Chile Media Market Size and Forecast by Media Channel, Content Type, Revenue Model, Consumer Type, and Device Type: 2019-2033

Chile Media Market Outlook

Entering a New Phase of Digital Evolution

Chile’s media market in 2025 is experiencing a structural shift marked by increased digital consumption, content localization, and evolving consumer behaviors. With one of the highest internet penetration rates in Latin America—estimated at over 87% in 2024—Chile stands at the forefront of the region’s digital media transformation. Traditional media formats such as print newspapers and broadcast television are witnessing a consistent decline, while OTT platforms, digital radio, and mobile-first content channels are scaling rapidly. The overall media and entertainment sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of X.3% from 2025 to 2033, driven by increased broadband coverage, expanding smartphone adoption, and rising disposable incomes.

The Chilean market is unique in that it combines a high-tech infrastructure with a mature consumer base that is both tech-savvy and culturally rooted. Santiago, in particular, has emerged as a regional content hub, with media startups and content creators producing localized digital series, podcasts, and influencer-driven content. The convergence of technology and storytelling is giving rise to a media ecosystem that blends innovation with cultural relevance. From a business perspective, this presents numerous monetization opportunities—ranging from programmatic advertising and SVOD models to branded content partnerships and YouTube-based monetization.

Key Growth Drivers: Connectivity, Youth Demographics, and Mobile Media Consumption

One of the most important growth accelerators in the Chile media market is its robust digital infrastructure. The country has successfully rolled out its national 5G network, with coverage expanding rapidly across urban and semi-urban regions. According to the Subsecretariat of Telecommunications (SUBTEL), over 9 million Chileans now access the internet via mobile broadband, contributing significantly to mobile-first content consumption. In 2024 alone, mobile internet traffic grew by 18%, with video content accounting for nearly 72% of total mobile data usage.

Youth demographics are another catalyst for transformation. Over 52% of the population is under the age of 35, and this digitally native audience demands real-time, interactive, and socially shareable content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are increasingly shaping content production strategies. The average Chilean under 30 spends more than 7.8 hours a day on digital media platforms, nearly double the time spent on traditional TV or radio.

Subscription-based streaming services are also becoming mainstream. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video continue to dominate, but local services like CNTV Play and Zapping TV are gaining traction by offering regionally relevant content. According to a 2024 report by Statista, SVOD penetration in Chile reached 54%, driven by bundled mobile and broadband packages from operators like Entel and Movistar.

Barriers to Scale: Regulatory Ambiguity and Market Fragmentation

Despite positive momentum, the Chile media ecosystem faces structural constraints that hinder its full potential. Chief among these is a regulatory framework that remains misaligned with the pace of digital innovation. Chile’s General Law on Telecommunications, originally designed for analog media, has only recently been updated to include basic OTT platform definitions. However, it lacks clear guidelines on advertising disclosures, data privacy in personalized content, and equitable tax obligations for global versus local players.

This regulatory lag creates uncertainty for investors and local producers. While platforms like Netflix enjoy a relatively tax-light environment, local content creators face bureaucratic hurdles in securing public funds or distribution licenses. This disparity hampers competitiveness and stifles innovation in regional content production.

Market fragmentation is another issue. Chile’s media advertising industry is still dominated by a handful of traditional conglomerates such as Grupo Copesa and Canal 13, which limits opportunities for smaller players and digital-first media startups. Although digital advertising is growing—projected to exceed US$ 700 million in 2025—it is unevenly distributed, with large brands monopolizing inventory through long-term contracts and programmatic bidding advantages.

Trending Now: The Rise of Hybrid Content Models and Platform Convergence

One of the defining media trends in Chile 2025 is the adoption of hybrid content strategies. Traditional broadcasters are investing in digital expansion, offering catch-up TV and live streaming through proprietary apps. Mega.cl, for instance, has revamped its digital platform to include interactive news features, audience polls, and livestream integrations with TikTok influencers. Similarly, TVN launched a digital arm in early 2024 focused solely on Gen Z content, including short documentaries, music interviews, and user-generated stories.

Podcasting is also emerging as a preferred medium, especially in urban areas. Platforms such as Podium Podcast Chile and Emisor Podcasting reported a 32% increase in listenership in 2024, driven by true crime series, political commentary, and educational content. These audio-first strategies are being monetized through ad insertions, Patreon models, and branded podcast collaborations.

Social commerce and influencer-based content are reshaping engagement metrics as well. Chilean content creators on YouTube and Instagram command significant followings—some with subscriber bases exceeding 3 million—enabling brands to bypass traditional ad networks. This has led to an uptick in creator-driven marketing campaigns, particularly in fashion, beauty, and gaming segments. Brands like Ripley and Falabella have incorporated influencer-produced mini-series into their eCommerce strategies, blurring the lines between entertainment and retail.

Government's Role: A Mixed Bag of Support and Red Tape

Chile’s government has taken progressive steps to support digital transformation in media, but implementation has been inconsistent. The Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage expanded its media development fund (Fondo de Fomento Audiovisual) in 2024, increasing its annual budget to over CLP 18 billion (approximately US$20 million). This fund now supports web series, interactive media, and digital short films in addition to traditional cinema.

However, the pace of digital regulatory reform has been sluggish. The pending "Digital Media Regulation Bill" introduced in 2023—intended to mandate transparency in algorithmic content delivery and advertising—remains under legislative review. Additionally, taxation disparities between global and local platforms continue to be a point of contention. The 19% VAT on digital services, implemented in 2020, applies broadly but enforcement is inconsistent, allowing international players to operate at a fiscal advantage over local counterparts.

That said, initiatives like Chile Media Lab—a public-private research consortium launched in late 2024—aim to facilitate innovation in media technologies, from AR/VR content to AI-driven news curation. These initiatives show promise in modernizing Chile’s media framework, provided they are scaled effectively and made inclusive for SMEs and startups.

Competitive Landscape: Major Players and Local Innovators Steering the Market

The Chilean media market features a blend of multinational giants and agile local players. Netflix continues to lead the streaming race with over 2.4 million subscribers in Chile, followed by Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. However, local services like Zapping TV (an IPTV service) and CNTV Play are gaining loyalty among users who seek culturally relevant, Spanish-language content.

On the traditional side, Canal 13, Mega, and TVN remain influential across television and news media. Mega, in particular, has adopted a robust digital strategy, integrating OTT platforms with live broadcast feeds and launching dedicated social media campaigns. Grupo Copesa, known for its print legacy with La Tercera, has successfully transitioned into digital journalism through subscription-based newsletters and multimedia newsrooms.

Innovative startups such as Redgol (sports media) and Ladera Sur (environmental media) are also carving niche spaces, using immersive storytelling, mobile optimization, and brand partnerships to stay profitable. These players are leveraging SEO best practices, audience analytics, and cross-platform syndication to scale their operations and diversify revenue.

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]

Chile Media Market Segmentation