Media and Entertainment - Industry - South America Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Media and Entertainment

The South American media and entertainment industry has been one of the fastest growing globally in recent years and is valued at over $ 121 billion in 2023. Brazil dominates as the largest market due to its vast population and cultural influence across the region. However— other countries like Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru are also expanding rapidly.

Streaming video has seen explosive adoption across major South American countries, led by global platforms supplementing growing local services. Gaming, digital advertising and music are other segments experiencing strong growth. Mobile platforms have also enabled greater access to online content and services.

Based on our estimates, we forecast that the regional media and entertainment industry within the South American region will expand from $ 121 billion in 2023 to $ 148.96 billion in 2029 with a steady CAGR of 3.47 %.

The region is witnessing transformations as traditional media companies consolidate and technology giants bring new distribution models and opportunities and local entrepreneurs launch innovative startups. Overall— continued economic development and investments into connectivity infrastructure across South America are fueling rising consumer spending on media and entertainment.

Recent Trends and Insights

Streaming subscriptions have increased over 30% annually in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Peru in recent years. Mobile gaming drives significant revenues while esports is gaining popularity both as a spectator and participation sport, especially in Brazil.

This segment is expanding rapidly across South America and now accounts for over 20% of regional ad spend and is led by major tech platforms. Paid music streaming is on the rise through global and local services catering to genres like Latin pop and regional styles.

Mobile gaming also generates significant revenues across South America, with titles from major publishers like EA and Activision Blizzard popular among gaming audiences. Esports is gaining ground as a spectator sport in the region, especially in Brazil.

Digital advertising is experiencing fast growth and now accounts for over one-fifth of total ad spending in South America. This sector continues to be led by platforms with strong local presences such as Google, Facebook and YouTube.

Paid music streaming through both global and local services is on the rise as the youth population becomes more accustomed to accessing media online and on-the-go across a variety of popular genres like Latin pop.

Investments into 4G and 5G infrastructure are helping to enable even more immersive mobile content and digital experiences, particularly in emerging South American markets.

Product Insights

Streaming video platforms in South America include global leaders like: Netflix, Disney+ alongside regional services operating in specific countries. For example, Globoplay is popular in Brazil while Blim has a presence in Mexico.

Mobile gaming generates significant revenues as major international publishers like: Activision Blizzard, EA and Ubisoft have titles that are widely popular across the region’s audiences.

Leading music streaming platforms encompass both global brands and local services catering to genres enjoyed across Latin America. Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music have a strong footprint alongside domestic offerings.

Digital advertising across South America sees the ongoing strong presence of Google and Facebook while regional players expand their data-driven programmatic capabilities. YouTube, TikTok and Instagram in particular see high engagement from audiences across South America for both entertainment and digital commerce experiences on social video.

The undercurrents of the entertainment market in South America is different from the undercurrents of developed countries. Generally speaking— the biggest businesses in developed markets— like: Live Nation and AEG Live, have the financial resources to exchange and create content on their own without having to collaborate with other promoters.

These collaborations allow content providers to access markets with high return potential and local event promoters to gain access to quality content that, in general, has pent-up demand in their markets.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are

• Netflix
• Disney+
• Grupo Globo
• Televisa
• Grupo Clarín
• Cisneros Group
• RCN Televisión
• Rede Globo
• Grupo Bandeirantes de Comunicação
• Grupo RBS
• Grupo Copesa
• El Tiempo Casa Editorial

Regional Analysis

Brazil remains the largest and most influential market in South America, where the media industry is transforming rapidly with the growth of streaming platforms, gaming, and local startups entering the market.

Mexico has a well-established industry and acts as a key cultural exporter for the region through its music, television and film industries. Strengthening opportunities exist across streaming, digital advertising and other new segments.

In Argentina, sectors like streaming, digital advertising and music present high-growth opportunities, which could accelerate further if greater macroeconomic stability is achieved going forward.

Countries such as Chile, Colombia and Peru have expanding middle-class populations that are helping to drive rising demand for new online services and platforms, from streaming video to social media and online retail/entertainment experiences.

In developing markets— both local providers and international content providers do not have the scale and/or physical structure to endorse their own content and thus seek to form partnerships with local event promoters that have proven execution capacity and financial capacity in order to enable quality events with a viable economic scale.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Film & Music
• TV & Video
• Publishing
• Radio
• Video Games

By End User:

• Residential: SVOD, Pay TV, Online Streaming
• Commercial: Digital Signage, Cinema Advertising
• Institutional: Academic Media, Corporate Communications

By Enterprise Size:

• Large Industries
• Small & Medium Industries

By Countries:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Columbia

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of the South American regional media and entertainment Industry market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any future prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.