The global entertainment and media (E&M) industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with total revenues projected to approach $3 trillion in 2025, according to the latest Global Entertainment & Media Outlook by PwC. The report, which offers a five-year forecast through 2029, predicts the industry will surge to $3.5 trillion, driven by the exponential rise in live experiences, ad-supported media, and the booming global gaming market.
Key growth areas highlighted in the PwC report include streaming video, immersive gaming, live concerts and events, digital advertising, and virtual content experiences. With consumer habits shifting post-pandemic, global audiences are spending more on entertainment that merges convenience, technology, and personalization.
The live entertainment sector alone — from music tours to sports — is on track to generate over $200 billion globally by 2026, bolstered by pent-up demand, advanced ticketing technologies, and global talent mobility. K-pop, for example, continues to dominate with acts like BLACKPINK and BTS drawing millions in both physical and virtual concerts across continents.
In addition, gaming is rapidly becoming a central pillar of global entertainment revenues. PwC forecasts that gaming will contribute nearly $400 billion annually by 2029, as mobile gaming, esports, and in-game monetization models expand globally, particularly across Asia-Pacific, North America, and emerging African markets.
Digital advertising is another major contributor to the sector’s growth. The rise of AI-powered ad tech, programmatic advertising, and social media integration has revolutionized how entertainment content is monetized. In 2025 alone, global digital ad spend is expected to exceed $800 billion, with video and influencer-led platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram dominating.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a transformative role in entertainment production and distribution — from AI-generated music and voiceovers to personalized content recommendations and scriptwriting tools. These innovations are streamlining costs while amplifying reach, enabling content creators to scale faster than ever before.
The report also identifies Nigeria, India, Indonesia, and Brazil as emerging powerhouses in the entertainment economy. Local content production in Nollywood and Bollywood, combined with favorable demographics and rising smartphone adoption, is catalyzing growth across music, film, and mobile gaming in these regions.
Commenting on the findings, PwC analysts noted that agility, innovation, and culturally relevant storytelling will remain key to sustained growth. Companies that can integrate immersive experiences, data-driven content strategies, and AI into their operations are best positioned to lead in this new era of hyper-growth.
As traditional and digital entertainment converge, the global E&M sector is no longer just about entertainment — it’s a central force shaping commerce, culture, and technology in the digital age.