E-learning Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Custom E-learning, Responsive E-learning), By Courses (Self-paced Courses, Instructor-led Virtual Courses), By Learning Method, By Technology, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

E-learning Services Market Size & Trends

The global e-learning services market size was estimated at USD 217.57 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6% from 2023 to 2030. E-learning is an efficient tool for education & training, holding several advantages over conventional learning approaches. A major benefit is its ability to facilitate the professional development of employees via customized courses that address their requirements. E-learning eliminates the need for time-consuming travel and aids learners in accessing educational content anytime and anywhere. It allows individuals to learn at their own pace, helping them make optimal use of their time. E-learning thus offers substantial cost savings and convenience when compared to traditional classroom training methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial influence on the market. The enforced lockdowns and social distancing measures necessitated a rapid shift toward remote learning solutions across educational institutions and corporate training programs. As a result, there was a surge in demand for e-learning platforms and content, which propelled the growth of the market. According to statistics by Coursera, in 2021, the company witnessed an outstanding 92 million students engaging with its offering, highlighting the importance of online learning platforms.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into custom e-learning, responsive e-learning, micro e-learning, translation & localization, game-based learning, and rapid e-learning. The custom e-learning segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 31.5% in 2022 and is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period. Custom e-learning refers to developing and implementing tailored educational content and experiences delivered through digital platforms. It involves creating learning materials, courses, or training programs that are specifically designed to meet the unique needs and objectives of a particular organization, group, or individual. Many e-learning companies are expanding their e-learning portfolios by merging and acquiring other companies. For instance, in March 2022, Skilldom, an e-learning company with over 15 years of experience, combined its Custom eLearning Services division with Cognigix, a custom/bespoke digital learning solutions service provider. Through this business merger, Cognigix tapped into Skilldom's extensive industry expertise, opening significant opportunities and expanding its presence in the custom eLearning domain.

The game-based learning segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period. Game-based learning involves creating e-learning experiences that attract learners and motivate them to enhance their skills in a competitive environment alongside their peers. It aims to foster learning by providing incentives and rewards for those who achieve significant levels of skill development. Integrating gamification into workplace training is increasingly prevalent in compliance, software applications, and communication training. According to a survey conducted among students at the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, challenge-based gamified learning improved students' performance by 89.45% compared to traditional lecture-based education.

Courses Insights

Based on courses, the market is segmented into self-paced courses and instructor-led virtual courses. The instructor-led virtual courses segment held the largest revenue share of 59.1% in 2022. Instructor-Led Training (ILT), whether conducted online or in a physical classroom, refers to any training where an instructor guides the learning process. ILT can be traditional classroom lectures, interactive workshops for hands-on practice, or virtual sessions facilitated through video conferencing tools. This training approach brings together learners and instructors in a group environment that fosters interaction and encourages meaningful discussions. Many companies and institutions are introducing these e-learning courses to empower industry professionals. For instance, in June 2023, IPC, a global association for electronics manufacturing, launched three online instructor-led courses to empower professionals in the electronics industry. These courses offer an in-depth exploration of the challenges and solutions related to lead-free production.

The self-paced courses segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period. Self-paced learning refers to an instructional approach where learners can navigate the learning materials according to their own pace and preferred schedule. In this learning style, individuals can dedicate more or less time to specific lessons or course content based on their individual preferences. This approach promotes a personalized learning experience, empowering learners to tailor their education to their unique needs and interests.

Learning Method Insights

Based on learning method, the market is segmented into blended learning, mobile learning, virtual classrooms, and simulation. The blended learning segment held the largest revenue share of 35.3% in 2022. Blended learning is an instructional approach that integrates traditional brick-and-mortar classroom training and online learning activities. It distinguishes itself from fully online eLearning by retaining the presence of an instructor in face-to-face training sessions.

The simulation segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 21.7% during the forecast period. E-learning simulations allow learners to practice and train for work procedures or routines within a virtual learning environment. This simulated environment is created using multimedia graphics and assets closely resembling the working environment. It facilitates experiential learning through hands-on activities. Many organizations are launching e-learning simulations to attract customers to their business. For instance, in November 2021, KNOLSKAPE, a gaming and simulation software company, introduced Leading Virtual Teams or LTV. LTV is an innovative platform that provides learners with a safe environment to experiment, embrace failure, unlearn outdated approaches, and acquire knowledge without facing real-world repercussions.

Technology Insights

In terms of technology, the market is classified into augmented reality and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. The cloud computing segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 35.0% in 2022 and is expected to maintain this dominance during the forecast period. Cloud computing involves services encompassing software, servers, databases, storage, networking, and analytics, provided over the internet. Cloud-based solutions are strategically designed to grant users on-demand access to shared resources, software, and information from any location with proper internet connectivity. Also, it helps learners access e-learning platforms and resources from any location that has an internet connection, thus ensuring that they can retrieve course materials and engage in collaborative assignments with peers, irrespective of their geographical location. In October 2021, Google launched Google Cloud Skills Boost, a hub for online education, skill enhancement, and certification programs, overseen and directly administered by Google Cloud.

The artificial intelligence segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR of 24.3% during the forecast period. It has emerged as a transformative technology within the e-learning market, revolutionizing how educational content is delivered and personalized to learners' needs. The growing adoption of AI in e-learning platforms is driven by its potential to enhance learning outcomes and provide tailored educational experiences. Many organizations are inculcating AI in their platforms to achieve greater retention rates and enhance learner engagement. For instance, in April 2023, Coursera announced the launch of generative AI features for online platforms. This innovative online learning platform incorporates cutting-edge AI-powered features to assist educators in lesson planning and delivering personalized student feedback

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the market is segmented into academic, corporate, and government. The academic segment held the largest revenue share of 46.5% in 2022 and is expected to maintain its position over the forecast period. E-learning plays a key role in the academic sector by providing an innovative and technologically driven approach to education. Integrating e-learning in academics has emerged as a transformative factor in education, revolutionizing traditional teaching methodologies. E-learning leverages digital platforms and online resources to deliver educational content, facilitating a flexible and interactive learning experience. According to the statistics by ispring Solutions, an eLearning software company, 63% of high school students in the U.S. utilize digital learning tools daily. Furthermore, a significant proportion of elementary school students, specifically 45%, incorporate at least one digital learning tool into their daily educational routine.

The corporate segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR of 21.2% during the forecast period. It has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing employee knowledge and skills while optimizing training costs. Companies across various sectors are adopting e-learning platforms and courses at a fast pace, to deliver optimal employee training programs. These platforms provide many benefits, including scalability, convenience, and the ability to cater to diverse learning styles. By utilizing corporate e-learning, organizations can overcome the disadvantages of conventional training methods, such as time restrictions and geographical constraints. As per insights from the eLearning industry, a majority of employees, approximately 89%, expressed a desire for training to be accessible at their convenience, regardless of time and location.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest revenue share of 36.3% in 2022 and is anticipated to continue its dominance in the market over the forecast period. This demand can be attributed to the rising need for e-learning services to address the increasing adoption of digital technologies in education & training. Individuals are choosing e-learning services to improve their knowledge and skills. Educational institutions, meanwhile, are opting for e-learning services to provide educational courses to students, while government organizations and corporations are using e-learning services to impart relevant training to their employees and personnel. For instance, in March 2021, Armacell, a provider of engineered foams and flexible foam for equipment insulation, introduced Armacell Academy, a new e-learning platform designed to train its customers, suppliers, and employees in North America. The platform was designed to offer specialized courses focused on product knowledge and technical skills for stakeholders in the value chain, including specifiers, distributors, contractors, converters/fabricators, and OEM customers.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 20.9% during the forecast period. E-learning has emerged as a powerful tool for digital upskilling, allowing individuals to acquire and enhance their digital competencies. In the wake of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning became crucial in facilitating digital upskilling for individuals across various industries and industry verticals. In the post-pandemic era, companies worldwide started focusing on hiring employees based on their skills. For instance, according to Microsoft, nearly 6 million individuals in Asia Pacific acquired digital skills during the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging various opportunities and resources provided by Microsoft and other organizations to enhance their digital capabilities in response to the challenges posed by the outbreak of the pandemic.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market has a fragmented competitive landscape as it features various global and regional market players. Leading industry players are undertaking strategies such as product launches, collaborations, and partnerships to survive the highly competitive environment and expand their business footprints.

For instance, in May 2023, in a strategic partnership, Infosys joined forces with Adobe to enhance the digital skills of its workforce. The collaboration involved the integration of Adobe-influenced content into Infosys's learning platform. This joint effort aimed to create new avenues for aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans to explore the Adobe Experience Cloud and expand their expertise.

E-learning Services Market Report Scope

Global E-learning Services Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global e-learning services market report based on type, courses, learning method, technology, end-use and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Custom e-Learning

  • Responsive e-Learning

  • Micro e-Learning

  • Translation & Localization

  • Game-Based Learning

  • Rapid e-Learning

• Courses Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Self-paced Courses

  • Instructor-led Virtual Courses

• Learning Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Blended Learning

  • Mobile Learning

  • Virtual Classrooms

  • Simulation

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

  • Big Data

  • Cloud Computing

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Academic

  • Corporate

  • Government

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Sweden

    • Finland

    • Netherlands

    • Finland

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Singapore

    • Malaysia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Chile

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • UAE

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • Kuwait