As of 2025, the animation industry boasts impressive growth fueled by technological advancements and increasing global demand. Innovations in 3D modeling, virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence enhance animation quality and expand its applications across entertainment, advertising, education, life sciences, and healthcare sectors.
At Vidico, we’ve helped clients achieve up to 4x higher engagement rates with systematic animation approaches compared to traditional static content. Animation can feel complex and expensive, especially when agencies quote you wildly different prices for similar work.
That’s exactly why we’ve compiled these insights to help you navigate the opportunities ahead and build a systematic approach to animation that scales with your growth.
Read on as we reveal the ultimate list of global animation industry statistics, revealing insights into growth patterns, market dynamics, and emerging technologies within animation.
Quick Overview
- The global animation market is projected to reach a size of $400 billion by the end of 2025, showing remarkable growth, market dynamics, market segments, and impact across various sectors.
- North America is recognized as the largest animation market [1], with an anticipated animation market size of $36.73 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.90% from 2024 to 2031.
- Computer-generated animation dominates the market, comprising approximately 85% of the total global animation industry composition as of 2022.
- The global 3D animation market is expected to double to approximately $40 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 11.7% from 2021 to 2028.
- The visual effects market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.43% over the next five years, adding $10.50 billion to the market value from 2023 to 2028.
- Asia Pacific Region is the fastest-growing region for VFX [2], led by Japan and India, with Japan expecting an annual growth rate of approximately 12%.
- Canada’s animation industry, valued at over $1 billion, is expected to grow by 10% next year.
- The United States animation industry employs more than 220,000 professionals, with an expected annual growth of 5%.
- Animation films can have up to 10 years or more production timelines, with meticulous planning and execution required for high-quality outputs.
Top 35 Statistics & Data on Animation Industry for 2025
General Market Statistics
1. Global Animation Market Size: Expected to reach $400 billion by 2025
The global animation market is expected to reach a significant milestone, with a projected size of $400 billion by the end of 2025. This growth reflects the expanding influence and economic impact of animation in the media and entertainment industry, advertising, education, and more.
2. Largest Market: North America
North America, recognized as the largest animation market globally, recorded an animation market size of USD 23.22 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to USD 36.73 billion by 2031, with a projected CAGR of 5.90% from 2025 to 2031
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3. Top Studios: Disney, Sony, Netflix.
Disney is the world’s largest animation studio, renowned for its iconic films and series, which have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. Sony Pictures Animation, known for its innovative storytelling and visual creativity, and Netflix, which has rapidly expanded its animated content library and original productions, follow closely behind.
4. Market Composition: 85% computer-generated animation
In 2022, computer-generated animation dominated the animation market, comprising approximately 85% of total industry composition. This significant majority underscores the widespread adoption and technological advancements in CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), which have revolutionized animation.
5. Highest-Grossing Animated Film: Frozen 2
“Frozen II” has achieved unparalleled success as one of the highest-grossing movies worldwide, surpassing expectations with a remarkable lifetime worldwide earnings totaling $1.45 billion [3
Its widespread popularity among audiences of all ages, its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and visually stunning animation solidifies its position as a monumental achievement in the animated film industry in the competitive landscape.
See how Square achieved 40+ animated assets from three shooting days in our detailed case study →
6. Profit Margin: Over 30% higher for animated films than non-animated
Compared to non-animated genres, animated films consistently demonstrate a profit margin of over 30% higher. According to SNL Kagan’s analysis, animated films have averaged a 36% return over the past decade, making them the most lucrative genre in the movie business.
In contrast, genres like science fiction and fantasy follow with a 26% profit margin, while dramas and comedies often struggle to break even [4].
7. Household Ownership: 3 in 4 families own at least one animated movie
3 of every 4 families with children own at least one animated movie, with classics like “The Lion King” and “Toy Story” often making up these cherished collections.
Growth Trends
8. Historical Growth: Market grew from $250 billion in 2018 to $372.4 billion in 2021
The animation market experienced substantial growth from $250 billion in 2018 to $372.4 billion by 2021, reflecting a significant expansion driven by increasing demand, technological advancements, and global market integration.
9. Future Growth: Expected CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030.
The global animation market was valued at USD 394.6 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to expand to USD 528.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% over the forecast period [5].
10. 3D Animation: Market to double to $40 billion by 2028.
The global 3D animation market is projected to grow significantly, expected to double to approximately $40 billion by 2028 [6]. This growth is anticipated to be driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2021 to 2028, highlighting increasing adoption and demand for the 3D animation market across industries such as entertainment, advertising, gaming, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
11. Gaming Market: Expected to reach $281.77 billion in 2025
The global gaming market is poised for remarkable growth, expected to reach approximately $281.77 billion in 2025, up from just under $250 billion in 2022.
This expansion reflects robust demand across various gaming genres, with shooter games leading in popularity, followed closely by role-playing, sports, and action games.
Looking ahead, the market is projected to soar to an estimated $666 billion by 2030 [7], driven by advancements in technology, increasing accessibility, and expanding global gaming communities.
12. VFX Market: Expected to grow 9.43% in five years
The global visual effects (VFX) market is expected to experience substantial growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.43% over the next five years. This expansion is anticipated to add USD 10.50 billion to the market value from 2023 to 2028 [8].
Factors driving this growth include increasing demand for high-quality content, technological advancements like real-time rendering, and significant industry trends.
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Regional Markets
13. Asia Pacific: Fastest-growing market, led by Japan and India
Asia Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing visual effects (VFX) market, driven prominently by Japan and India [9]. Japan is expected to grow at a robust rate of approximately 12% annually, while India is projected to lead with an impressive growth rate of around 15% annually in the VFX sector.
14. Japan: Largest in Asia, valued at $18 billion
Japan boasts the largest animation industry in Asia, valued at approximately $18 billion. The Japanese animation sector, encompassing films, television animated series, merchandise, and events, reached a significant milestone in 2022 with a total worth of $20 billion (¥2.9 trillion), marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year and setting a record high.
Over the past decade, the industry’s value has more than doubled, with nearly half of its revenue—around $10 billion (¥1.46 trillion) in 2022—now originating from international markets outside Japan [10].
15. China: Increased from $20 billion in 2018 to $34 billion
China’s animation industry has grown substantially, from $20 billion in 2018 to reach $34 billion recently.
Ma Li, president of the China Animation Association, announced during the 2023 Annual Conference of the Financial Street Forum that the total output value of China’s animation industry is projected to surpass 300 billion yuan ($41.2 billion) in 2023 [11].
16. EU: Industry valued at over $5 billion
The European Union’s animation industry is valued at over $5 billion, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. Annually, the industry generates more than $2 billion in export revenue, underscoring its role as a key player in the global animation market.
17. South Korea: Annual growth of 20%, primarily through exports
South Korea’s animation industry is experiencing rapid growth, with an impressive annual growth rate of 20%. Most of the country’s animation output, accounting for 80%, is exported to international markets, generating over $1 billion in annual export revenue.
18. Canada: Poised for 10% growth next year
Canada’s animation industry, valued at over $1 billion, is expected to grow by 10% in the upcoming year. The sector plays a crucial economic role, generating over $500 million in export revenue annually. In the early 2020s, Canadian animation contributed significantly to the economy, with production volumes reaching as high as $2.4 billion.
19. Latin America: Industry valued at $500 million with 10-15% growth
Latin America’s animation industry is valued at over $500 million and is projected to grow at 10-15%. This growth reflects increasing investments, expanding local production capabilities, and rising international recognition of Latin American animated content.
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Animation Employment Statistics
20. Global Demand: Increased by 30% since 2018
The global demand for skilled animation professionals has surged by 30%, driven by the rising popularity of 3D mobile games and applications [12].
21. Gaming Industry Animation Jobs: Increased by 35% from 2018 to 2023
The demand for animation professionals in the video game industry has risen by 35% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting the industry’s growing reliance on skilled animators to meet the demands of increasingly sophisticated gaming experiences.
22. US Employment: More than 220,000 professionals, with expected 5% annual growth
The animation industry employs more than 220,000 professionals in the United States and is expected to grow by 5% annually.
This diverse workforce includes animators, visual effects artists, storyboard artists, 3D modelers, and technical directors, among others, contributing to creating compelling visual narratives across entertainment, advertising, education, augmented reality, and virtual reality domains.
23. US Salaries: Average annual salary of $78,790
In the United States, multimedia artists and animators earned a median annual wage of $78,790, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [13]. Salaries for animators can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, specialized skills, and the specific industry they are employed in.
24. Japan: More than 50,000 animation jobs
Japan’s animation industry supports a workforce of over 50,000 jobs, underscoring its status as the largest animation market in the Asia Pacific region. As a major global hub for animated series and films, Japan’s industry plays a pivotal role in shaping emerging trends and producing iconic content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Case Study: Toggl
Toggl increased conversion rates by 32% and reduced cost-per-acquisition by 27% using our video system for their product launch campaign → See our work
25. UK: Over 12,000 employees with a median salary of £40,000
In the United Kingdom, the animation industry employed over 12,000 individuals in 2022. The median salary for professionals in this sector was £40,000, highlighting the industry’s contribution to the economy and its role in supporting a diverse workforce in animation production, visual effects, and related creative fields.
26. Canada: The job market grew by 30% from 2018 to 2023
In Canada, the job market within the animation industry experienced significant growth, expanding by 30% from 2018 to 2023.
27. EU: Annual job growth of nearly 10%
The animation industry has seen robust annual job segment statistics of nearly 10% in the European Union.
This growth reflects the expanding demand for skilled professionals in animation studios, digital media animation companies, and related sectors across EU member states [14].
Animation Production Statistics
28. Computer-Generated Animation: 85% of the market in 2022 and still increasing
In 2022, computer-generated animation emerged as the predominant force within the global animation market, commanding an impressive 85% share.
This growth reflects advancements in technology that have enhanced the capabilities of CGI, making it the preferred choice for creating moving images, visually stunning, and immersive animated experiences.
29. Animation Production Timeline: Animated films can take up to 10 years
Unlike animated videos, animated films can have lengthy production timelines, often spanning up to 10 years or more from conception to completion.
For instance, “Avatar,” known for its groundbreaking visual effects and immersive global storytelling, underwent meticulous planning and execution over 13 years to achieve its cinematic success [15].
30. Film Production: Half of the animated films produced were from North America
Half of the animated films produced worldwide originated from North America. Additionally, seven out of the ten highest-grossing animated feature films in the history of the North American movie market have been blockbuster successes.
It reflects the region’s significant influence and success in producing globally acclaimed animated content [16
31. TV Production: 4% year-over-year growth since 2020.
Since 2020, the emerging trends in the production of TV animation have been steadily increasing by 4% annually. The growth in television industries reflects a robust expansion in the creation of animated content for television, driven by evolving viewer preferences, the proliferation of streaming services, and the growing demand for engaging and immersive storytelling.
32. Box Office Revenue: More than $21 billion
Animated movies collectively generated over $21 billion in box office revenue worldwide. Among the top-performing animated films of the year were “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” which grossed $369,695,210, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” with $185,535,345, and “DC League of Super-Pets” earning $93,657,117.
33. 3D Animation Costs: $100,000 to $300,000 per minute
3D animation is the most costly form, with production budgets typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 per minute of animated videos.
For instance, creating a 90-minute 3D animated film could require budgets reaching as high as $27 million, reflecting the intricate detailing, new technologies, and skilled labor involved in producing high-quality 3D animated commercials.
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34. Streaming Platforms: 80% of animated content is on TV and streaming platforms
Approximately 80% of animated content is distributed through television and streaming platforms, highlighting their dominant role in delivering entertainment to audiences worldwide.
The rise of platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video has revitalized animation, sparking a new era of innovation and accessibility.
These platforms have democratized animated content, providing a wide array of genres and styles to audiences worldwide, fueling creativity and expanding the scope of animated storytelling in the competitive market.
35. Disney: Accounts for 25% of all animated content consumed
Disney is a major player in the animation industry, commanding a substantial 25% share of the global market for animation consumption.
Through its renowned studios, such as Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and collaborations with Marvel and Lucasfilm, Disney continues to captivate audiences of all ages with captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and groundbreaking animation techniques.
What Smart Tech Companies Are Doing
Building Animation Systems, Not Just Videos
The most successful tech companies we work with don’t think in terms of individual animated videos. They build creative systems that generate multiple assets from a single production.
Example: When we collaborated with TikTok, we developed an asset bank system that generated over 40 creative variations from a three-day shooting session. This systematic approach generated over 1 million organic views in five days while laying the groundwork for future campaigns.
Subscription-Based Creative Production
Instead of project-based animation budgets, growing tech companies are adopting subscription models that provide predictable creative output. This approach eliminates the feast-or-famine cycle of traditional agency relationships.
The 10x Approach: Vidico’s systematic production methods enable tech companies to create up to 10 times more creative assets from the same budget investment. We focus on yield maximization—getting the most possible value from each creative effort.
Interested in our design system concept? Learn more about Vidico’s 10x Approach to creative production.
The Asset Bank Revolution
While most animation studios still operate on a project-by-project basis, the future belongs to asset bank methodology. Here’s why this changes everything for growing tech companies.
The Problem with One-Off Animation Projects
Traditional agencies treat every animation as a standalone project. You pay $30,000 for a product demo video, and that’s it—you get one video optimized for one use case. When you need variations for different channels, social formats, or A/B testing, you’re looking at additional costs that quickly spiral.
The Hidden Cost of Traditional Approaches: We’ve analyzed hundreds of tech company animation budgets and found that traditional approaches waste 40-60% of creative investments through redundant production processes.
How Asset Banks Compound Your Investment
Our asset bank methodology captures every element from your initial production—individual animations, graphics, voiceovers, music stems, and component assets—then systematically recombines them into multiple variations.
TikTok increased creative output by 400% using our video system → See our work
FAQs
Is the animation industry growing?
The animation industry is witnessing robust growth worldwide, driven by several key factors. Technological advancements have significantly enhanced animation capabilities, allowing for more complex and visually stunning productions.
Moreover, the increasing global demand for animation content across various platforms, including television, streaming services, and cinema, has fueled expansion in the market competition. This growth is further supported by diversifying animation styles and genres, catering to a broader range of audiences, from children to adults.
As digital platforms proliferate and consumer preferences evolve, the animation industry is poised for continued expansion in the coming years.
What are the statistics of animators?
The animation industry in the United States employed more than 220,000 professionals. Globally, the animation workforce saw an annual growth rate of 4% from 2018 to 2023, with projections to expand to 2.5 million jobs by 2027.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for animators and special effects artists are expected to increase by 8% by 2032, outpacing the average growth rate across all occupations.
Regarding salaries, the average annual income for animators in the US was $75,000 in 2022, with 3D animators earning an average of $85,000. Additional roles in the animation field include storyboard artists, who earned around $65,000 annually, and production managers, whose average salary was $80,000 annually.
Is there a high demand for animators?
The demand for animators and independent creators remains strong, driven by the burgeoning entertainment, gaming, and digital media sectors. Animators are sought after for their expertise in creating compelling visual narratives and bringing characters to life through animation techniques (e.g., stop-motion animation and motion capture).
The rising demand is fueled by the continuous expansion of animation content on streaming platforms, television animated series, animated feature films, and mobile applications. As every animation studio such as Vidico competes to capture audience attention with high-quality animation, the need for skilled animators proficient in traditional and digital animation methods continues to grow.
What is the largest animation industry in the world?
North America boasts the largest animation industry globally, characterized by its extensive production capabilities and market influence.
The region is home to major animation studios such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks Animation, which are known for producing iconic animated feature films and series that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Key Takeaways
The animation industry’s growth to $400 billion isn’t just entertainment—it’s reshaping how tech companies communicate with prospects and customers. The 85% dominance of computer-generated animation means high-quality content is more accessible than ever, but you need systematic approaches to maximize your investment.
Smart tech companies aren’t just buying animation services—they’re building creative systems that compound in value over time. With 30% higher profit margins for animated content and global demand increasing 30% since 2018, the opportunity is clear.
The companies winning in this space understand that animation isn’t about individual videos—it’s about systematic production methods that generate multiple assets, enable rapid testing, and scale with growth demands.
Discover how Vidico’s systematic approach has helped over 20 unicorn companies including TikTok and Spotify scale their animation production while reducing per-asset costs by up to 60%. Talk to an expert and explore the right approach for your next campaign.
References:
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- https://www.seattletimes.com/business/animated-movies-hit-high-point-so-do-studios-costs-potential-rewards/
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