Market Overview
The UK e-books market reached USD 740.34 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 1,100.21 Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.50% during 2025-2033. Growth is driven by technological advancements that have made tablets more affordable, rising digital literacy across the population, and increasing adoption of e-books in educational institutions due to enhanced accessibility benefits.
Study Assumption Years
Base Year: 2024
Historical Years: 2019-2024
Forecast Years: 2025-2033
UK E-Books Market Key Takeaways
- Current Market Size: USD 740.34 Million (2024)
- CAGR: 4.50% (2025-2033)
- Forecast Period: 2025-2033
- Technological advancements have reduced tablet prices and enhanced digital content accessibility.
- 92% of UK adults used the internet in 2020, supporting market growth.
- Government investments exceeding £100 Million strengthen digital learning adoption.
- London leads UK regions with 95% internet usage, boosting e-book accessibility.
- Public libraries experienced a 21% increase in digital checkouts through OverDrive in 2023.
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Market Growth Factors
The UK e-books market benefits greatly from rising digital literacy supported by increased internet usage across age groups. According to the Office for National Statistics, 92% of UK adults used the internet in 2020. Internet usage among individuals aged 75+ nearly doubled from 29% in 2013 to 54% in 2020, while 99% of adults aged 16-44 were recently online. London recorded the highest digital engagement with 95% of residents regularly accessing the internet. This widespread digital participation has expanded access to e-books and encouraged publishers to enhance digital offerings and strengthen online infrastructure.
Education is a major driver of e-book adoption in the UK. Government investments exceeding £100 Million have improved access to remote learning by providing devices, internet connectivity, and digital support services through platforms like Google for Education and Microsoft Office 365 Education. Schools and universities increasingly rely on digital textbooks and interactive content to support varied learning styles. E-books also benefit visually impaired students through features like adjustable text size, audio options, and screen readers, contributing to sustained adoption across the education sector.
Technological advancements have made tablets and digital reading devices more affordable and user-friendly, broadening consumer adoption of e-books. These devices not only reduce the need for physical textbooks but also offer convenience through lightweight formats, enhanced readability, customizable interfaces, and instant access to content libraries. Increasing internet penetration, innovations in digital publishing, and shifts toward interactive educational resources collectively support the long-term expansion of the UK e-books market.
Market Segmentation
Platform Insights:
- Smartphones
- Tablets and Laptops
Industry Insights:
- Educational
- Entertainment
- Manufacturing (Not provided in source)
Regional Insights
London is identified as the leading region in the UK e-books market, driven by 95% internet usage in 2020—higher than any other UK region. Northern Ireland recorded the lowest at 88%. London’s strong digital infrastructure, high literacy levels, and early adoption of digital tools support widespread e-book accessibility and significantly contribute to the overall market performance.
Recent Developments & News
- In January 2024, OverDrive reported that UK public libraries recorded 16.5 million checkouts of e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines via OverDrive and the Libby app—a 21% increase from the previous year. OverDrive serves over 92,000 libraries and schools across 115 countries.
- In March 2023, Bookshop.org raised $1.8 Million to introduce e-books and audiobooks in the UK, enabling independent bookstores to sell digital formats. A private beta began in late 2023, with a full rollout expected in 2024.
Key Players
- OverDrive
- Bookshop.org
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