Freelance Platforms Global Market Report 2024

The freelance platforms market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $6.46 billion in 2023 to $7.49 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9%. The expansion observed in the historical period can be attributed to the trends of globalization and remote work, skill specialization, an entrepreneurial culture, economic uncertainty, and the increasing acceptance of remote talent.

The freelance platforms market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.92 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the expansion of the gig economy, an increased focus on diversity and inclusion, the adoption of blockchain and smart contracts, the rise of niche platforms, and government policies and regulations. Major trends expected during the forecast period include global expansion, the integration of AI and automation, collaborative workspaces and project management tools, remote work flexibility, and the rights and benefits of gig workers.

The anticipated growth of the freelance platform market in the future is expected to be propelled by the increasing adoption of freelance platforms by established companies. Established companies, recognized for their specific products, processes, services, or platforms, are turning to freelance platforms as online connections where qualified and skilled freelancers can find work and receive payment remotely. These platforms enable established companies to hire temporary workers for projects and immediate openings without the need for permanent employment, leading to cost savings, the elimination of overhead costs, and access to specialized talent. The use of freelance platforms by established companies has witnessed significant growth recently. For example, in July 2022, WINaTALENT, an Estonia-based company connecting talented IT professionals from the Middle East to international employers, reported that over 48% of Fortune 500 companies utilized freelance platforms for hiring freelancers in 2022. Furthermore, in 2023, Don’t Do It Yourself (DDIY), a US-based company offering advice and reviews to help businesses grow, noted that the number of freelancers in the U.S. reached 73.3 million, marking an increase of almost 3 million from 70.4 million in 2022. The increasing adoption of freelance platforms by established companies serves as a driving force for the freelance platform market.

The anticipated growth of the freelance platform market in the future is expected to be propelled by the e-commerce boom. E-commerce, which involves the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, including online retail, electronic payments, and digital transactions, is a dynamic sector. Freelance platforms play a crucial role in the e-commerce landscape by providing businesses access to a diverse pool of skilled freelancers. This facilitates innovation and enables the rapid development of digital content and services essential for thriving in the ever-evolving e-commerce environment. For instance, according to the Bureau of the Census in November 2023, e-commerce sales accounted for 15.6% of total retail sales in the third quarter of 2023, reflecting a 7.6% increase from the same period in 2022. The total retail sales for this period were estimated at $1,825.3 billion, marking a 1.5% increase from the second quarter of 2023. The third quarter of 2023 saw a 7.8% (±1.2%) rise in e-commerce estimates compared to the third quarter of 2022, while total retail sales increased by 2.0% (±0.4%) during the same timeframe. Therefore, the surge in e-commerce activity is a key driver for the growth of the freelance platform market.

Product innovations are a significant trend gaining traction in the freelance platform market. Leading companies within this sector are actively working on developing new solutions to enhance their positions. An example of this trend is evident in the actions of DeeLance, a freelancing network company based in the Marshall Islands. In March 2023, DeeLance launched a Web3-based platform, which stands out as the world's first decentralized freelance network. This innovative platform aims to redefine the connection between freelancers and potential employers. The envisioned micro-communities within a metaverse on this platform provide a space where sellers and buyers of creative works can network, connect, and establish long-term relationships. Additionally, the platform includes an NFT marketplace, adding another layer of innovation to the freelance industry.

Major companies in the freelance platform market are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions, including a tech-powered platform specifically designed to assist companies in efficiently finding, hiring, and managing top freelance marketers. A tech-powered platform refers to a digital infrastructure or system driven and enabled by advanced technology to facilitate various functionalities or services. As an example, in September 2023, Growth Collective, a US-based company specializing in connecting businesses with freelance marketers, introduced Growth Collective Freelance - a tech-powered platform. Distinguishing itself in the freelance platform market, this platform offers features such as fast white-glove matching, collaborative tools, and a rigorous focus on vetting and certifying top marketing talent. The timely launch of Growth Collective Freelance addresses the increasing demand for streamlined freelance solutions, providing businesses with an efficient tech-powered platform to seamlessly connect with and manage skilled freelance marketers.

In October 2023, Freelancer.com, a global services provider based in Australia that facilitates connections between businesses and freelancers, successfully acquired STA Group LLC for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move by Freelancer.com aims to augment its freelance platform with additional IT skills, an expanded talent pool, an ergonomic Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, broader payroll management, and IT consulting services. The acquisition positions Freelancer.com to achieve a turnover exceeding €1 billion in 2023, consolidating its position as a prominent player in the competitive freelance platform market. STA Group LLC, the acquired company, is based in the United States and specializes in providing IT services, covering areas such as application development, cloud computing, network consulting, system integration, data management, and technology solutions.

Major companies operating in the freelance platforms market report are Freelancer, Next Inc., Upwork Global Inc., Fiverr International Ltd., TaskRabbit Inc., Envato Elements Pty Ltd., Field Nation LLC, Bark Ltd., Dribbble, Bark.com Global Limited., 99Designs, Designhill, Gigster LLC, Freelancer Technology Pty Limited, WorkMarket Inc., Catalant Technologies Inc., Guru, Skyword Inc., Expert360, Catalant Technologies Inc., ContentlyInc., People Per Hour Ltd., YunoJuno Limited, DesignCrowd, WriterAccess, DesignContest LLC, CrowdSPRING LLC, WorkGenius, Peeridea Inc., CloudDevs, Total LLC, Index Inc., Coding Ninjas Inc., Working Nomads s.r.o., Soy Freelancer, WhoIsHiring.io, Dice Enterprises Private Limited, Asset Reconstruction Company., Remotive SARL, Showwcase Creators Inc., AngelList Talent Inc., Jooble, Pangea

North America was the largest region in the freelance platforms market in 2023. The regions covered in the freelance platforms market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the freelance platforms market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of freelance platforms are categorized as cloud-based and web-based. Cloud-based applications or platforms represent more advanced versions of web-based apps, evolving from their web-based counterparts. A cloud-based freelance platform assists companies in deploying, sourcing, and managing freelancers. It also facilitates the consolidation of invoices and automates payments. These freelance platforms typically offer models based on hourly or monthly rates, catering to the needs of large enterprises, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as individual freelancers.

The freelance platforms software market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides freelance platforms software market statistics, including freelance platforms software industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a freelance platforms software market share, detailed freelance platforms software market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the freelance platforms software industry. This freelance platforms software market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The freelance platforms market includes revenues earned by companies by providing skilled freelancers with the right work, top professionals with on-demand hiring services, and others. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.