Australia Entertainment Market Size and Forecast by Content Type, Delivery Platform, Revenue Model, and End User: 2019-2033

Australia Entertainment Market Outlook

The Australia entertainment market has undergone a significant transformation over the last decade, positioning itself as a dynamic force in both domestic consumption and international content creation. According to DataCube Research, the market was valued at approximately US$ XX.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily, reaching US$ XX.9 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033. Fueled by a combination of high digital penetration, diversified cultural content, and strong international collaborations, the Australia entertainment industry is no longer just a consumer of global content—it’s a creator and exporter. With strong contributions from film, gaming, live events, and streaming, the Australia entertainment sector thrives within a robust policy and creative infrastructure.

Growth Rooted in Streaming Culture and Infrastructure Revamps

The Australia entertainment ecosystem continues to mature with growing partnerships between tech firms and content creators, offering a well-balanced blend of innovation and cultural identity. The two primary drivers behind the growth of Australia entertainment sector are advanced infrastructure development and the rapid adoption of digital streaming platforms. The rollout of nationwide 5G networks, particularly in metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, has transformed user experiences, enabling high-speed access to 4K content, AR-based entertainment, and real-time multi-device streaming. Platforms such as Stan and Binge have recorded a 15% growth in active subscribers in 2024, while international services like Netflix and Disney+ continue expanding their regional content libraries with Australia-first releases.

Government support has also played a pivotal role. Through initiatives like the Location Incentive Program and the Australian Screen Production Incentive, the government is attracting global production houses by offering tax offsets and grants. This has helped foster major shoots, including Universal’s Wizards! and Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe in 2023–24. However, restraints persist. High production costs, limited post-production facilities outside urban hubs, and growing competition from global platforms for content budgets are slowing the pace for mid-tier Australian studios. Additionally, regulatory ambiguity around streaming quotas continues to be debated, with pressure mounting on global OTTs to fund or air local content under new legislation.

Economic Pulse and Infrastructure as Market Catalysts

Australia’s rising disposable income is directly linked to entertainment consumption, especially among younger audiences. In 2024, average household entertainment spending reached US$ 1,540, a 7.2% increase from the previous year, driven by subscriptions, cinema attendance, and mobile gaming. This surge aligns with the growing trend of premium content consumption, where users prefer curated, ad-free platforms that offer both international blockbusters and locally produced stories.

Streaming infrastructure upgrades have further accelerated content consumption. With broadband penetration nearing 90%, and streaming adoption surpassing 80% of Australian households, digital-first content delivery is now standard. Australia’s role as an exporter of creative talent and unique environmental locations has added economic and creative value. In 2024, film and TV exports generated over US$ 2.1 billion, supported by increased global interest in Australian storytelling, visual backdrops, and collaborative content creation.

The Viewers Behind the Growth: Trends in Adoption and Behavior

Australia’s digital audience is tech-savvy, content-hungry, and increasingly mobile. According to a 2024 consumer insight survey by DataCube Research, Australians now spend an average of 4.1 hours daily consuming digital entertainment. From binge-worthy series to immersive video games, the demand spans platforms and genres. Young adults (ages 18–34), who make up nearly 52% of the digital user base, show a strong preference for multi-platform subscriptions—often holding accounts on two or more platforms such as Stan, Kayo Sports, and Netflix.

This wave of digital content adoption in Australia is shaped by a mobile-first mindset, increased appetite for hybrid genres (e.g., docu-drama, true crime), and the growing integration of virtual reality in storytelling. In terms of end user behavior in Australia, viewers seek value-added subscriptions, often choosing services that provide original Australian stories, offline viewing, and bundled media services. Notably, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video have grown by over 25% in subscriber base in 2024, driven by localized programming and AI-powered personalization.

Creators, Collaborators, and Global Content Architects

The Australia entertainment ecosystem is home to global leaders and bold local innovators. Key players such as Village Roadshow, Screen Australia, Animal Logic, and Foxtel continue to drive the sector forward. In 2024, Screen Australia announced a US$ 35 million funding initiative for indigenous and multicultural content creators, further enriching the content landscape. Production houses like Matchbox Pictures and Hoodlum are also expanding their global footprint through co-productions with NBCUniversal and ITV, respectively.

A notable market development came in March 2024, when Foxtel Group announced its Foxtel Originals strategy, pledging to release 20 original Australian titles annually across drama, lifestyle, and factual genres. This strategic pivot aims to reclaim premium market share from international players. Meanwhile, the industry has adopted a “creative clustering” model, wherein regional production hubs such as Queensland’s Gold Coast are being equipped with end-to-end studios, editing suites, and training institutes to support scalable content development.

Distribution strategies in Australia are adapting to global standards. With the rise of cloud-native content platforms, local creators are now using services like Vimeo OTT and Brightcove to distribute and monetize their content internationally. Additionally, blockchain-based IP protection is gaining traction, helping Australian studios manage rights across borders with greater efficiency and transparency.

Australia’s Entertainment Journey Is Bold, Local, and Global

The Australia entertainment market is not merely evolving—it’s asserting itself as a global contributor to modern storytelling. Backed by robust infrastructure, government incentives, and a highly engaged audience, the Australia entertainment industry is crafting narratives that resonate both locally and abroad. As it continues to embrace innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in production and distribution, the Australia entertainment sector stands ready to expand its creative exports while enriching the cultural lives of Australians through a rapidly diversifying content ecosystem.

Author: Joseph Gomes Y (Head – Media and Entertainment)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

Australia Entertainment Market Segmentation