Animation Industry Statistics and Facts (2025)

Introduction

Animation Industry Statistics: ​The animation industry has experienced significant growth, with the global market projected to be valued at approximately USD 394 billion by 2024. This expansion is driven by increased demand for animated content across various sectors, including entertainment, gaming, and advertising. In the United States, over 220,000 professionals are employed in the animation sector, with a projected annual growth rate of 5%.

The median annual wage for special effects artists and animators in the United States was $ 99,800 as of May 2024. Computer-generated animation dominates the market, accounting for approximately 85% of the total global animation industry’s composition as of 2022. The 3D animation sector is particularly robust, valued at approximately USD 21.58 billion in 2024 and growing at 14.2% annually.

The integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies is further enhancing production efficiency and creative possibilities within the industry. These advancements, combined with the proliferation of streaming platforms, are driving the sustained growth and evolution of the animation landscape.

Editor’s Choice

• According to Animation Industry Statistics, nearly 50% of company leaders seek more information about a product or service after watching a video.
• eMarketer reports that 65% of U.S. marketers want to increase their spending on mobile video ads.
• Social Media Examiner found that 76% of marketers plan to use YouTube and video marketing more often.
• Approximately 74% of the web now supports HTML5, according to data from LongTail Video.
• ComScore says 45.4% of internet users watched at least one video online in the past month.
• According to ComScore, people spend more than 16 minutes per month watching online video ads.
• The Online Publishers Association reported that 80% of viewers recall seeing a video ad within the last 30 days.
• Tremor Video found that 75% of online users interact with video ads.
• VINDICO revealed that 80% of video ads are skipped before reaching the halfway point.
• Visible Measures reports that 20% of viewers stop watching a video within 10 seconds.
• According to Australian Retailer data, real estate listings with videos receive40.3% more interest than those without.
• Burst Media discovered that 39% of people prefer watching funny videos online.
• Unruly reports that video ads boost brand recognition by 139% and raise buying intent by 97%.
• Break Media reports that video ads account for 35% of all online ad spending.
• People remember 95% of a message shown in a video but only 10% when they read the same message in text.
• According to Animation Industry Statistics, nearly 59% of marketers utilise animated explainer videos to promote their products or services.
• HubSpot reports that 85% of people want to see more videos from companies they like, highlighting the effectiveness of video in enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
• According to Animationexplainers.com, adding a video to a website can increase the average time people spend on it from 8 seconds to 2 minutes. Additionally, sites with videos are 53 times more likely to appear in search engine results.
• On average, people watch online videos for about 100 minutes every day. By 2022, videos made up over 82% of all internet traffic.
• Ad-supported videos jumped by 800% globally in just one year.
• Tubular Insights reports that 64% of viewers purchase after seeing a branded video on social media.
• The average age of an animator is 40, and animators make up 47% of the total workforce in that field.
• Approximately 70% of animators hold a bachelor’s degree, which is the industry’s most common educational level.

Different Types of Animation

The animation industry has grown significantly over time. Thanks to new technology, it’s now more creative and competitive. Animation studios continually experiment with different styles to stay ahead. Here’s a simple look at the main types of animation:

#1. Traditional Animation

Also known as frame-by-frame or cel animation, this was the most common style before the advent of computer graphics. In this method, artists draw each frame by hand. Each picture is slightly changed from the last to show movement. These drawings are then placed on clear sheets (cels) and photographed using special cameras. This process takes a lot of time and effort.

#2. Rotoscope Animation

Rotoscoping uses real photos or videos as a base to trace over. This helps animators work more efficiently by not having to draw everything from scratch. At first, it was all done by hand and required skilled artists. With digital tools, it’s quicker and easier—but it still costs more than other methods.

#3. Motion Graphics

Motion graphics use moving shapes, text, or designs instead of animated characters. They are often seen in TV show titles, online ads, and social media memes. Motion graphics are mainly used for short clips that share information or entertain. The release of the Apple Mac in the 1980s helped boost this style by giving animators better tools.

#4. Stop Motion Animation

Stop-motion animation brings real-world objects to life by taking a photo after each small movement and playing those photos in order. It’s like an advanced version of a flipbook. This type is cheaper than many digital styles, but it takes a long time to make—usually, 12 frames are needed for just one second of video. Subtypes include Claymation, puppet animation, cutout animation, and silhouette animation.

#5. 2D Animation

2d animation creates movement in a flat space, utilising only height and width (without depth). It was once done by hand, but now computers help make it faster. Today’s 2D animations often include voiceovers, sound effects, and motion graphics. It’s a good choice for storytelling and educational videos.

#6. 3D Animation

3D animation builds lifelike images that show depth, height, and width. It’s made with advanced software like Blender, Maya, Houdini, and 3DS Max. This style appears more realistic and is more expensive, but it is widely used in various fields, including real estate, healthcare, and education. Adding 3D effects makes the content feel more real and engaging.

#7. Hybrid Animation

Hybrid animation mixes 2D and 3D styles. This combination helps create exciting, fresh-looking content that gives viewers the best of both worlds.

#8. AR (Augmented Reality) Animation

AR animation blends digital images with the real world. Using AR software, creators place 3D images over real backgrounds, making the animation more interactive and fun to watch.

#9. VR (Virtual Reality) Animation

VR animation lets users step into a 3D world. Special tools like VR headsets and gloves allow people to move around and interact with the animated space. It’s an exciting way to experience digital content more fully.

Generative AI Animation Statistics

• The Global Generative AI in Animation Market is projected to reach USD 28.1 billion by 2033, rising from USD 1.3 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 36.2% between 2024 and 2033.

• By 2032, the generative AI in animation market is anticipated to hit USD 17.7 billion, up from USD 1.2 billion in 2023, with a CAGR of 35.7%.
• Over 75% of animation professionals believe that Generative AI will significantly impact the animation industry within the next five years.
• More than 60% of animation studios have either implemented or are actively exploring Generative AI solutions in their workflows.
• In 2023, the deployment rate of Generative AI in animation production increased by over 40%, driven by its ability to streamline production and reduce workloads.
• The integration of Generative AI is expected to result in a 30% reduction in production time and costs, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• In 2024, the demand for animators with expertise in Generative AI is projected to increase by over 25%, underscoring the shift toward AI-centric skill requirements.
• AI integration in animation processes is estimated to improve creative productivity by 20%, enabling faster and more efficient workflows.
• Generative AI applications in animation reduce training data requirements by 20%, thereby accelerating and lowering the cost of model development.
• More than 35% of leading animation and VFX studios have started using generative AI tools to create backgrounds, characters, and motion effects.
• The use of AI-generated art and character models increased by 70% in the animation industry during 2023.
• In 2023, USD 500 million was invested in generative AI startups related to animation and visual effects.
• AI tools designed for motion capture and character animation saw 50% growth, allowing more realistic and faster character development.
• Generative AI was used to create over 200,000 background images and environmental visuals in animated productions, enhancing cost and time savings.
• Over 60% of video game developers used generative AI in 2023 for asset creation, level design, and automated game world development.
• The use of AI-generated voice acting and mouth movements grew by more than 80%

Highest-Grossing Animation Films

(Source: sortlist.com)

• Animation Industry Statistics stated that 7 of the 10 highest-grossing animated films in the U.S. and Canada were released between 2015 and 2019.
• Titles like Incredibles 2 (2018), The Lion King (2019), Finding Dory (2016), and Frozen II (2019) made the list. Frozen II earned the most money overall among all animated films. (Statista)
• In 2023, the media and entertainment field was the biggest user of animated videos, making up about 60% of the total market.
• In 2023, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ were responsible for nearly 30% of all animated content viewed.
• Disney was the top animation company in 2022, making $12 billion from its animated content alone. Pixar came in fifth, bringing in $770 million from its animated projects.

3D Animation Statistics

• The global 3D animation market was valued at about $22.99 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.80%, reaching approximately $62.80 billion by 2032.
• The entertainment and media industry’s demand for 3d animation has increased. Many animation studios are enhancing their work by adding virtual reality to 3D animation.
• Animation Industry Statistics stated that around 84% of the animation and VFX industry uses free, open-source software, particularly for animation and visual effects.
• The global market for 3d animation modelling is projected to grow, reaching $7.3 billion in 2023, an 11% increase from $6.6 billion in 2022. It’s expected to go beyond $11 billion by 2026.

(Source: grandviewresearch.com)

• The global 3D animation market is likely to grow even more as AI, VR, and AR technologies are integrated.
• The growth of the 3D animation market is mainly driven by better technology and the decreasing cost of 3D animation tools.
• Animation Industry Statistics stated that the rise of 3D animation in online learning platforms is improving visual learning and boosting the market.
• The market for 3D animation software is expected to grow from $26.01 billion in 2024 to $58.64 billion by 2031, with a yearly growth rate of 11.8%.
• The 3D animation market is divided into areas like 3D Modelling, Motion Graphics, 3D Rendering, and Visual Effects based on different techniques.
• The media and entertainment sector had the highest revenue in 2022 and is expected to remain the leader, driven by the extensive use of 3d and CGI in films.
• The Visual Effects (VFX) segment is predicted to grow fastest from 2023 to 2030.
• New technologies like 4D and 5D are helping to expand the use and popularity of 3d animation across various industries.
• The 3d modelling segment earned the most revenue in 2022 and is expected to continue leading during the forecast period. The 3d software and hardware segments are also growing, with more demand for professional designers and developers.

(Source: imarcgroup.com)

• The on-demand 3d animation market is expected to grow the fastest from 2023 to 2030.
• In December 2023, Spaceblock released 3d animation packs based on motion capture technology on the Unreal Engine Marketplace. Also, in September 2023, Adobe launched new AI and 3d features in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects and upgraded storage features in Frame.io.
• A 3d Digital Artist is expected to earn a total salary of $89,120 per year, with an average salary of $82,057. Additionally, they could earn $7,063 extra from bonuses, commissions, tips, or profit sharing.

Animation Industry Demographic Statistics

(Reference: sortlist.com)

• In the U.S. and Europe, more than 70% of students in animation and art programs are women. However, only 34% of creative industry jobs are held by women.
• A major reason fewer women continue in animation careers is that many lose interest after finishing school.
• About 74% of women over age 30 working in animation or visual effects in the UK say they’ve faced or expect to face gender-related career barriers.
• Only 3% of animation directors and 3% of lead animators are women of color.

(Reference: sortlist.com)

• Only 10% of animation directors and producers are women, accounting for less than 25% of the animation workforce.
• According to Animation Industry Statistics, around 90% of women working in animation aspire to move into leadership roles.
• In the United States, female animators earn an average annual salary of $71,379, while male animators earn approximately $76,498. That means women earn roughly 93¢ for every $1 men earn.
• Over the last three years, the number of animated movies featuring female lead characters has increased by 20%, indicating a growing push for more inclusive and diverse storytelling.

AR and VR Animation Statistics

• The combined AR and VR market is valued at approximately $32.1 billion annually and is projected to reach $58.1 billion by 2028.
• 57% of people are more likely to buy from brands that offer AR experiences.

(Reference: statista.com)

• Fourteen per cent of marketers utilise AR and VR in their strategies, and 49% plan to increase their investment in these technologies.
• The mobile AR market is expected to grow from $12.45 billion in 2021 to $39.81 billion by 2027.
• The AR and VR market is expected to grow from $22.12 billion in 2024 to $96.32 billion by 2029, at a yearly growth rate of 34.2%.
• According to Animation Industry Statistics, nearly 78% of consumers are interested in using AR for fitness or wellness activities.
• AR product visualization is expected to grow from $2.13 billion to $30.2 billion by 2024.
• The market for AR and VR is projected to reach $24.2 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%.
• Meta’s Reality Labs saw a 40% sales increase in 2024, driven by the popularity of Quest VR headsets and the Horizon app.
• The global VR market is growing in the gaming, education, and healthcare industries.
• AR is used more in marketing to combine print and video, giving customers better previews and increasing engagement.
• VR is a new digital marketing approach that offers immersive experiences to enhance consumer engagement and product knowledge.
• Stores like IKEA and Wayfair utilise AR to enable customers to visualise how products will look in their homes before making a purchase.
• Wells Fargo utilised VR in a three-year campaign to promote its brand at U.S. events, enhancing how consumers perceive it.
• Architects use AR to allow clients to tour virtual models of buildings, replacing traditional scale models and floor plans.

2D Animation Statistics

(Reference: kasradesign.com)

• The 2d animation software market was valued at $35.64 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $92.93 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.73% from 2023 to 2030.
• The animation industry was the biggest user of 2D animation software worldwide in 2022. This industry is expected to keep its top spot from 2023 to 2030.
• The standard version of 2D animation software is the most popular segment in the market.
• The growing demand for 2d animation software among smaller, independent animators is expected to drive market growth in various regions from 2023 to 2030.
• According to Animation Industry Statistics, the average yearly salary for 2d animators in the U.S. is around $62,000, which is above the national average.
• The primary employers of 2d animators are the film and television industry and the software development sector.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), animator job growth is expected to rise by about 5% in the next 10 years, which is in line with the national average.

Animation Industry Regional Statistics

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

#1. Asia Pacific – Fastest Growing Region, Led by Japan and India

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing area in the VFX market. Japan is expanding at a strong pace of about 12% per year, while India is leading with a fast 15% yearly growth rate.

#2. Japan – Biggest Animation Market in Asia, Valued at $18B

Japan has the largest animation sector in Asia, worth nearly $18 billion. In 2022, the total value of Japan’s animation industry, encompassing movies, TV shows, merchandise, and events, reached approximately $20 billion (¥2.9 trillion), a 6.8% increase from the previous year.

The industry has more than doubled in size over the past decade.

#3. China – Market jumped from $20B in 2018 to $34B

China’s animation industry has experienced rapid growth, increasing from $20 billion in 2018 to $34 billion. In 2023, the president of the China Animation Association announced that the total output is expected to top ¥300 billion ($41.2 billion).

#4. European Union – Market Worth Over $5B

The EU animation market is valued at more than $5 billion. It also earns more than $2 billion yearly from international exports, making it a major player worldwide.

#5. South Korea – Grows 20% Annually, Mostly from Global Sales

South Korea’s animation sector is experiencing rapid growth, at a rate of approximately 20% annually. Approximately 80% of its content is sold to other countries, generating over $1 billion annually in exports.

#6. Canada – Forecasted 10% Growth in the Coming Year

Canada’s animation industry is valued at over $1 billion and is projected to grow by 10% next year. It generates more than $500 million per year from international sales. In the early 2020s, Canadian animation reached a production value of $2.4 billion.

#7. Latin America – Valued at $500M with 10–15% Growth

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

Latin America’s animation industry is worth over $500 million and growing at 10–15%. This increase is due to higher investments, more production from local studios, and greater international recognition of Latin American animated content.

Conclusion

By 2025, the animation industry is expected to have grown significantly, thanks to new technologies such as AI, AR/VR, and real-time tools. Online streaming services, global interest, and advancements in animation software are enabling more people and businesses to incorporate animation into movies, education, advertisements, and video games. Even though the industry is moving forward, there’s still a noticeable gap in gender and diversity—women and people of color are still underrepresented in leadership jobs.

However, things are starting to shift as more women are interested in animation careers, and more female-led characters appear in animated films. Overall, animation is becoming increasingly high-tech, inclusive, and a more significant part of global entertainment and media.