Global Entertainment and Media Revenues Soar to $4.2 Trillion by 2030, Driven by AI-Powered Advertising and Live Experiences

The global entertainment and media industry is on track to reach a staggering $4.2 trillion in revenues by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4%, according to PwC's Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026-30. This significant growth will be fueled by the increasing adoption of digital ecosystems, with $600 billion in new revenues expected by 2030. The industry's expansion will be driven by the rising demand for AI-powered advertising, in-person live experiences, and the continued recovery of the global box office.

One of the key drivers of this growth will be the advertising sector, which is projected to reach $1.4 trillion in revenues by 2030. Advertising is expected to remain the fastest-growing segment of the entertainment and media industry, with a CAGR of 5.6%. The increasing use of AI-powered, real-time hyper-personalization will enable more targeted and effective advertising solutions, commanding a higher cost-per-thousand (CPM). The global internet advertising market, which includes all digital spend across social, video, and more, is projected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through the forecast period.

The global box office is also expected to continue its post-pandemic recovery, with revenues projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% to reach $39.5 billion by 2030. The Asia-Pacific region will lead this growth, with box office revenues increasing from $13.8 billion in 2025 to approximately $17 billion by 2030. The growth of streaming services, also known as over-the-top (OTT) services, will continue, with revenues projected to grow at a 6.1% CAGR. However, the pace of growth is expected to slow in mature markets due to 'subscription fatigue,' leading to increased consolidation, multi-package bundling, and partnership activity.

The increasing demand for live experiences will also drive growth in the industry, with online betting and gambling revenues expected to double by 2030. The expansion of digital ecosystems will continue to shape the entertainment and media industry, with consumers increasingly sourcing content in real-time and on mobile and digital platforms. As a result, traditional TV revenues will continue to decline, with a projected CAGR of -1.1% through 2030. The rise of AI-powered advertising and the growing demand for live experiences will require companies to adapt and innovate to remain competitive in the market.

According to Bart Spiegel, Global Entertainment & Media Sector Leader at PwC, '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-personalization transforms engagement with end-users.' The industry's growth will be driven by the ability of companies to provide tailored, in-person premium experiences that consumers demand, while also adapting to the changing landscape of digital ecosystems and AI-powered advertising.

The entertainment and media industry's growth will be shaped by several key trends, including the increasing adoption of digital ecosystems, the growth of AI-powered advertising, and the rising demand for live experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, companies will need to innovate and adapt to remain competitive, providing consumers with unique and personalized experiences that meet their changing needs and preferences.

In conclusion, the global entertainment and media industry is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of digital ecosystems, AI-powered advertising, and the rising demand for live experiences. With revenues expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2030, the industry will need to continue to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of consumers and remain competitive in the market.