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Vertical Video Booms: $150B Market by 2026
22 Aug
Summary
- Vertical media to reach $150 billion globally by 2026.
- Advertising will be the main revenue driver, totaling $131 billion.
- Nearly 2,000 apps compete, but watch time for new series declined.
Vertical media content is experiencing significant expansion, with projections indicating a $150 billion global market outside of China by 2026. This represents a substantial 42% increase from 2025. Advertising is anticipated to be the dominant revenue stream, contributing an estimated $131 billion.
The sector is characterized by intense competition, with nearly 2,000 apps globally competing for user engagement. While the introduction of new series accelerated by 25% in the second quarter of 2026, overall watch time for these new series decreased by 4%.
Companies are increasingly recognizing vertical media as a new, native-digital visual language. Major players are investing heavily in marketing to capture market share, employing strategies similar to TikTok's early growth phase. While romance and drama thrillers remain popular genres, content is diversifying into areas like business and finance.
