The global medical animation market size was estimated at USD 0.41 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 2.56 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 20.12% from 2024 to 2033. The medical animation market is a rapidly growing segment within the broader healthcare industry, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for educational and promotional tools. Medical animations are used for various purposes, including patient education, medical training, and marketing of pharmaceutical products.
The growth of the medical animation market is fueled by the technological advancements play a crucial role, as innovations in animation software and 3D modeling enable the creation of highly detailed and engaging visual content. This technological progress enhances the effectiveness of medical animations in conveying complex medical information, making it easier for both healthcare professionals and patients to understand. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on patient education and the need for effective communication tools drive demand for medical animations. These animations simplify intricate medical concepts and procedures, improving patient comprehension and engagement. The expansion of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors also contributes to market growth, as companies leverage medical animations for marketing purposes and to demonstrate drug mechanisms and treatment benefits.
The medical animation market in North America led in 2023, supported by favorable government initiatives promoting the adoption of medical animations. The increasing use of 3D animations in various studies fuels this growth. Notably, in September 2020, Sketchy Group LLC secured a $30 million investment from TCG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LP., highlighting the region’s market strength.
Europe is identified as a significant market due to the introduction of innovative medical animations that clarify complex cellular and molecular studies. For example, in March 2021, Disney and Koninklijke Philips N.V. collaborated to test custom Disney animations within Philips Ambient Experience, enhancing patient and staff environments through personalized lighting and visuals.
The Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The region is seeing increased use of 3D animations in disease management and awareness programs. For instance, Fresenius Medical Care expanded its "The Kidney Kid Superhero" initiative globally in March 2020, aiming to promote kidney health awareness among children.
The market in Latin America is set to experience significant growth, driven by the use of medical animations in rehabilitation programs. These animations are essential for informing patients about disease recovery, contributing to the anticipated market expansion.
The 3D animation segment led the market with a 32% share in 2023. Its prominence is due to its effectiveness in illustrating complex medical procedures and concepts, making it a preferred choice for healthcare communication. The growth of 3D animation is driven by increasing digitalization and its applications in medical device manufacturing and forensic science. For example, in November 2022, ANIMA RES GmbH partnered with GigXR to provide hyper-realistic 3D anatomy learning through the Insight Series. This global initiative offers advanced holographic training for healthcare providers, medical and nursing schools, and defense agencies.
The 4D animation segment is anticipated to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing use of 4D animations in medical simulations, which help illustrate intricate surgical procedures and physiological processes, thus enhancing medical education and understanding.
In 2023, the oncology segment held the largest market share at 25%. The high demand for animated studies of drug mechanisms is fueled by the rising incidence of cancer and ongoing research for novel treatments. Increased awareness and advancements in surgical training methods also contribute to the market's growth. For instance, in October 2023, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre and the Social Welfare & Women Empowerment Department introduced a self-breast examination chart and an animated video to raise awareness about early breast cancer detection and treatment.
The plastic surgery segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 20.43% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing number of minimally invasive procedures and an aging population. Medical animations in this segment assist plastic surgeons in explaining complex procedures and enhance patient education and confidence by providing clear treatment information.
The drug mechanism of action (MoA) segment was the largest in 2023, holding a 31% market share. The widespread use of medical animation to depict drug interactions and mechanisms drives this segment's growth. For example, Microverse Studios specializes in creating high-quality animations that explain complex scientific concepts such as AI-driven drug discovery and drug MoA.
The patient education segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.93%. This is due to the increasing need for animations that simplify disease information for patients, improving their understanding of their health conditions. An example is the animated video series launched by the National Kidney Foundation in December 2023, aimed at educating patients about the connection between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN), ultimately seeking to improve patient awareness and reduce mortality risks.
Hospitals dominated the market in 2023 with a 26% share. Medical animations are increasingly utilized in hospitals to simplify complex patient information, enhancing understanding and treatment compliance. These animations bridge the communication gap between healthcare professionals and patients with varying levels of health literacy.
The life science companies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.73% during the forecast period. The rise of biological illustrations and 3D graphics in healthcare marketing, coupled with increased research activities, is driving this growth. For instance, Random42 Scientific Communication introduced a VR experience in May 2022, aiming to educate users about the human body through immersive storytelling.
By Type
By Therapeutic Area
By Application
By End-Use
By Region