Print On Demand Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Platform (Software, Services), By Product (Apparel, Home Decor, Drinkware, Accessories), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global print on demand market size was valued at USD 6.18 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.8% from 2023 to 2030. The rising demand for customized and personalized apparel, home décor, accessories, and drinkware, among others, due to changing consumer preferences and increasing interest in gifting custom-made products for special occasions, have bolstered the growth of the market. In addition, factors such as rising disposable income, increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption, and inclination toward fashion apparel and unique products are fueling the demand for print-on-demand (POD).

Print-on-demand platforms offer end-users multiple customized printing solutions. Artists and merchants who own print-on-demand businesses can connect their existing online store or create a new one on the platform. Once connected, the service providers handle the printing orders and facilitate shipping, providing a comprehensive end-to-end fulfillment service to the customer.

The entertainment industry significantly contributes to the growth of the print-on-demand market. Many people, especially movie fanatics, gamers, and TV show followers, prefer purchasing customized clothes, artwork, and accessories with specific logos or slogans printed on them. Rising disposable income levels of consumers in various countries like the U.S., the UK, Germany, France, China, and Japan are allowing them to invest in personalized products that reflect their individuality. The benefits, such as premium upgrades, additional customization options, or complementary products offered by the POD service providers, encourage customers to spend more and enhance their overall shopping experience.

However, the lack of transparency and control for artists or creators is a restraint to the growth of the market for print on demand. As the artists do not have control over the quality of products, and not all of them have access to the list of clients, this may create dissatisfaction among the clients, who may seek alternate solutions. The key drivers for the market are rapid digitalization and the growth of e-commerce.

COVID-19 Impact

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a significant disturbance in most industries worldwide. Industries were majorly impacted in three ways: suppression of profitability, directly affecting production and demand, and drying up financial reserves and cash flows. The impact of the pandemic remained negative in the short term due to disruption in the global supply chain, impacting the production and distribution of raw materials such as plain apparel, standard products, inks, printing equipment, etc., required by the POD service providers.

The delays due to the temporary lockdowns in factories, limited workforce measures, and temporary border closures led to a longer time for the fulfillment of orders, thereby disrupting the supply and demand chain. However, on the other hand, COVID-19 led to changes in consumer preferences with a focus on well-being, health, and self-expression. This led to an opportunity for print-on-demand businesses and entrepreneurs to offer customized products like face masks, protective gear, and workout apparel to cater to evolving consumer demands. The home décor product category witnessed a rise in sales as people adapted to remote working and staying at home.

Furthermore, during the pandemic, the fashion industry experienced both a surge and a decline all at once. While various outlets and big brand stores underwent a decline in consumer footfalls and apparel demand, it has been observed that there was an increase in the demand for custom-made t-shirts from the e-commerce industry. According to Printful Inc.’s 2021 survey of 485 Printful Inc. store owners, 75% of the respondents said that the pandemic outbreak prompted them to start their online business, and 45% witnessed an unexpected growth in sales.

Platform Insights

Based on platform, the print-on-demand market is segmented into software and service. The service segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 28.2% over the forecast period. This can be attributed to a larger number of service providers offering drop shipping and end-to-end fulfillment services. The service providers also offer services like marketing & branding services, custom packaging, and creative services like photography and graphic design. These services offer convenience and options to print-on-demand merchants and artists.

The software segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of the software segment can be attributed to the increase in technology investments by service providers in the print-on-demand industry. Service providers offer software solutions such as Application Programming Interface (API) and design-making tools. The API makes it convenient for print-on-demand merchants to integrate their online store with a print-on-demand platform. The software segment is further bifurcated into stand-alone and integrated.

The integrated software sub-segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.4% throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increased awareness and popularity of integrated software. The presence of a large number of third-party e-commerce platforms and ease of connecting are major driving factors for the segment's growth. Benefits such as flexibility, enhanced computing power, and cost-efficiency are also driving the demand for integrated solutions.

The stand-alone software sub-segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 26.4% and is expected to maintain its position over the forecast period. Prominent print-on-demand players such as Australia-based Redbubble Group and U.S.-based Zazzle Inc. are stand-alone platforms. The stand-alone platform is like a marketplace where the artist or merchants can create designs and sell them on the platform. It makes it convenient for the sellers as they don’t have to look into technical details.

Product Insights

Based on product, the market is classified into apparel, home decor, drinkware, accessories, and others. The home décor segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 27.5%. The growth can be attributed to the rising remote working culture globally since the pandemic as more people are staying at home and looking to improve their home space. The increasing availability of a wide range of home & living category products such as mats, cushions, posters, and others is offering a plethora of options to the customers and hence, driving sales.

The apparel segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 and is projected to retain its position over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increase in the shift toward fashion clothing, fast penetration of online retail in the fashion space, and the younger generation looking for custom and unique products. According to Printify, Inc., a U.S.-based company, apparel was the highest-selling product group on its platform in September 2021, accounting for 62.38% of the total items sold.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of more than 35% and is anticipated to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Factors such as technology infrastructure, stable economies, and the presence of manufacturing facilities for print-on-demand products are the reasons for the market's growth. For instance, some of the largest print-on-demand companies like Printful, Inc.; Printify, Inc.; and Zazzle Inc. are headquartered in the U.S. Companies based outside North America, like Norway-based Gelato and Australia-based Redbubble Ltd. also have fulfillment centers in the region.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 27.5% over the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the existence of major market players. Growing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a large number of online shoppers are the key growth drivers for the regional market. Technological advancements and the presence of several large textile units are expected to contribute to the regional market's growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market has a fragmented competitive landscape featuring various global and regional players. Leading industry players are adopting strategies such as partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and agreements to survive the highly competitive environment and enhance their business footprints. Moreover, service providers are spending substantial funds on research and development activities to develop advancu7ed products and integrate new technologies in their offerings to achieve a competitive lead over other market players.

Major market players are undertaking various growth strategies. For instance, in April 2022, VistaPrint announced the acquisition of Depositphotos, Inc., a microstock agency, and Crello, an online graphic editing provider. With these acquisitions, VistaPrint rebranded as Vista, encompassing Vista x Wix, VistaPrint, Crello, and 99designs. In addition, the company rebranded Crello as VistaCreate. In November 2021, Printful Inc. announced a partnership with Uruguay-based design platform Vexels, which offers merchandise and commercial use graphics and design services. The partnership would help integrate designs into Printful Inc.’s designing tool, further enabling customers to use and make high-quality designs. Some prominent players in the global print on demand market include:

• Printify, Inc.

• Printful Inc.

• Canva

• VistaPrint (Cimpress)

• CustomCat

• Gelato

• Gooten

• Printed Mint

• Teelaunch

• Zazzle, Inc.

• RedBubble Group

Print On Demand Market Report Scope

Global Print On Demand Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth 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 print on demand market report based on platform, product, and region:

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

  • Software

    • Stand-alone

    • Integrated

  • Services

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

  • Apparel

  • Home Decor

  • Drinkware

  • Accessories

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa