Piracy Statistics By Demographics, Frequency, Reasons, Types, Software and Regions

Introduction

Piracy Statistics: Piracy, the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted material, has been a persistent threat to intellectual property rights for centuries. With the advent of the digital age, the scale and ease of piracy have increased exponentially, making it a major challenge for creators, industries, and governments alike.

Historically, piracy was primarily associated with the physical reproduction of copyrighted works, such as books, music, and films. However, the rise of the internet and digital technologies has transformed the landscape of piracy, enabling the rapid and widespread distribution of copyrighted content without the need for physical copies.

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• On average, a user who typically pirates content is likely to download or stream illegally two movies or shows per month.
• According to Cord Cutting, 11% of users who have already pirated content are doing the process more frequently compared to 2023.
• 80% of users with pirated content in 2023 have also subscribed to more than two streaming services.
• 67% of Millennials born between 1981 and 1996 said they have pirated content at some point in their lives, as in the case of Gen Z adults born after 1997, resulting in 76%.
• The worldwide piracy rate for movies and TV shows remains at around 31%, while for software, it stands at 35%. The music industry also faces a significant threat, with over 30% of global music streaming coming from unlicensed platforms.
• 54% of users have accessed pirated movies or TV shows about the same as usual over the past 12 months. 11% said they had accessed it more, while 35% voted the opposite.
• 17% of people download or stream movies or shows illegally, and at least 13% admitted to using only illegal streaming sites.
• Piracy Statistics show that younger generations are more likely to own pirated content. In addition, men aged 18 to 26 have the highest rate of shifting to pirated content.
• There is an approximately 60% piracy rate, driven by high demand for international content that is difficult to access legally.
• Piracy causes businesses to lose an estimated $52 billion annually, emphasizing the need for stronger protections.

General Piracy Statistics

• According to Cord Cutting, 11% of users who have already pirated content are doing the process more frequently compared to 2023.
• The cost of legal content is the leading reason for shiting to pirated content.
• Piracy Statistics reveal that 75% of pirated content users say they would shift to legal alternatives if they were cheaper.
• A survey by Cord Cutting revealed that in 2023, one out of three American adults had at least once pirated movies or shows.
• In addition, 80% of users with pirated content in 2023 have also subscribed to more than two streaming services.
• On average, a user who typically pirates content is likely to download or stream illegally two movies or shows per month.
• 70% of the users on the internet have no problem with online piracy.
• 16% of Personal computers in the US have unlicensed software installed.
• Pirated videos are likely to get more than 230 million views every year.
• Piracy Statistics has labeled Game of Thrones to be the most pirated TV show ever.
• Around 35.8% of pornography videos are pirated.

Piracy Statistics By Demographics

• Piracy Statistics show that younger generations are more likely to own pirated content. In addition, men aged 18 to 26 have the highest rate of shifting to pirated content.
• Compared to women (43%), men are more likely to pirate content (56%).
• 67% of Millennials born between 1981 and 1996 said they have pirated content at some point in their lives, as in the case of Gen Z adults born after 1997, resulting in 76%.
• Moreover, the same applies to 41% of Gen Xers and 28% of baby boomers.

Piracy Statistics By Frequency Of Accessing Pirated Content

(Reference: cordcutting.com)

According to Cordcutting on Piracy Statistics, 54% of users have accessed pirated movies or TV shows about the same as usual over the past 12 months. 11% said they had accessed it more, while 35% voted the opposite.

Leading Reasons To Access Pirated Content

(Reference: cordcutting.com)

At least 36% of people said the movie or show they were interested in was not worth paying for a subscription, so they chose to pirate it. In addition, 35% said subscription services are too expensive. Piracy Statistics revealed other reasons that followed: content being unavailable on official channels, avoiding watching advertisements, and watching content as early as it releases without waiting.

Ways People Pirate Movies Or TV Shows

(Reference: cordcutting.com)

17% of people download or stream movies or shows illegally. At least 13% admitted to using illegal streaming sites only. In addition, 10% view it from their friends/ family members’ content.

Piracy Statistics By Share Of Piracy By Type

(Reference: techreport.com)

In terms of piracy rates, TV shows are the leading types of content, resulting in 49.4%. Movies and music contribute 17.1% and 16%, respectively. The publishing industry, specifically books, has an 11.2% piracy rate, while software contributes 26.2%.

Types Of Software Pirated In 2023

(Reference: techreport.com)

Mobile and desktop software have the highest piracy rates, accounting for 36% and 30%, respectively. Games followed with 27%, including other App software (6%) and App Add-on (1%).

Music Piracy Statistics

• 3% of music listeners download music without paying subscription charges.
• The younger generation, aged 18 to 24 years, is more likely to download music without paying.
• In addition, men are more likely than women to download pirated music, 13.2% and 17.5%, respectively.

Cost to the US Economy

• Piracy Statistics reveal that the US economy loses more than 12 billion USD annually due to music theft.
• Sound recording piracy causes 71,060 job losses in the US.
• According to the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI), around $422 million of US federal, state, and local tax revenues are lost yearly due to piracy.
• Out of $422 million, $291 million of personal income taxes and $131 million of corporate income and production taxes are wiped out of the government’s annual revenue.

Most Common Music Piracy Website Visits 2023

(Reference: techreport.com)

Stream Ripping is the leading website that supports the illegal creation, downloading, and streaming of content. As of 2023, 40% of users chose streaming to pirate music. Web downloads and streaming account for 28% equally, while torrenting accounts for 3% of visits.

What is Piracy?

Piracy refers to the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted content such as movies, music, software, and books without the creator’s permission. It is a significant issue affecting various industries, causing revenue losses for creators and companies. Piracy often occurs online through illegal streaming sites, file-sharing networks, or downloads. This activity undermines the value of intellectual property and discourages innovation and creativity.

How is AI Preventing Piracy?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in combating piracy by enhancing content protection systems. AI-powered algorithms can automatically scan the internet to detect unauthorized use of copyrighted material. These systems use machine learning to identify pirated content on websites, video-sharing platforms, and social media. AI tools can also help verify the source of content, track distribution, and block access to pirated material before it reaches the public. Additionally, AI can monitor digital platforms in real time, offering quicker solutions than traditional methods.

Value of Piracy Prevention

The market for digital rights management (DRM) and piracy prevention technology, including AI-driven solutions, is growing significantly. In 2024, the global digital rights management market is projected to be valued at around $5.5 billion, with AI-based anti-piracy tools making up a large portion of that. Piracy causes businesses to lose an estimated $52 billion annually, emphasizing the need for stronger protections. AI’s involvement in preventing piracy is expected to grow by 15% yearly, becoming more critical as digital content consumption increases.

The State of Piracy Worldwide in 2024

In 2024, piracy continues to be a global challenge, especially with the rise in digital content consumption. Despite improved efforts to curb piracy, it remains prevalent in regions with limited legal access to content or high digital literacy. Piracy Statistics show that the worldwide piracy rate for movies and TV shows remains at around 31%, while for software, it stands at 35%. The music industry also faces a significant threat, with over 30% of global music streaming coming from unlicensed platforms.

The shift toward streaming services has lowered some forms of piracy, but new techniques like illegal live streaming and peer-to-peer file sharing persist. AI, combined with stricter laws, is slowly reducing piracy, but it’s still widespread in countries with limited law enforcement capabilities.

Countries with High Piracy Rates in 2024

Piracy rates vary across countries depending on factors such as content availability, economic conditions, and digital infrastructure. In 2024, the countries with the highest piracy rates include:

• Russia – There is an approximately 60% piracy rate, driven by high demand for international content that is difficult to access legally.
• India –  Around 58%, largely due to the availability of pirated movies and TV shows online.
• Brazil – 55%, with music and video games among the most pirated categories.
• China – 50%, where, despite strict regulations, unauthorized software and movies are commonly pirated.
• Vietnam – 48%, with software piracy particularly common in both business and consumer sectors.
• Indonesia – 47%, primarily involving movies, TV shows, and books.

Efforts to combat piracy in these countries are growing, but limited legal enforcement and high demand for free content present ongoing challenges.

Piracy continues to be a major issue for content industries such as movies, TV shows, music, games, books, and software in 2025 and beyond. The rise of digital content consumption has made it easier for users to access unauthorized copies of various media types, impacting the global economy significantly. Different regions experience varying piracy rates, and governments, particularly the US, have implemented measures to address this problem.

Estimated Piracy Rates By Region (2025 and beyond)

• North America: Piracy rates in the US and Canada are projected to remain moderate, around 18% for digital content like movies, TV shows, and games. Software piracy is higher, estimated at 21%. The US government is focusing on reducing these numbers through legislation and international cooperation.
• Europe: Europe’s piracy rate averages around 24%, with Eastern Europe showing higher numbers than Western Europe. Software piracy is particularly high in some regions, reaching up to 30%. The European Union has been working with the US on joint anti-piracy efforts, targeting peer-to-peer networks and illegal streaming platforms.
• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region has higher piracy rates, around 40% for movies and music. Software piracy is especially high in China and India, estimated to be over 50%. The US has been partnering with countries in the region to increase enforcement, particularly focusing on platforms that host pirated content.
• Latin America: Latin America has a piracy rate of approximately 35%, with Brazil and Mexico being the largest markets affected. Piracy in games and movies is particularly high. The US government has worked with regional authorities to strengthen intellectual property laws and increase enforcement in this region.
• Africa and the Middle East: In these regions, piracy rates hover around 45%, with significant issues related to software and movies. Weak enforcement and economic challenges make it harder to tackle piracy. US efforts focus on diplomatic pressure and working with local governments to improve laws.

US Governmental Measures to Prevent Piracy By Region

• North America: The US government has implemented the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and is actively monitoring illegal streaming websites. Additionally, major tech companies cooperate with the government to take down websites that host pirated content. In 2025, stricter measures are expected, including fines in the millions of US dollars for repeat offenders.
• Europe: The US collaborates with European governments under international treaties such as the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. Enhanced monitoring of torrent websites and joint enforcement actions have decreased piracy.
• Asia-Pacific: The US government has focused on trade agreements that include intellectual property protection clauses, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). China and India have been pressured to improve enforcement, and crackdowns on large piracy platforms have occurred. These efforts have helped reduce losses in US dollars to the entertainment and software industries.
• Latin America: US authorities collaborate with local governments under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provisions, which include piracy prevention measures. In 2025, joint task forces were established to target major piracy hubs, leading to millions of US dollars in fines and seizure of pirated materials.
• Africa and the Middle East: US efforts in these regions focus on training local law enforcement to tackle piracy and offering resources to improve intellectual property laws. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has been instrumental in negotiating trade agreements that include stronger piracy enforcement measures.

Conclusion

Piracy poses a serious threat to the economy. The loss of revenue due to piracy can have a ripple effect on industries such as advertising, retail, and manufacturing. For example, when consumers download pirated movies or music, they may be less likely to purchase related merchandise or attend live events. This can lead to job losses and economic decline.

As seen in these Piracy Statistics, Piracy is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. Addressing piracy requires a multifaceted approach that involves legal enforcement, technological solutions, and international collaboration. By working together, we can protect intellectual property rights and ensure a thriving creative ecosystem.