Online Piracy in Numbers - Facts and Statistics [Infographic]

Online piracy has been growing throughout the world for years now. Nearly a quarter of the global Internet bandwidth is used for online piracy. Often considered a victimless crime by the 'pirates', online piracy results in billions of dollars in lost revenue. Besides artists, creators, publishers, and distributors, it hurts the entire media industry. Every year 230,000 to 560,000 jobs are lost in the United States due to online video piracy.

Despite efforts to curtail piracy, it has penetrated every digital media format from television and movies to music, software, video games, and even books. More than 141 billion visits were made to piracy websites in 2023-2024. The United States, Russia, and China contribute the highest number of visits to piracy websites.

Videos (films and TV shows) are the most pirated content on the internet making up more than 66% of all pirated content. According to estimates, the United States loses $29.2 billion in revenue every year due to online video piracy. The latest piracy reports indicate that global film piracy increased by 33% during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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Understanding Online Piracy

Online piracy involves the replication, distribution or utilization of copyrighted material without consent from the rights holder. The illicit sharing of content like music, movies, software and games occurs through mediums such as peer to peer networks, torrent websites and unauthorized streaming platforms. With the internets proliferation in years online piracy has surged dramatically as individuals find it easier to access and share copyrighted materials unlawfully.

Check out the latest online piracy facts and statistics as well as examples of the most pirated content in the infographic below.

Infographic by- GO-Globe Web Design

Varieties of Online Piracy

Online piracy manifests in forms that present challenges:

• Music Piracy involves downloading or streaming music content without compensating the owners. Platforms, like music sharing websites and torrent portals have significantly contributed to exacerbating this issue.
• Streaming or downloading movies and TV shows without licenses is a form of online piracy, in the entertainment industry. Numerous websites offer these services for free attracting a number of users.
• Illegally copying, distributing or using software without purchasing a license is detrimental to the software industry. Is known as software piracy.
• Unauthorized distribution and use of video games referred to as game piracy can lead to losses for game developers and publishers.

Pirated software, which involves the copying and distribution of software without a license from the copyright owner is widespread online. It is often shared through websites, torrent networks or physical media. While the temptation of software may be strong using pirated software carries risks.

Pirated software reaches an audience through means:

Torrent Sites: Sharing pirated software through torrent sites via peer, to peer networks is one of the most common methods used.

Cracked Software: Hackers frequently crack software by eliminating or bypassing the security features like license keys or activation codes. These altered versions are then shared online enabling users to install and utilize the software without making any payments.

Illicit Websites: Numerous websites provide pirated software, for download often masquerading as platforms. Some of these sites might also include software or other harmful applications along with the desired programs.

Physical Distribution: In instances pirated software is circulated through mediums such as CDs or USB drives particularly in regions where internet availability is limited.

Potential Dangers of Utilizing Software

Although the prospect of acquiring software without cost may be tempting the risks linked with using pirated versions far surpass any gains;

• Security Concerns: Pirated software frequently contains harmful elements like malware, viruses or other malicious scripts. Installing programs could jeopardize your computers security. Lead to issues such as data breaches, unauthorized access or system damage.
• Legal Ramifications: Engaging in the use of pirated software is against the law. Can result in legal repercussions. Copyright holders have the authority to take actions, against individuals or organizations found utilizing software resulting in penalties, legal battles and potentially criminal charges.

Software developers who follow the rules regularly release updates to fix bugs enhance performance and address security issues. On the hand pirated software misses out on these updates making users vulnerable, to security risks and unable to access features.

Pirated software may not work properly due to alterations made during the cracking process. This could lead to crashes, data loss and other performance issues that disrupt your workflow.

Using pirated software goes against the law and ethical standards. It not violates copyrights. Also prevents developers and companies from earning the revenue needed for software innovation. Supporting software development is crucial for fostering inventive products in the industry.

Online piracy significantly impacts the software sector. The widespread use of pirated software results in social repercussions:

1. Financial Losses

Online piracy causes billions of dollars in revenue losses for software companies annually. These financial setbacks can have reaching effects on the industry such as reduced investment, in research and development staff layoffs and increased prices of software to compensate for the losses.

2. Job Losses

The financial ramifications of piracy extend beyond companies to their employees.
Job cuts in the software sector often occur as a consequence of decreased earnings stemming from piracy. This not impacts developers and engineers. Also individuals, in support, sales and administrative positions.

3. Hindered Innovation

Piracy undermines the motivation for advancements. Software firms rely on revenue generated by their products to support research and development efforts. When this revenue is reduced by piracy companies may be less inclined or financially able to invest in technologies and features ultimately impeding innovation.

4. Rising Costs for Consumers

To offset the setbacks caused by piracy software companies might hike up the prices of their products. This could lead to legitimate software becoming pricier for consumers setting off a cycle where elevated prices push individuals towards seeking out pirated alternatives.

Addressing Online Piracy and Illegally Copied Software

Recognizing the impact of piracy, on the software sector various strategies have been put in place to tackle this issue. These initiatives encompass both solutions and legal measures;

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology employed by software developers to safeguard their products against use and distribution. DRM may involve encryption license keys and other methods aimed at preventing the copying or sharing of software.
While DRM can sometimes work it's not completely foolproof. Determined pirates might still find ways to get around these protections.

Legal Actions and Consequences

Software companies and industry groups often take steps, against individuals or groups involved in distributing or using pirated software. These actions can lead to fines, lawsuits and even criminal charges. Governments worldwide have also enforced laws and penalties to discourage piracy.

Education and Awareness

Increasing awareness about the risks and repercussions of piracy is crucial in tackling the problem. Many organizations and businesses conduct campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of using pirated software and the advantages of supporting software development.

Accessible Options

One effective approach to reducing piracy is providing easily accessible alternatives to pirated software. Subscription based models, freemium software and discounts for students and low income users can make legitimate software more attractive. Diminish the demand, for pirated versions.

Reporting Piracy

Numerous software companies and organizations urge users to report instances of piracy. By identifying and shutting down distribution channels they can safeguard their products. Decrease the prevalence of pirated software.

Online Piracy facts :

• Pirated video material gets over 230 billion views a year.
• More than 80% of global online piracy can be attributed to illegal streaming services.
• Digital video piracy is costing the US economy between $29.2 and $71 billion each year.
• 126.7 billion viewings worth of US-produced TV episodes are pirated every year.
• 70,000 jobs a year are lost in the United States due to music piracy.
• Annual global revenue losses from digital piracy are between $40 and $97.1 billion in the movie industry.
• Illegal downloading of copyrighted materials takes up 24% of the global bandwidth.
• 52% of online users watch pirated videos.
• 59% people are aware that downloading or streaming pirated videos is illegal.
• 67% of online piracy sites are hosted in North America and Western Europe
• Nearly 24% of the global Internet bandwidth is used for online piracy.
• 98.8% of data transferred using P2P networks is copyrighted
• 28 million users download and share files through P2P networks every day.
• 91.5% of filed available for download on Cyberlockers sites (Rapidshare, Megaupload,etc) are copyrighted
• Only 1 out of 10,000 pcs of the most popular content on the OpenBitTorrent tracker is non-copyrighted

Worldwide Visits to Piracy Sites in 2024:

• 141  billion visits to piracy websites by 2024
• 386 million visits per day
• 248,287 visits per minute

Breakdown of Visits to Piracy Sites:

Streaming sites: 57%
Direct download portals: 27%
Torrent sites: 12%
Stream rippers: 4%

• $9.8 billion in revenue losses in 2018 due to piracy in the music industry.
• $29.2 billion revenue losses in the US every year due to online video piracy.
• $51.6 billion in economic losses due to online TV & movie piracy.
• $300 million in lost publisher income each year due to e-book piracy.
• 230,000 to 560,000 jobs lost in the United States every year due to online video piracy.
• 37% of software running in the world are unlicensed.
• $46.3 billion of software running in the world are unlicensed.
• 2 out of every 5 copies of software running in the world are unpaid.
• 20% of pirated software are running in North America.
• Illegal streaming constitutes 80% of online video piracy.
• 24% of users download music from illegal sources.
• 26% of online users download a film or a TV series from illegal sources.
• 13% of users download an e-book or an audiobook from illegal sources.
• 21% of users download games from illegal sources.

Global Piracy Statistics: A Staggering Number of Visits

The sheer volume of online piracy is staggering. Estimates suggest there are over 130 billion visits to piracy websites annually . This activity isn't evenly distributed. North America, Europe, and Asia contribute the highest number of visits, highlighting the global nature of the issue.

Content Consumption Habits: What Gets Pirated the Most?

Movies and TV shows reign supreme in the piracy world, accounting for over two-thirds of all pirated content . Music downloads, though seemingly declining with the rise of streaming, remain a significant concern. Software, ebooks, and video games also contribute to the piracy landscape.

Who are the Online Pirates? Understanding Demographics

Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are more likely to engage in online piracy . This can be attributed to factors like limited disposable income and a desire for the latest content. Additionally, piracy rates tend to be higher in regions with limited access to legal content, showcasing the digital divide's role in this issue.

Top 10 Countries for Online Piracy 

Most Pirated Items on the Web:

TV shows: 49.4%
Movies: 17.1%
Music: 16.0%
Publishing (books): 11.2%
Software: 6.2%

Top 10 Most Pirated Movies

Top 10 Most Pirated TV Shows of 2020

Top 10 Most Pirated Games on the Web

Most Pirated E-books on the Web

Survival Hacks Preppers Gear Shelter Knots Fire And Traps Guide
Mental Math Magic
Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Learn C# in 72 Hours for Beginners
The Ultimate Bodybuilding Book
Tartine: A Classic Revisited
Peloton Hacks: Getting the Most From Your Bike
The Smoothie Cleanse: Recipes for Weight Loss
The Urban Sketching Handbook 101 Sketching Tips
Bіtсоіn Standard: Beginners Guide

Top 10 Most Pirated Windows Software

Windows OS (XP, 7, 10)
Microsoft Office
Internet Download Manager
WinRAR
Nero Burning ROM
All Antivirus (Avast, ESET, McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc.)
Adobe Photoshop (and other Adobe software)
FL Studio
Vegas Pro
AutoCAD

Top 10 Most Pirated Music Artists

Global film piracy increased by 33% during COVID-19 lockdown.

Online piracy soared during the pandemic.