100+ Animation Statistics: The Ultimate Guide To The Industry’s Trends and Insights

Animation is such a fascinating and ever-changing art form, isn’t it? 

From the early days of hand-drawn cartoons to the quality computer-generated movies and shows we see today, the animation industry has really transformed over the years.  

The latest animation statistics paint a vibrant picture of the industry’s current state. 

These animation statistics provide a comprehensive industry overview and offer valuable insights for aspiring animators, industry professionals, and anyone captivated by moving images.

Let’s dive in!!!

Top Animation Statistics (Editor’s Pick)

• The global animation market was valued at USD 394.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 528.8 billion by 2030.
• The global visual effects (VFX) market size was valued at $10 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to $18 billion by 2032.
• The global market size for 3D animation was approximately USD 22.99 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.80% from 2024 to 2032.
• The market for 2D animation software was valued at USD 35.64 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 92.93 billion by 2030.
• The global motion graphics market was worth $71.68 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $177.50 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.00% from 2022 to 2030.
• There are currently over 4,937 animators employed in the United States.
• 28.1% of animators are female, while 71.9% are male.
• The 3D animation software market is expected to experience significant growth, increasing from $26.01 billion in 2024 to $58.64 billion by 2031.
• The average annual salary for 2D Animators in the United States is approximately $62,000.
• Switzerland is the top highest-paying country for animators, offering an average salary of $119,775.
• In 2023, the animation market in Africa was valued at US$ 13.3 Billion. IMARC Group forecasts it to grow to US$ 17.8 Billion by 2032. 
• South Africa leads Africa’s animation industry.
• North America’s animation market size reached USD 23.22 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to achieve USD 36.73 billion by 2031.
• China’s animation industry generated $3.84 billion in domestic revenue.
• China’s 3D animation market was worth $3.3 billion in 2022, a 14% increase from $2.9 billion the previous year, and is expected to expand further to $5.6 billion by 2026.
• The Generative AI in Animation market is projected to grow at an impressive 35.7% CAGR, reaching a staggering $17.7 billion by 2032.

General Animation Statistics

1. The global animation market was valued at USD 394.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 528.8 billion by 2030. Growing at a CAGR of 5.00% during the forecast period. (source) 

2. The global animation and VFX market is projected to grow from $179.78 billion in 2024 to $311.46 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.43% during the forecast period. (source)

3. “Incredibles 2” (2018) was the highest-grossing animated feature film in the North American box office history as of February 2024. It grossed almost US $609 million in both countries. (source)

4. A movie’s budget can vary widely, with animation films typically costing between $20 million and $50 million, while live-action films can range from $40 million to over $100 million. (source)

5. The animation market is expanding due to increased computer and smartphone usage. Many businesses utilize animation to present concepts and product models effectively. (source)

6. High production costs hinder the growth of the global animation market by limiting new market entrants. (source)

7. The global visual effects (VFX) market size was valued at $10 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to $18 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2032, according to IMARC Group’s forecast. (source)

8. Animation sequences can cost between USD 10,000 and USD 60,000 each. (source)

9. Animation, VFX, and game content are increasingly distributed via OTT streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. (source)

10. According to a 2024 report, Disney’s most profitable franchise as of March 2024 has been “Frozen,” with a 9.9 times return on investment since its 2013 debut. (source)

11. As of January 2024, “Frozen 2” (2019) was the top-grossing Disney animated film, earning over $1.45 billion globally, followed by its predecessor “Frozen” (2013) with $1.28 billion in worldwide box office revenue. (source)

12. As of March 2024, top-grossing video game movies worldwide include fully animated titles like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023). (source)

13. Also, as of March 2024, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023) held the top spot as the highest-grossing video game adaptation, raking in $1.36 billion worldwide, surpassing “Warcraft” (2016) with $439 million, and “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu” (2019) with $431 million in global box office revenue. (source)

14. As of June 2022, only four animated film series ranked among the top 20 highest-grossing movie franchises globally: “Despicable Me,” “Shrek,” “Ice Age,” and “Toy Story.”  (source).  

15. The global motion graphics market was worth $71.68 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $177.50 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.00% from 2022 to 2030, indicating a significant increase in demand and adoption. (source)

Animator Statistics 

16. There are currently over 4,937 animators employed in the United States. (source)

17. 28.1% of animators are female, while 71.9% are male. (source)

18. The majority of animators identify as White (67.7%), followed by Hispanic/Latino (13.9%), Asian (7.5%), and a smaller percentage opted not to disclose their ethnicity (5.8%). (source)

19. 13. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, animators and special effects artists earn an average annual salary of approximately USD 99,060. (source) 

20. Asian animators earn the highest average salary among all ethnicities, while Black or African American animators earn the lowest at $66,339 annually. (source)

21. On average, adults aged 40 years and older represent 47% of the animator population. (source)

22. The most common educational attainment among animators is a bachelor’s degree, with 74% holding this degree. Associate degrees and Masters’ are held by 13% and 8% of animators, respectively. (source)

23. Animators with advanced degrees tend to earn higher salaries, with those holding a Master’s degree averaging $87,684 per year, followed by those with a Bachelor’s degree at $85,609, and those with an Associate degree at $73,425. (source)

24. Most animators prefer working at private companies over public companies. (source)

25. Media, technology, and education are the top industries that employ animators. (source)

26. Spanish is the most commonly spoken foreign language among animators, with 35.3% reporting proficiency. French is spoken by 14.0%, and Japanese by 8.1%. (source)

27. The average animator stays at their work for one to two years. (source)

28. Animators earn the highest salaries in Nevada, where the average annual income is $130,776. (source)

29. The most popular locations for animators to work are New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA. (source)

Animation In The Marketing Sector Statistics 

30. Marketers using animated content come from various industries, with the highest percentage (23.8%) from advertising and marketing agencies, followed by education (9.9%), technology (7.5%), financial (7.9%), and e-commerce/retail (7.9%) sectors. (source)

31. Animation is used in social media posts by 60.8% of marketers. (source)

32. 37% of marketers utilize animated explainer videos to translate intricate concepts into easily understandable visual narratives. (source)

33. 24.7% of marketers strategically incorporate animations to enhance the dynamic appeal of their email marketing campaigns. (source)

34. Animated GIFs are employed by 21.6% of marketers to add visual appeal and playfulness to their overall content mix. (source)

35. 9.9% of marketers consistently use animation in their campaigns, with an additional 29.3% incorporating animated elements without making them a primary focus. (source)

3D Animation Statistics 

36. The global market size for 3D animation was approximately USD 22.99 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.80% from 2024 to 2032, reaching around USD 62.80 billion by 2032. (source)

37. The entertainment and media industry has recently shown increased demand for 3D animation. Many animation studios are advancing the field by integrating virtual reality into 3D animation. (source)

38. Almost 84% of the animation and VFX industry uses open-source software, especially in animation and visual effects. (source)

39. The global 3D animation modelling market is projected to expand, reaching $7.3 billion in 2023, an 11% increase from $6.6 billion in 2022, with continued growth expected to surpass $11 billion by 2026. (source)

40. AI, VR, and AR integration is expected to propel the global 3D animation market further. (source) 

41. Advancements in technology and increased affordability of 3D animation are key drivers for market growth. (source)

42. Adopting 3D animation in e-learning platforms to enhance visual learning experiences boosts the market. (source)

43. The 3D animation software market is expected to experience significant growth, increasing from $26.01 billion in 2024 to $58.64 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% over the forecast period. (source)

44. The 3D animation market is segmented into 3D Modeling, Motion Graphics, 3D Rendering, and Visual Effects based on techniques. (source)

45. The media and entertainment sector held the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to maintain dominance Driven by the widespread use of 3D and CGI in films. (source). 

46. The Visual Effects (VFX) segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030. (source)

47. Emerging technologies like 4D and 5D drive the growth and recognition of 3D animation across industries. (source)

48. The 3D modeling segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to lead throughout the forecast period. 3D software and hardware segments also play significant roles in the market, with anticipated growth driven by demand for professional developers and designers. (source)

49. The on-demand segment of 3D animation is expected to achieve the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2030. (source)

50. In December 2023, Spaceblock introduced a series of 3D animation packs based on motion capture technology on the Unreal Engine Marketplace. Also, in September 2023, Adobe launched AI and 3D features in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects and enhanced storage capabilities in Frame.io. (source)

51. A 3D Digital Artist’s total annual salary is expected to be $89,120, with an average salary of $82,057. Annually, the additional salary is anticipated to be $7,063. Cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing are all possible forms of additional compensation. (source)

2D Animation Statistics 

52. The market for 2D animation software was valued at USD 35.64 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 92.93 billion by 2030. Growing at a CAGR of 12.73% from 2023 to 2030. (source)

53. In terms of application, the animation field was the leading sector in the global 2D animation software market in 2022. The animation field segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period from 2023 to 2030 in the 2D animation software market. (source)

54. The standard version segment is the predominant 2D animation software market segment. (source)

55. The increasing demand for 2D animation software among small-scale independent animators is anticipated to drive regional expansion during the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. (source)

56. The average annual salary for 2D Animators in the United States is approximately $62,000, which exceeds the national average. (source)

57. The film and television industry and the software development industry are the primary sectors employing the majority of 2D Animators. (source) 

58. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for animators is expected to increase by around 5% over the next decade. It is projected to remain steady, aligning with the national average over the next decade. (source)

Animation Statistics By Region 

59. Switzerland tops the list of the highest-paying countries for animators, offering an average salary of $119,775. (source and source)

In order of highest paying, other countries include:

• Luxembourg: $105,934
• United States: $92,530
• Netherlands: $92,463
• Denmark: $89,224
• United Kingdom: $85,860
• Belgium: $81,376
• Australia: $78,521
• Germany: $77,831
• Norway: $77,461
• Austria: $76,225
• United Arab Emirates: $73,098
• Ireland: $73,892
• Canada: $70,774
• Finland: $70,515

Middle East And Africa 

60. In 2023, the animation market in Africa was valued at US$ 13.3 Billion. IMARC Group forecasts it to grow to US$ 17.8 Billion by 2032, with a projected annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.78% from 2024 to 2032. (source)

61. South Africa leads Africa’s animation industry. (source)

62. The increasing use of animated visuals in brand advertising and product promotions drives market expansion in Africa. Leading animation studios in South Africa include Triggerfish Animation Studios, Aardman Animations, and Boulder Media. (source)

63. Adopting advanced animation software featuring customizable characters and extensive animation libraries is a key driver of Africa’s animation market. Also, integrating virtual reality and artificial intelligence into 3D gaming platforms to enhance visual animations will continue to fuel market growth in Africa. (source)

64. Israel is the dominant player in the Middle East and Africa region due to the growing demand for digital advertisements featuring animated content.  (source)

North America 

65. North America’s animation market size reached USD 23.22 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to achieve USD 36.73 billion by 2031. Growing at a 5.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2031. (source)

66. North America is projected to dominate the animation market due to its widespread use across various end-use applications. Establishing major animation studios and increased animated game production indicate significant growth in North America. (source)

67. “Shrek 2” is the highest-grossing animated feature not produced or distributed by Disney at the North American box office. The Shrek franchise, including four main films, two spin-offs, and a TV series, is DreamWorks Animation’s most successful franchise. (source)

68. The number of people employed in Canadian animation studios is estimated to be between 4,127 and 10,494 individuals. (source)

69. Films from the Shrek franchise account for four top ten highest-grossing DreamWorks Animation movies in the U.S. and Canada. (source)

“Shrek 2” remains DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing film, earning over US $441 million globally. In second place is “Shrek the Third,” with a gross of almost US $323 million. However, in third and fourth place are “Shrek” and “Shrek Forever After,” with lifetime grosses of about US $268 million and US $239 million, respectively. 

70. As of mid-2022, the top-grossing animated films in North American cinema history were globally popular titles. (source)

71. As of February 2023, the top-grossing Pixar films in the US and Canada were: “Incredibles 2” ($609 million), “Finding Dory” ($486 million), “Toy Story 4” ($434 million), and “Toy Story 3” ($415 million). (source) 

Europe

72. Approximately 55 animation films and 830 hours of animation TV content are produced annually in Europe. (source)

73. The UK animation industry generated a direct GVA of £130.6 million and direct tax revenues of £74.2 million in 2019. However, when indirect benefits like new brand creation and additional revenue streams are factored in, the estimated GVA increases to £285.2 million, and tax revenues rise to £110.2 million. (source)

74. The UK animation industry directly employs around 1,000 skilled professionals. Still, its impact supports an additional 14,390 jobs in related industries, totaling 15,390 jobs when considering the broader value chain and spill-over effects. (source)

75. In 2022, France saw the release of 52 animated films, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s output. (source)

76. 51% of workers in the UK animation industry are women. (source)

Women also dominate the production management sector, making up 89% of the workforce, and also hold a significant number of senior creative production roles (55%) and creative artist positions (49%). However, they are underrepresented in technical support roles, holding only 14% of these positions. 

77. In France, in 2022, almost 44% of animated film audiences were children between the ages of 3 and 14. (source)

78. European TV animation co-productions constitute 36% of all TV animation hours produced, a significantly higher proportion than live TV fiction. (source)

79. The share of European works in animation (21%) is notably lower than in all other categories of works (33%). Impacting both SVOD and TVOD platforms, particularly evident in animation films. (source)

80. The Observatory estimates Europe’s annual production volume of TV animation to be about 220 titles, totaling 5,200 episodes and 830 hours. (source)

81. Animation carries considerable weight in TV content on Subscription Video-On-Demand Services (SVOD). Accounting for 22% of titles, where one title equals either one film or one TV series season. (source)

Asia Pacific 

82. In 2021, China’s animation industry generated $3.84 billion in domestic revenue, rivaling Japan’s $3.22 billion, with both markets demonstrating significant growth and potential. (source)

83. “Ne Zha” (2019), China’s highest-grossing animated film, earned $737 million (99%) of its total $742 million revenue domestically. However, Japan’s highest-grossing film, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” (2021), made $507 million, with $121 million (24%) coming from international markets. (source)

84. China’s 3D animation market was worth $3.3 billion in 2022, a 14% increase from $2.9 billion the previous year, and is expected to expand further to $5.6 billion by 2026. (source)

85. In South Korea, animated movies like ‘Frozen’ and ‘Aladdin’ rank among the top-earning foreign films of all time, achieving immense box office success. (source)

86. South Korea’s animation industry generated approximately 755.5 billion won in sales revenue in 2021, with production leading the sectors at 588.8 billion won, followed by distribution at 145.7 billion won. (source)

87. The number of businesses in South Korea’s animation industry surged by 32% in 2021, reaching 647 companies, marking a substantial growth from the previous year. (source)

88. Science fiction/fantasy/adventure was the most popular animation genre, preferred by 44% of respondents, followed by comedy and drama. (source)

89. A 2023 survey across 26 countries showed a split opinion on South Korean animation’s popularity, with 26.8% considering it niche among enthusiasts, while a similar proportion believed it was popular among the general public. (source)

90. In a 2023 South Korean survey, 21.5% of respondents reported watching animation almost daily, indicating a consistent viewership habit since 2020 with minimal fluctuations. (source)

91. An overwhelming 91% of South Koreans prefer watching animation on OTT (over-the-top) services, followed by advertising-based online video platforms and movie theaters as other popular options. (source)

92. A 2023 South Korean survey found that children visited cinemas an average of 2.7 times to watch animations in the past year, while the overall average number of cinema visits to watch animations was 1.7 times. (source)

93. Data Bridge Market Research projects that the  Asia-Pacific animation industry is projected to expand significantly, reaching a staggering value of $147.37 billion by 2029, driven by growing demand and advancements in the field. (source)

94. OTT stands as the largest animation market segment in Asia Pacific. (source)

95. The increasing popularity of animated films and daily serials acts as a significant driver for the growth of the Asia-Pacific animation market. (source)

Australia 

96. According to 6Wresearch, the Australian market for 3D Animation is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2024 to 2030. (source)

97. Several factors propel the growth of Australia’s 3D animation market: rising demand for high-quality 3D animation across various sectors, the cost-effectiveness of 3D animation technologies, and rapid technological advancements. (source)

98. Australia’s 3D animation sector is fiercely competitive, featuring numerous global and local companies such as Animal Logic and Alt.vfx. (source)

99. The consulting segment will experience the highest CAGR of 13.3% from 2021 to 2026. (source)

100. Ongoing technological advancements and increasing consumption of content will boost the demand for innovative animations in the coming years. (source)

101. According to Dhaval, Head of Research at 6Wresearch, the On-Demand deployment segment is set to grow during the 2021-2026 forecast period, driven by its cost-efficient advantages. (source)

AI in Animation Statistics

102. The Generative AI in Animation market is projected to grow at an impressive 35.7% CAGR, reaching a staggering $17.7 billion by 2032. This indicates a significant and rapid expansion in the industry. (source)

103. Millennials (18%) are more likely to view AI animation as beneficial to the film and TV industries. GenXers (21%) tend to see it as harmful, and a substantial portion of respondents remain neutral or undecided. (source)

104. In the US film, TV, and animation industry, 3D modeling is the task most susceptible to generative AI’s impact, with 40% of respondents utilizing GenAI technology for character and environment design, streamlining their workflow. (source)

105. The global market for AI animation tools was valued at approximately $372.84 million in 2023 and is expected to expand to $1,311.60 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15% from 2024 to 2032. (source) 

106. A 2023 US survey on AI-animated content found that 37% of females and 26% of males were neutral, while 25% of males and 16% of females believed AI animation would positively impact the TV and film industries, indicating a gender divide in opinions. (source)

107. Between 2023 and 2026, generative AI is expected to significantly impact 204,000 entertainment industry jobs, with 118,500 of those jobs (21.4%) being in film, TV, and animation, totaling 55% of the industry’s workforce. (source)

108. A survey found that 33% of respondents expect 3D modelers to be impacted by AI in the next 3 years, while 25% believe compositors are at risk. However, only 15% think storyboarders, animators, illustrators, and look/surface/material artists will experience job displacement by 2026. (source)

Conclusion 

The animation statistics show that the industry is changing in exciting ways. Technology is helping artists create new and amazing things. 

As the animation industry is projected to keep growing due to high demand, the future of animation is full of possibilities, and it’s up to the creators to make something amazing happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

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