The Asia-Pacific screen economy is projected to reach $196 billion by 2030, expanding at a 2.8% CAGR from 2025 levels, with online video solely responsible for net gains through a 7% CAGR. India is forecast to surpass China as the region’s largest SVOD subscription market with 358 million individual subscriptions, while premium VOD reaches $52 billion and user-generated content hits $44.5 billion amid an $8 billion decline in traditional TV revenues.
Market Overview and Growth Projections
The Asia-Pacific region’s total screen revenues are on track to hit $196 billion by 2030, reflecting steady expansion driven entirely by digital platforms. Starting from approximately $171 billion in 2025, the industry will grow at a compound annual rate of 2.8% through the end of the decade. Online video will power this progress with a robust 7% CAGR, offsetting structural challenges in legacy media.
Shift from Traditional TV to Digital Dominance
Traditional television faces ongoing pressure, with a projected cumulative revenue drop of $8 billion between 2025 and 2030. This contraction stems from weakening linear advertising and declining pay-TV households. Major markets like China, Japan, and India will drive nearly 70% of the decline, with Australia and South Korea adding over 15%.
In contrast, digital segments are accelerating. Premium video-on-demand—including both subscription and branded ad-supported models—will add $12.5 billion in new revenue, climbing to $52 billion by 2030. User-generated and social video platforms will contribute even more, expanding by $11.4 billion to reach $44.5 billion, emerging as the fastest-growing category fueled by advertising and creator economies.
India’s Rise in SVOD Subscriptions
A standout trend is India’s projected leadership in subscription video-on-demand. The market is expected to claim the top spot with 358 million individual SVOD subscriptions by 2030, edging past China in volume. This growth reflects India’s massive population base, affordable data plans, and expanding broadband access.
However, revenue dynamics tell a different story. India’s premium VOD earnings, combining subscriptions and ads, will trail significantly—remaining about 4.5 times smaller than China’s and 2.5 times behind Japan’s—due to lower average revenue per user from competitive pricing and ad-supported tiers.
Japan and India stand out as key drivers of incremental streaming growth outside China, though via distinct paths. Japan’s gains lean on premium pricing, sports rights, and high-ARPU tiers, while India’s are volume-driven with improving monetization through ad options and connected TV adoption.
Key Revenue Breakdown by Segment (2025–2030 Projections)
| Segment | 2025 Revenue (est.) | 2030 Revenue | Incremental Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Screen Revenues | ~$171 billion | $196 billion | +$25 billion |
| Online Video (overall) | N/A | Driving all net growth | 7% CAGR |
| Premium VOD | ~$39.5 billion | $52 billion | +$12.5 billion |
| User-Generated/Social | ~$33.1 billion | $44.5 billion | +$11.4 billion |
| Traditional TV | N/A | N/A | -$8 billion |
| Premium AVOD | $8 billion | >$12 billion | +$4+ billion |
Leading growth in premium VOD are Japan, China, and India, followed by Australia, South Korea, and Indonesia. Premium ad-supported video will rise from $8 billion in 2025 to over $12 billion by 2030, with India, Japan, and Australia at the forefront.
Emerging Trends: Connected TV and Platform Consolidation
Connected TV households outside China currently stand near 160 million, poised to add almost 100 million more by 2030. Markets with the strongest bases include Japan, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia. This shift enhances ad inventory and premium viewing experiences.
Platform concentration is rising, with the top 15 online video services capturing 58% of revenues in 2025. Global giants like YouTube, TikTok/Douyin, and Netflix compete alongside regional powerhouses.
Short-form video is evolving into longer episodic formats, with micro-dramas gaining ground beyond China into India, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or endorsements of any platforms or strategies. Market forecasts are based on industry projections and subject to change due to economic, regulatory, or competitive factors.