Global entertainment and media revenue is expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2030, with advertising, streaming and live experiences driving much of the expansion, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026–2030.
The report covers 12 sectors across 53 countries and territories and forecasts average annual growth of 3.4%. Digital ecosystems are expected to generate most of the additional $600 billion in revenue by the end of the decade.
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Advertising Becomes The Main Growth Driver
Advertising revenue passed $1 trillion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, growing 5.6% annually. AI-powered, real-time personalisation is expected to help advertisers target audiences more precisely and increase the value of digital impressions.
Internet advertising revenue rose 12.2% to $755.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow 7.2% annually through 2030. Advertising is therefore expected to overtake consumer spending in 2026.
Consumer spending is forecast to grow 2.5% annually, while connectivity revenue from internet access is expected to increase 2.3%. Connectivity will nevertheless remain the largest of the three main segments, with revenue rising from $1.3 trillion in 2025 to $1.5 trillion in 2030.
Streaming Growth Slows In Mature Markets
Streaming revenue is projected to grow 6.1% annually through 2030, although expansion is expected to slow in established markets as consumers become less willing to pay for multiple subscriptions.
“Subscription fatigue” could encourage consolidation, partnerships and bundled services, while advertising is expected to become more important for platforms offering lower-cost plans. Advertising currently accounts for 19.4% of streaming revenue and is forecast to reach 22.6% by 2030.
Traditional television is moving in the opposite direction. Global revenue fell 2.7% to $360.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to decline to $341.2 billion by 2030 as audiences shift towards digital platforms.
Live Experiences Continue To Expand
Cinema is expected to continue its recovery, with global box office revenue forecast to grow 3.5% annually to $39.5 billion by 2030.
Asia-Pacific is projected to see the strongest growth among major regions, with box office revenue rising from $13.8 billion in 2025 to about $17 billion. Europe, the Middle East and Africa are expected to increase from $8.6 billion to $10.1 billion, while North America is forecast to reach about $9.9 billion.
Cinema, live music, out-of-home entertainment, trade shows and online betting are collectively expected to grow 5.2% annually to $294 billion by 2030, reflecting continued demand for shared and in-person experiences.
Music, Events And Online Gambling Gain Ground
Revenue across music, radio and podcasts is forecast to rise from $125.5 billion in 2025 to $145.1 billion in 2030. Streaming will remain the largest component at $56.6 billion, while live music revenue is expected to exceed $41.5 billion. Business events are also expanding, with exhibitor spending projected to increase from $38 billion in 2025 to $44.6 billion in 2030.
Online gambling is among the fastest-growing segments in the report. Across 10 markets, gross online gambling revenue more than doubled from $37.1 billion in 2021 to $79.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $119.7 billion by 2030.
Overall, PwC expects the industry’s next phase of growth to be shaped by AI-enabled advertising and digital services, while consumer demand for live and immersive experiences continues to support traditional entertainment segments.
