Asia-Pacific Screen Economy Races Toward $200 Billion as Monetization Gap Defines the Decade

The Asia-Pacific screen economy is projected to reach $179 billion in 2026 and $200 billion by 2031, according to Media Partners Asia executive director Vivek Couto. Speaking at the APOS 2026 conference on Wednesday, Couto characterized this growth as a structural reallocation rather than simple headline expansion. He highlighted that while overall revenue is increasing, the key challenge for the next decade will be bridging the monetization gap. This gap refers to the disparity between content consumption and the revenue generated from it, particularly in emerging markets within the region. Couto emphasized that addressing this monetization deficit is crucial for sustainable growth and will define the industry's progress over the coming ten years. The forecast suggests a significant increase from current figures, underscoring the region's growing importance in the global media landscape. However, the underlying dynamics point to a complex evolution, requiring strategic adjustments to capture value effectively.