Forecast: LatAm M&E market to hit $62bn in 2026
October 12, 2026


Latin America’s media and entertainment market is forecast to grow by 15.4 per cent in 2026, reaching $62 billion (€55.4bn) in revenues, according to research presented by Omdia at MIPCOM Cannes. The findings highlight the region’s growing importance to the global entertainment industry, with online video accounting for $35 billion, more than half of total media and entertainment revenues.
Speaking at MIPCOM, María Rúa Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, highlighted the opportunities emerging as streaming services expand, advertising-supported business models gain traction and Latin American audiences increasingly embrace digital entertainment.
“Latin America is one of the most exciting growth opportunities in global media and entertainment,” said Rúa Aguete. “The region is growing by 15.4 per cemt this year, but what makes it particularly interesting is that television remains incredibly popular while streaming still has significant room to expand. The opportunity is enormous, but success will depend on affordability, connectivity, local content and partnerships.”
Netflix maintains its lead
Omdia forecasts that Latin America will reach 190.7 million online video subscriptions in 2026, rising to 208.7 million in 2027 and 243.5 million by 2031.
Netflix remains the largest individual streaming subscription platform in the region, with 63.8 million subscriptions forecast for 2026, increasing to 73.7 million by 2031.
Its advertising-supported subscription tier is an important contributor to continued growth, enabling Netflix to reach more price-sensitive consumers while expanding its advertising opportunities.
Netflix’s leadership extends beyond subscriber numbers. According to Omdia, the company is expected to capture nearly half of Latin America’s online video subscription revenues in 2026, demonstrating its ability to monetise its audience more effectively than many competitors.
“Netflix has built an extraordinary position in Latin America,” said Rúa Aguete. “It is not just about having the most subscribers. Netflix captures nearly half of streaming subscription revenues. Its advertising-supported plan is helping it reach new audiences while reinforcing its market leadership.”
Latin America loves TV, but connectivity remains a challenge
Despite the rapid expansion of streaming, traditional television remains deeply embedded in Latin American households.
Omdia’s research shows that television penetration across the region reached 91 per cent in 2025, compared with 35 per cent penetration for SVoD services.
Broadband penetration stands at 53 per cent, highlighting a significant structural barrier to further streaming adoption.
The contrast illustrates both the challenges and the opportunities facing streaming platforms, broadcasters, telecommunications operators and content owners.
“Latin America does not have a television problem. It has a connectivity challenge,” explained Rúa Aguete. “Television reaches 91 per cent of the region, but subscription streaming reaches only 35 per cent. The next phase of growth will depend on making streaming more accessible, affordable and relevant to consumers.”
Online video is reshaping the entertainment economy
Online video is expected to generate $35 billion in Latin America in 2026, compared with $16 billion from traditional television.
Other major media and entertainment sectors include gaming, at $5.9 billion, music at $3 billion and cinema at $1.8 billion.
While the US remains considerably larger in absolute terms, with media and entertainment revenues forecast at $476 billion in 2026, Latin America’s projected growth of 15.4 per cent exceeds the US growth rate of 10.2 per cent.
These figures underline the growing importance of Latin America to international studios, streaming platforms, broadcasters and distributors seeking new sources of audience and revenue growth.
Partnerships, local content and new business models will define the next phase
Omdia believes that the next stage of Latin America’s streaming development will require companies to look beyond direct competition for subscribers.
Advertising-supported subscriptions, partnerships with telecommunications operators, flexible pricing, local productions and improved content discovery will all play important roles in unlocking further growth.
“Latin America is not simply a market where global platforms can replicate their strategies from the US or Europe,” concluded Rúa Aguete. “Understanding local audiences, investing in relevant content and building the right partnerships will be critical. The future of streaming in Latin America is not just about competition. It is about collaboration and finding new ways to reach consumers.”