**PwC Forecasts Entertainment and Advertising Revenue to Hit $1.4 Trillion by 2030**
The global entertainment and media industry is on track to generate an impressive $4.2 trillion in revenue by 2030, according to a new report from PwC. The firm’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026–2030 highlights key trends that are expected to drive this growth, including advancements in AI-powered advertising and a sustained demand for live experiences.
The report, which covers 12 sectors across 53 countries and territories, predicts an average annual growth rate of 3.4 percent, contributing approximately $600 billion in revenue by the end of the decade. Central to this expansion is the advertising sector, which is anticipated to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, following a significant milestone where revenue surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in 2025. This growth represents an average annual increase of 5.6 percent.
PwC attributes this rise in advertising revenue to the increasing use of AI technologies, which enable real-time personalization and more precise audience targeting. This capability allows advertisers to command higher rates for impressions, particularly in the realm of internet advertising. In 2025, internet advertising revenue, encompassing social media, online video, and other digital formats, grew by 12.2 percent to reach $755.6 billion. It is projected to continue its upward trajectory with an average annual growth rate of 7.2 percent through 2030.
Interestingly, the report indicates that advertising revenue is expected to surpass consumer spending in 2026. While consumer spending is forecast to grow at a more modest annual rate of 2.5 percent, connectivity revenue—which includes payments for internet access—is anticipated to rise at an even slower pace of 2.3 percent. Despite this, connectivity will remain the largest segment within the industry, with revenue expected to grow from $1.3 trillion in 2025 to $1.5 trillion by 2030.
In addition to advertising, the global cinema market is showing signs of recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Box office revenue is projected to grow by 3.5 percent annually, reaching approximately $39.5 billion by 2030, edging closer to pre-pandemic levels. However, the recovery rate will vary significantly across different regions. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see box office revenue rise from $13.8 billion in 2025 to around $17 billion by 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of 4.3 percent. In contrast, revenue in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa is expected to increase from $8.6 billion to about $10.1 billion, while North American revenue is projected to grow from $8.7 billion to approximately $9.9 billion.
Streaming services are also set to continue their expansion, with revenue expected to grow by 6.1 percent annually. However, the growth rate may slow in established markets as consumers experience “subscription fatigue,” leading to a reluctance to pay for multiple streaming services. This trend may drive further consolidation and partnerships, resulting in bundled service offerings that are more affordable. Advertising is becoming increasingly crucial for streaming platforms, particularly as they introduce lower-cost, ad-supported plans. Currently, advertising accounts for 19.4 percent of streaming revenue, a figure that is expected to rise to 22.6 percent by 2030, following an annual growth rate of 9.4 percent.
Conversely, traditional television is facing ongoing challenges as audiences shift towards mobile devices and digital platforms. Global traditional TV revenue fell by 2.7 percent to $360.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to decline further to $341.2 billion by 2030.
Despite these shifts in viewing habits, consumers continue to invest in live, immersive experiences. The sectors of cinema, live music, out-of-home entertainment, trade shows, and online betting are collectively expected to grow by 5.2 percent annually, reaching $294 billion by 2030. Within the music, radio, and podcast market, revenue is forecast to increase from $125.5 billion in 2025 to $145.1 billion in 2030, with streaming remaining the largest component at $56.6 billion.
The market for business events, including trade shows and experience-led festivals, is also expanding. Exhibitor spending reached $38 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.3 percent, reaching $44.6 billion by 2030. One of the fastest-growing segments is regulated online betting and gambling, which has already surpassed cinema in terms of revenue. Across ten markets analyzed by PwC, gross online gambling revenue more than doubled from $37.1 billion in 2021 to $79.5 billion in 2025, and it is forecast to grow by an additional 8.5 percent annually, reaching $119.7 billion by 2030.
As the entertainment and media industry evolves, these projections reflect a dynamic landscape influenced by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, setting the stage for significant growth in the coming years.