGR of 6.1%. However, subscription growth is likely to moderate in mature markets as consumers grapple with subscription fatigue. In response, streaming platforms are expected to increasingly pursue consolidation, bundled offerings, strategic partnerships, and advertising-supported business models.
Advertising’s contribution to OTT revenues is projected to rise from 19.4% currently to 22.6% by 2030, with ad-supported streaming revenues growing at a CAGR of 9.4%.
Meanwhile, traditional television continues to face structural challenges. Global TV revenues declined 2.7% in 2025 to $360.5 billion and are expected to contract further to $341.2 billion by 2030.
The report also highlights growing consumer demand for live and shared experiences. Sectors such as live music, trade shows, cinema, out-of-home entertainment, and online betting are projected to collectively grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, reaching $294 billion by 2030.
Among these, online betting and gambling is emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories. Gross regulated online gambling revenues across key global markets are expected to increase from $79.5 billion in 2025 to nearly $120 billion by 2030, making the segment significantly larger than the global cinema industry.
Live music is projected to generate more than $41.5 billion in revenues by 2030, while trade shows and business events are expected to grow to $44.6 billion, reflecting the sustained appeal of in-person engagement despite the continued rise of digital platforms.
According to PwC, the industry’s next phase of growth will be defined by the convergence of AI, advertising, digital distribution, and experiential consumption, with companies increasingly relying on data-driven personalization and diversified monetisation models to capture consumer attention and spending.
