Research Intelligence
2025 Market Research Industry Statistics, Facts, and Trends
The market research industry is growing at an impressive pace. But what are the key factors driving it?
Increased digitalization, emerging data analysis techniques, and a growing need for consumer insights are leading more businesses to rely on market research than ever before.
It’s become the key to staying competitive, innovating faster, and making smarter decisions.
As 2025 approaches, strong growth projections and innovative methodologies, like AI-powered analytics and real-time data, are reshaping the industry.
So, let’s explore the key statistics, facts, and trends defining the future of market research.
Global market research industry overview
Valued at $76.37 billion in 2021, the market research industry grew to $84 billion by the end of 2023. The market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.29% and reach over $108 billion by 2026 (MarketResearch.com).
This growth is fueled by a rising demand for real-time insights that empower businesses to make informed decisions in dynamic markets.
The United States dominates the industry, holding 53% of the market share. This is largely attributed to the country’s tech-driven economy, which relies heavily on data to drive digital transformation and product development (Exploding Topics).
Key drivers of growth in the market research industry
1. Websites and blogs with SEO and social shopping tools
Search-engine-optimized (SEO) websites and blogs are highly successful at reaching target audiences by improving visibility in search results.
These platforms, along with social shopping tools like Instagram Shops, offer businesses the highest ROI at 16%. Paid social media content, email marketing, and content marketing follow closely with 14% ROI, showing their ability to convert audiences into customers and drive growth (HubSpot).
2. Artificial intelligence and automation
Whether automating tedious tasks or mining huge datasets, AI is revolutionizing how insights are generated.
47% of researchers globally already use AI in their regular market research activities. However, this varies according to region, with 58% in Asia-Pacific and Japan, compared to 39% in North America. This is expected to grow by 2025 as AI provides faster, more in-depth data and helps reduce costs (Qualtrics).
75% of marketers believe AI-based search engines to positively impact their blogs, and 68% expect more website traffic. Only 9% think AI innovations could harm blog traffic (HubSpot).
Market research spending by industry and methodology
Certain industries lead the way in market research spending, with pharmaceutical companies, media and entertainment groups, and consumer goods producers making the biggest investments.
16.6% of all market research expenditures come from pharmaceutical companies, followed by 15.5% from media and entertainment organizations. Consumer goods producers are not far behind, contributing 14.9% to total spending (Exploding Topics, Statista).
Here’s how market research processes are shifting:
Online and mobile surveys
Online surveys are the most common research tool, with 89% of researchers using them to gather consumer insights. Mobile surveys are next, with 60% using them to capture more nuanced data on consumer preferences (Exploding Topics).
Online in-depth interviews and focus groups
41% of researchers are now conducting online in-depth interviews with webcams, and 40% run online focus groups using webcams (Exploding Topics).
Future outlook for market research
Economic influences
Profitability is the number one driver of market research, as organizations are increasingly reliant on data-driven strategies to drive growth and optimize marketing efficiency.
While rate increases and commodity inflation could limit corporate spending, they also increase the need for advanced analytics to navigate the economic uncertainty.
Technology adoption
Automation and AI are predicted to deliver faster, cost-effective market research solutions that won’t compromise high-quality data acquisition and analysis.
An entirely digital sector
The market research industry is evolving to become almost entirely digital. Marketing and creative teams have embraced a digital-first mindset, and web-based communication tools are fast replacing traditional face-to-face methods.
Looking forward to 2025
The market research industry is on the verge of exceptional growth and development. AI-powered analytics, privacy-oriented research, and real-time insights will redefine the industry’s core.
Investments in innovative techniques and quick-response data solutions will continue to solidify the industry’s role as the foundation of strategic business decision-making.
As we enter 2025, companies that want to stay competitive must adapt to these trends and adopt trusted, data-heavy platforms to be able to thrive in our data-driven world.
Related Posts
Track your digital metrics and grow market share
Contact us to set up a call with a market research specialist