Report: Porn Downloads Account for Bulk of Internet Video

NEW YORK — Adult entertainment accounts for the lion’s share of the burgeoning video download market, according to a recent report by market research firm NPD Group published in Forbes magazine.

According to the NPD Group report, 1.2 million U.S. households purchased at least one video download from an online store during the third quarter of this year. But, the report said, five times as many households may have illegally downloaded video content from free file-sharing sites, with nearly 60 percent of the free content classified as adult material.

“It is a crucial issue for the film industry to keep track of,”' NDP analyst Russ Crupnick said. “Even though right now the majority of downloaded video content is adult film content, the amount of intellectual property stolen from mainstream movie studios, networks and record labels will continue to rise, unless strong and sustained action is taken to prevent piracy.”

In spite of the growing piracy problem, Crupnick said the video download model would continue to appeal to consumers in 2007.

“[Legal downloads] could double or triple within the next year as more content comes online, consumers acquire more video-enabled players and movies are offered that consumers can actually burn to DVD,” he said.

As for the total content download market, Crupnick said film offers the most room for growth, accounting for only 6 percent of the legal download market. TV accounts for 62 percent of the legal download market, with music video content garnering a 24 percent stake.

Crupnick said most consumers who opt for legal downloads turn to Apple’s iTunes store, which dominates the industry with a 90 percent market share. Movie-subscription site Vongo accounts for 5 percent of the market. Movielink has a 3 percent market share, with rival CinemaNow tallying less than 1 percent.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More