In 2023, the projected gross volume of the gig economy is expected to reach ***** billion U.S. dollars. The gig economy is commonly defined as digital platforms that allow freelancers to connect with potential clients for short-term jobs, contracted work, or asset-sharing.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Gig Economy market size was USD 561245.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 224498.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 168373.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 129086.40 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 28062.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 11224.90 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The transportation-based services category is the fastest growing segment of the Gig Economy industry

Market Dynamics of Gig Economy Market

Key Drivers for Gig Economy Market

Changing work approach driving the gig economy

The shift in work approach, particularly among younger generations, is a key driver of the gig economy. Millennials and Gen Z are prioritizing work that aligns with their passions and interests, seeking flexibility and autonomy over traditional career paths. The shift is majorly driven by the desire for work-life balance, alternate income sources and ability to work remotely, from anywhere. This shift has been on the rise particularly since the global pandemic that had pushed people to work from their homes and across various digital platforms. Businesses are embracing the flexible work arrangements to reduce costs and access specialized skills.

For instance,

Global research from the World Employment Confederation (WEC) finds that 83% of senior executives say that, since the pandemic, workers place as much value on flexibility in terms of when and where they work as on compensation.
A 2022 LinkedIn survey found that Gen Z workers were the cohort most likely to have left a role because of a perceived lack of flexibility (72% fell into this category, compared with 69% of Millennials, 53% of Gen X and 59% of Baby Boomers).
53% of Gen Z workers who freelance are moving away from traditional 9-to-5 jobs in favor of full-time freelancing.

(Source:https://insights.wecglobal.org/the-work-we-want/home/workplace-policy-younger-generations#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20new%20global%20research,the%20priorities%20of%20younger%20people. )

(Source: https://www.upwork.com/resources/gig-economy-statistics )

The digitalization of work is fueling demand for more gigs

Driven by technological advances and the increasing digitalization of skills and processes, the gig economy has expanded rapidly, by making work accessible to more people around the globe. The rise of online marketplaces like Upwork, Uber and Fiverr have made it easier for freelancers to find work and for companies to access a more flexible workforce. Improved technology and digital infrastructure have further made it easier and cheaper to connect with gig workers. The rise of e-commerce platforms and on-demand services such as ride-sharing, food delivery rely majorly on gig workers, contributing significantly to the growth of gig economy. Digital tools like instant messaging and video conferencing along with collaborative platforms like slack, MS Teams make it easy for employees to communicate from anywhere at any time.

With Artificial intelligence (AI) becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors and skill sets for independent professionals, AI has contributed to the growth of gig economy. AI is significantly impacting the gig economy by automating tasks, improving matching of workers and jobs. AI powered platforms also help streamline the recruitment process for businesses, by matching candidates with suitable projects based on skills, experience and availability.

For instance,

95% of respondents said generative AI makes them more competitive and 66...

This statistic shows the industries where gig economy workers are currently employed in the United States in 2018. During the survey, 14 percent of respondents reported working in government or the public sector.

In 2021, only one percent of gig economy workers in the United States reported being very dissatisfied with independent work. In contrast, ** percent of people working in the gig economy reported being very satisfied with their job.

We've looked at the performance of the UK gig economy, including how it has been affected by COVID-19, the Supreme Court ruling against Uber and the availability of workers.

The booming gig economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2033, driven by tech advancements and evolving work preferences. Explore market size, growth trends, key players (TaskRabbit, Upwork, Fiverr), and regional analysis in this comprehensive report. Discover the opportunities and challenges within this rapidly expanding sector.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Gig Economy Platforms Market size was USD 24512.5 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.80% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 9805.00 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7353.75 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5637.88 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.8% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1225.63 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 490.25 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5% from 2024 to 2031.
The freelancer category is the fastest growing segment of the Gig Economy Platforms industry

Market Dynamics of Gig Economy Platforms Market

Key Drivers for Gig Economy Platforms Market

Adapting Employment Preferences and Workforce Dynamics to Fuel Market Growth

The market for gig economy platforms has grown significantly due in large part to the shifting dynamics of the global workforce. Employees are increasingly looking for work-life balance, flexibility, and autonomy—things that traditional employment models could not always offer. An alluring substitute is the gig economy, which gives people the freedom to select their own clients, projects, and working hours. The independence and business prospects that come with gig employment are especially valued by the younger generation. Additionally, the gig economy gives those with specific knowledge and abilities a way to make money off of their abilities and grow their professional networks. Businesses' need for flexible and affordable labor solutions that allow them to grow operations effectively and access specialized skill sets when needed is another factor driving the need for gig employment.

Digital connectivity and technological advancements will propel market expansion

The market for gig economy platforms has been significantly influenced by technological developments, especially in the areas of internet and mobile technologies. High-speed internet connections and cellphones have made it easier for gig workers and employers to connect seamlessly, enabling real-time communication, job matching, and payment processing. Businesses may now more easily hire independent contractors and freelancers from around the globe thanks to the increased digital connectivity that has also made remote work and collaboration possible. With the introduction of blockchain, 5G networks, and artificial intelligence, gig economy platforms are well-positioned to expand their capabilities and offer more specialized and effective services to satisfy the demands of employers and employees.

Restraint Factor for the Gig Economy Platforms Market

Legal and Regulatory Uncertainties to Restrain Market Growth

The designation of gig workers as independent contractors or employees is a topic of continuous discussion and legal scrutiny as the gig economy upends conventional employment patterns. The rights, benefits, and protections of employees as well as the obligations and liabilities of platform firms are all significantly impacted by this classification. It is a difficult task that calls for cooperation between platform businesses, legislators, and labor organizations to strike a balance between the gig economy's demand for flexibility and innovation and providing sufficient protection for workers. Gig workers frequently deal with unstable income, a lack of job security and benefits, and the possibility of exploitation. Businesses that depend on rating and review systems may find it difficult to maintain quality control.

Key Trends for

Gig Economy Platforms

Emergence of Niche and Industry-Specific Platforms: Beyond general freelancing, there is a rise of platforms specifically designed for sectors such as healthcare, legal services, education, and logistics. These specialized gi...

This statistic shows the number of freelancers in the United States from 2017 to 2028. It is projected that in 2027, **** million people will be freelancing in the United States and will make up **** percent of the total U.S. workforce.

The gig economy has witnessed remarkable growth in India, offering workers flexibility but often lacking in traditional social security benefits. This research aims to explore the multifaceted factors influencing the social security landscape for gig workers in India. The study draws upon a wide range of data sources, including government reports, labor surveys, academic research, and surveys from non-governmental organizations.

This repository contains four datasets about the number of active users of selected mobile apps purchased from Selectivv company (https://selectivv.com/). Details regarding the data may be found below:

How data was collected: Selectivv uses programmatic advertisements systems that collect information on about 24 mln smartphone users in Poland

Apps:

Transportation: Uber, Bolt Driver, FREE NOW, iTaxi,

Delivery: Glover, Takeaway, Bolt Courier, Wolt;

Unit: an active user of a given app. Active = used given app at least 1 minute in a given period (e.g. 1 unit during whole month, half-year).

Period: 2018-2018; monthly and half-year data

Spatial aggregation: country level, city level, functional area level, voivodeship level. Functional area is defined as here https://stat.gov.pl/en/regional-statistics/regional-surveys/urban-audit/larger-urban-zones-luz/

Activity time: measured by activity time of given app (in hours; average and standard deviation)

Datasets:

gig-table1-monthly-counts-stats.csv -- the monthly number of active users;

gig-table2-halfyear-demo-stats.csv -- the half-year number of active users by socio-demographic variables;

gig-table3-halfyear-region-stats.csv -- the half-year number of active users by spatial aggregation;

gig-table4-halfyear-activity-stats.csv -- the half-year activity time by working week, weekend, day (8-18) and night (18-8).

Detailed description:

1. gig-table1-monthly-counts-stats.csv

Structure:

month - YYYY-MM-DD -- we set all dates to 15th of given month but actually the data is about the whole month (active users in whole period); 2018-01-15 to 2021-12-15

app -- app name (Uber, Bolt Driver, FREE NOW, iTaxi, Glover, Takeaway, Bolt Courier, Wolt)

number_of_users -- the number of active users

category -- Transportation, Deliver

1. gig-table2-halfyear-demo-stats.csv

Structure:

gender -- men, women

age -- 18-30, 31-50, 51-64

country -- Poland, Ukraine, Other

period -- 2018.1, 2018.2, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2020.1, 2021.2

apps -- app name (Uber, Bolt Driver, FREE NOW, iTaxi, Glover, Takeaway, Bolt Courier, Wolt)

number_of_users -- the number of active users

students -- the share of students within a given row

parents_of_children_0_4_years -- the share of parents of 0-4 years children in a given row

parents_of_children_5_10_years -- the share of parents of 5-10 years children in a given row

women_planning_a_baby -- the share of women planing a baby in a given row

standard -- the share of standard smartphones in a given row

premium_i_phone -- the share of iPhone smartphones in a given row

other_premium -- the share of other premium smartphones in a given row

category -- Transportation, Delivery

1. gig-table3-halfyear-region-stats.csv

Structure:

group -- Voivodeship, Functional Area, Cities

period -- 2018.1, 2018.2, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2020.1, 2021.2

region_name:

Cities -- Białystok, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Katowice, Kielce, Kraków, Łódź, Lublin, Olsztyn, Opole, Poznań, Rzeszów, Sopot, Szczecin, Toruń, Warszawa, Wrocław, Zielona Góra

Functional Area -- Functional area - Białystok, Functional area - Bydgoszcz, Functional area - Gorzów Wielkopolski, Functional area - GZM, Functional area - GZM2, Functional area - Kielce, Functional area - Kraków, Functional area - Łódź, Functional area - Lublin, Functional area - Olsztyn, Functional area - Opole, Functional area - Poznań, Functional area - Rzeszów, Functional area - Szczecin, Functional area - Toruń, Functional area - Trójmiasto, Functional area - Warszawa, Functional area - Wrocław, Functional area - Zielona Góra

Voivodeship -- dolnośląskie, kujawsko-pomorskie, łódzkie, lubelskie, lubuskie, małopolskie, mazowieckie, opolskie, podkarpackie, podlaskie, pomorskie, śląskie, świętokrzyskie, warmińsko-mazurskie, wielkopolskie, zachodniopomorskie

apps -- app name (Uber, Bolt Driver, FREE NOW, iTaxi, Glover, Takeaway, Bolt Courier, Wolt)

number_of_users -- the number of active users

category -- Transportation, Delivery

Please note that:

the number of active users in a given functional area = number of active users in a city and a functional area of this city

the number of active users in voivodeship = number of active users in a city, its functional area and the rest of the voivodeship where this city and functional area is located

More details here: https://stat.gov.pl/en/regional-statistics/regional-surveys/urban-audit/larger-urban-zones-luz/

1. gig-table4-halfyear-activity-stats.csv

Structure:

period -- 2018.1, 2018.2, 2019.1, 2019.2, 2020.1, 2021.2

apps -- app name (Uber, Bolt Driver, FREE NOW, iTaxi, Glover, Takeaway, Bolt Courier, Wolt)

day -- Mondays-Thursdays, Fridays-Sundays

hour -- day (8-18), night (18-8)

activity_time -- in hours

statistic -- Average, Std.Dev. (standard deviation)

category -- Transportation, Delivery

According to a survey in March 2020, ** percent of worldwide workers in the gig economy have lost their job due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On top of this, another ** percent had their hours decreased.

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Fact and Figures page.

The emergence of the so-called “gig economy” has reshaped the labor market and, potentially, the politics of the safety net. Much of the American welfare state is based on a traditional model of employment, excluding most gig workers from benefits like subsidized employer-provided health insurance and unemployment insurance. Despite these trends, there is little research how these changes might affect politics. Are gig workers likely to become a relevant constituency on social welfare and other issues? To address this, we conducted a unique online survey examining policy attitudes and political behaviors among gig workers compared to traditional workers. Our findings indicate that people who view gig work as their “main job” tend to lack access to traditional social insurance and employer-provided benefits, as expected, and rely more on means-tested assistance programs (e.g., food stamps). Consequently, gig workers exhibit higher support than traditional workers for expanding social welfare programs, and are more engaged on issues that affect gig workers. In terms of participation, gig workers are less likely to vote but more likely to engage in non-voting political activities like protest than traditional workers. This study contributes to the understanding of social welfare politics in the new era of the labor market and highlights a growing constituency for expanding the safety net.

The dataset is based on mobile big data obtained from advertisement systems on smartphones. It provides an upper bound of the number of drivers and couriers at very low levels of spatial aggregation.

The data and programs replicate tables and figures from "Measuring the gig economy in Canada using administrative data", by Jeon, Liu and Ostrovsky. Please see the ReadMe file for additional details.

The Gig Economy Platforms market has emerged as a transformative force in the modern labor landscape, reshaping how work is approached by both professionals and businesses. Characterized by short-term, flexible job engagements facilitated through digital platforms, the gig economy provides solutions to the increasin

This statistic illustrates the number of jobs or projects currently held by gig economy workers in the United States in 2018. During the survey, **** percent of respondents reported currently having **** jobs or projects.

Snapshot img

Sharing Economy Market Size 2025-2029

The sharing economy market size is forecast to increase by USD 1118.8 billion, at a CAGR of 32.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing popularity of online ride-hailing services. This trend is fueled by the convenience and affordability these services offer, enabling users to access transportation on demand. Another key driver is the adoption of blockchain technology in the sharing economy, which enhances security and trust between users, facilitating seamless transactions. However, the market also faces regulatory challenges, as governments grapple with the complexities of overseeing peer-to-peer transactions and ensuring consumer protection.
Companies looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the sharing economy must navigate these regulatory hurdles while maintaining a focus on innovation and user experience. Effective strategic planning and operational agility will be essential for success in this dynamic market.

What will be the Size of the Sharing Economy Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, with digital platforms revolutionizing various sectors through peer-to-peer transactions and collaborative consumption. Platform governance and digital identity play crucial roles in ensuring trust and safety, while user experience and mobile applications enhance accessibility. User reviews and community marketplaces foster community building and customer loyalty. Technology adoption, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, drives operational efficiency and innovation. Trust and safety measures, such as security measures and reputation management, mitigate risks. Monetization strategies, including peer-to-peer lending and revenue streams, enable platform sustainability. Circular economy principles and sustainable consumption are gaining traction, aligning with social responsibility and economic sustainability.

Legal frameworks and network effects shape the regulatory landscape, while pricing models and network effects influence market dynamics. The future of work is evolving, with freelancing platforms and task rabbiting shaping the gig economy. Blockchain technology and smart contracts offer potential solutions for trust, transparency, and decentralized finance. Insuring against risks and managing tax implications remain critical considerations. Continuous innovation and adaptation are essential for success in the market. Platforms must prioritize user experience, trust and safety, and operational efficiency while navigating regulatory frameworks and social impact.

How is this Sharing Economy Industry segmented?

The sharing economy industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Sharing accommodation
  Sharing transport
  Sharing finance
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Business


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The sharing accommodation segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market in the US is characterized by robust competition among digital platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions in various sectors, including accommodation, freelancing, and peer-to-peer lending. Sharing economy regulations continue to evolve, shaping the market's dynamics. In the accommodation sector, individuals rent or share their living spaces through online platforms, offering cost-effective, flexible alternatives to traditional lodging. This trend is particularly popular among budget-conscious consumers, students, and those seeking affordable short-term stays. Platform governance and user experience are crucial factors in building customer loyalty and trust. Digital identity and user reviews play a significant role in ensuring trust and safety.

Payment gateways enable seamless transactions, while machine learning and artificial intelligence power personalized recommendations and pricing models. The circular economy and sustainable consumption are gaining traction, with many platforms emphasizing the social impact of their services. Operational efficiency and security measures are essential for platform monetization. Community marketplaces and community building foster network effects, driving user acquisition and revenue streams. Peer-to-peer lending platforms offer alternative financing options, while task rabbiting e

Mobile devices are facilitating the rapid growth of the gig economy, whereby users share their services and skills in ways that are more economically viable and sustainable. The key players in this sector to date are startups that have spotted the opportunity and established original products. The industry is growing and is set to be huge, but mainstream insurers have been slow to react. There are complications around what defines an employee, and therefore whether parties paying employees for hours or tasks are responsible for basic employee benefits packages or whether this is something the individuals should arrange themselves. The main way in which incumbent insurers have been active in the gig economy is through partnering with specialist startups or directly with gig economy employers. Read More

This dataset is compiled as part of Damion Bunders' PhD project on the challenges that gig workers face when organising themselves in a worker-owned and worker-governed cooperative enterprise. It consists of original survey data gathered among the members of four platform cooperatives in Italy that consist of gig workers in the cultural, ICT and education sectors (n = 425).

This statistic displays the share of generational groups who think that the gig economy exploits workers in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2017. When this statement was put to them, the generational group who agreed with it the most was the Boomers group with 19 percent agreeing. The group who agreed with this the least was the Gen X group, with only 11 percent agreeing that the gig economy exploits workers.