The streaming industry delivered a significant economic boost to Taiwan‘s creative sector in 2023, contributing NT$9. 7 billion (approximately $300 million) to the economy while supporting more than 100, 000 jobs across the broader entertainment landscape, according to a new report released Wednesday. International consulting firm Frontier Economics unveiled the findings at a Motion Picture Association forum titled “How Streaming Services Drive Taiwan’s Creative Economy” held in Taipei. The study reveals that video-on-demand platforms have become integral to Taiwan’s audiovisual ecosystem, with market penetration reaching over 7 million subscribers. The research indicates that 87% of internet users in Taiwan access VOD services at least weekly, with locally produced content accounting for nearly half (48%) of viewing activity. This robust local consumption has prompted major global streaming platforms to significantly increase their investments in Taiwanese programming. “Taiwan’s audiovisual sector has a very promising outlook,” said Clive Kenny, economist at Frontier Economics, in a video statement to the forum. “The country provides a mature economic environment, an energetic VOD industry, and is attracting substantial investment.” The report found that the broader film and television sector directly employed 31, 132 people in 2021, with ripple effects supporting approximately 103, 000 jobs throughout Taiwan’s economy. However, forum participants cautioned that the global streaming landscape is entering what they termed a “post-growth period,” characterized by industry consolidation, rising subscription prices and the expansion of advertising-supported models. James Cheatley, MPA VP of VOD, digital affairs and intellectual property, emphasized the need for collaborative approaches over restrictive regulation. “Today’s report confirms that VOD services are a powerful engine for Taiwan’s creative economy driving investment in local stories and talent, and propelling Taiwanese content to the world,” Cheatley said. “To sustain this momentum, government and industry need to closely collaborate on ‘market incentives’ and skillful ‘investment guidance,’ rather than imposing restrictive regulations that could, as the Frontier report warns, stifle growth and reduce exports.” National Taiwan University economics professor Feng Bohan highlighted how emerging commercial models are accelerating local content development. “Data shows that when a market launches lower-priced, ad-supported plans, it leads to a significant increase in viewing for local content, encouraged by zero or lower cost entry barriers and attracting new users who prefer local-language programming,” Feng said. Atomic 76 managing director Yang Zhiguang underscored streaming platforms’ role in elevating production standards. “Streaming services are catalysts for upskilling, bringing international standards, new technologies, and creative collaborations that elevate the entire industry,” Yang said. “Taiwan’s creators are proving they can meet global demand when given the opportunities and support.” The Frontier Economics study warns that heavy-handed regulatory approaches could undermine the sector’s export potential. The research projects that enforcing local content quotas and other restrictive policies on VOD platforms could reduce content export revenue by 4. 3%. “Policymaking that increases barriers and restrictions must be approached with care, as this could dampen investment motivation for the industry,” Kenny added. Forum participants concluded that strengthening copyright protection, supporting talent development and infrastructure, and providing production incentives could create a positive cycle attracting further investment establishing a foundation for Taiwan’s globally influential “T-Wave.” The report was commissioned by the MPA and conducted by Frontier Economics using economic modeling, stakeholder interviews and a survey of 1, 000 internet users in Taiwan. The MPA’s member studios include Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Netflix Studios, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal City Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin serves as chair and CEO.
https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/taiwan-vod-sector-300-million-economic-boost-100000-jobs-mpa-report-1236585442/