The global media industry is on course to generate US$4.2 trillion in annual revenues by 2030, according to the latest forecasts. The sector will add around US$600 billion in new revenue over the next five years, driven largely by digital ecosystems, AI-powered advertising and continued demand for live experiences, according to the PwC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026-30 annual report.
Even as broadcast television is expected to decline and streaming matures in key markets, advertising has emerged as the industry’s most likely growth engine. At the same time, cinema is expected to continue its recovery from the pandemic era, while consumers are showing a growing appetite for live music, trade shows and other shared experiences.
A major milestone came in 2025 when global entertainment and media advertising revenues surpassed US$1 trillion for the first time.
PwC forecasts that figure will rise to US$1.4 trillion by 2030, making advertising the fastest-growing major segment of the industry. Artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role, enabling increasingly personalised campaigns tailored to individual consumers in real time.
Cinema is expected to continue its recovery from the pandemic era, while consumers are showing a growing appetite for live music…
Live music, cinema and AI to shape next media decade
Demand for live experience will remain robust, says PwC. Spending on cinema, live music, out-of-home entertainment and trade shows is forecast to grow to almost US$294 billion by 2030. Live music alone is expected to generate more than US$41 billion annually, while trade shows and business festivals continue to expand as organisations invest in face-to-face engagement and networking opportunities.
Cinema, meanwhile, continues its gradual recovery. Global box office revenues are forecast to reach US$39.5 billion by 2030, edging closer to pre-pandemic levels. Asia-Pacific is expected to lead that growth, with box office revenues rising from US$13.8 billion in 2025 to around US$17 billion by the end of the decade. Europe, the Middle East and Africa are also expected to post steady gains, while North America remains the world’s largest mature cinema market.
Streaming services continue to attract audiences, but the pace of expansion is expected to slow as consumers become more selective about the number of subscriptions they maintain. FAST streaming tiers are also set to play a larger role, with advertising’s share of streaming revenues rising significantly by 2030.
The global internet advertising market is projected to remain particularly strong. Digital advertising across social media, online video and other platforms reached US$755.6 billion in 2025 and is forecast to continue growing steadily through the end of the decade. As advertisers seek more precise audience targeting, AI-driven personalisation is expected to command higher premiums and generate increasing returns for media platforms.
Finally, one of the most striking findings concerns online betting and gambling. Across the markets analysed, regulated online gambling revenues are projected to rise from US$79.5 billion in 2025 to nearly US$120 billion by 2030.
You can learn more about the full report and methodology at pwc.com.
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