In 2024, print remained the preferred format for readers who shop online, according to the latest Eurostat figures.
Around 14.7% of EU residents bought printed books, magazines or newspapers online in the three months before the Eurostat survey.
This represents more than double the rate of those who downloaded e-books or audiobooks.
The highest shares of residents buying printed books, magazines or newspapers online were reported in Ireland at 28.3%, the Netherlands at 23.5%, and Luxembourg at 22.7%.
By contrast, the lowest shares were reported in Cyprus at 2.0%, Latvia at 3.8% and Romania at 5.3%.
For e-books and audiobooks, the highest shares were recorded in Ireland at 22.3%, Denmark at 19.7%, and Luxembourg at 13.3%.
Meanwhile, the lowest proportions were reported in Bulgaria at 1.8%, Latvia at 2.5%, and Romania at 2.6%.
In Denmark, Cyprus, and Finland, the share of the population who bought e-books and audiobooks exceeded that of printed books.
TikTok content boosts book sales
TikTok has also helped to drive up the sales of print books with the hashtag #BookTok, with many booksellers having a section only for these books.
BookTok is a part of TikTok dedicated to literature where content creators upload reviews, skits, and other book-related content.
Ireland’s book sales reached a record high of €170 million in 2022, with a significant boost in the romance novel genre attributed to TikTok’s influence.
Authors like Colleen Hoover have led the charts, demonstrating the platform’s impact on reading trends.
Spotify is also investing in literature with audiobooks.
Less than a week ago, the audio-streaming subscription service expanded this new option in the EU to Germany and Austria.
Video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz
