Global adult VR content market set for dramatic growth

The value of the virtual reality adult content market is likely to grow from US$716 million in 2021 to US$19 billion in 2026 and will come to represent 22% of the global digital adult content market value by that date, according to a study by Juniper Research.

Juniper predicts that subscription-based models will be main means by which adult content platforms make money from VR content and benefit from the expected growth of headset ownership.

Juniper predicts that 97% of the total VR adult content market will be derived from subscriptions, with distribution channels using this model to cover the increased costs associated with recording VR content.

Juniper’s report, Digital Adult Content: Key Monetisaton Models, Emerging Technologies & Market Forecasts 2021-2026, recommends that mainstream adult content platforms, such as Pornhub and XVideos, form strategic partnerships with specialist VR content providers in order to diversify their libraries of adult content and ensure more consistent revenue streams.

The research outfit predicts that the global number of users viewing VR adult content via compatible headsets will rise by 2,800% over the next five years, with headset adoption primarily driven by mainstream use cases, such as digital games and media.

Research author Scarlett Woodford said: “The US will emerge as a key market for VR adult content; accounting for 33% of market spend by 2026. Adult content channels targeting US users must use advanced analytics to monitor viewing habits and trends; tailoring VR-enabled content accordingly.”