Webtoons Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Webtoons Market was valued at USD 10.87 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 45.17 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 26.80%. This market has witnessed remarkable expansion, driven by the surge in digital comic consumption, widespread smartphone usage, and increasing preference for mobile-first content. Webtoons distinguish themselves from traditional comics through their vertical scrolling format tailored for smartphones, resonating strongly with younger, digitally engaged audiences.

Platforms such as NAVER WEBTOON, Kakao Webtoon, and Lezhin Entertainment have scaled internationally by offering localized narratives and genre diversity, including romance, action, horror, and sci-fi. Monetization models like advertisements, episode-based payments, and subscription services are improving profitability and enhancing creator engagement. As digital content consumption intensifies, the webtoons market is emerging as a dominant force in the global entertainment ecosystem.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Smartphone Penetration and Mobile-First Content Consumption

The global proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet access is a major factor propelling the webtoons market. Unlike traditional comics, webtoons are developed for vertical scrolling, making them seamlessly readable on mobile screens. With over 6.8 billion smartphone users globally in 2024, mobile-optimized entertainment content has become a mainstream demand.

Leading platforms like NAVER WEBTOON, WebComics, and Tapas have capitalized on this trend by delivering smooth, app-based reading experiences that cater to users on the move. The adoption of affordable data plans and the rollout of 5G technology have further fueled mobile content consumption, particularly in fast-growing markets such as India, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Webtoons’ episodic, easy-to-digest format fits well with modern digital consumption habits, positioning them as a preferred entertainment choice for younger demographics.

Key Market Challenges

Piracy and Unauthorized Distribution

Piracy and unlicensed content distribution present a significant challenge to the global webtoons industry. High-quality webtoons require considerable investment, but illegal websites frequently redistribute this content without authorization, resulting in lost revenue for both creators and platforms. This widespread issue hampers monetization efforts and discourages new creators due to concerns over intellectual property theft. Although some platforms have implemented digital rights management (DRM) and pursued takedown actions, enforcement remains difficult given the decentralized and anonymous nature of illegal distribution. In markets with limited access to paid content, piracy often becomes the default means for consumption, exacerbating the problem. The industry’s long-term growth and sustainability hinge on stronger global copyright protections and the deployment of more robust anti-piracy strategies.

Key Market Trends

AI and Automation in Webtoon Creation & Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are increasingly shaping the webtoons ecosystem. Content creation tools powered by AI are being used to support artists with tasks like coloring, background generation, and translation, significantly reducing production time and costs. Major platforms such as NAVER WEBTOON are implementing AI-based recommendation engines to deliver personalized content feeds that align with users’ preferences, thereby enhancing engagement. Startups are also exploring AI-generated webtoons, where scripting and visuals are partly automated to speed up content delivery. While such advances raise questions about creative authenticity and the role of human artists, they also democratize content production and make high-quality storytelling more accessible. As AI capabilities grow, their role in content creation, curation, and distribution within the webtoons industry is expected to expand further.

Key Market Players

• 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.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global webtoons market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Webtoons Market, By Type:

• Comedy
• Action
• Romance
• Horror
• Sci-Fi
• Others

Webtoons Market, By Platform:

• Mobile & Tablets
• Laptop & Computer
• Television
• Others

Webtoons Market, By Demographics:

• Below 18 Years
• 18 to 25 Years
• 25 to 35 Years
• Above 35 Years

Webtoons Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• Vietnam
• South Korea
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Turkey
• Kuwait
• Egypt
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the global webtoons market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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