Rise Above Research estimates more than 2.5 trillion images will be taken worldwide in 2029

The number of photos captured globally each year is reaching into the trillions. Driven primarily by the number of smartphones in use and their continued popularity for capturing photos, Rise Above Research estimates the annual number of photos captured globally will exceed 2.5 trillion by 2029. To put that into perspective, that’s more than 300 photos per year for every man, woman, and child in the world.

“Photography has been an essential part of people’s live for almost 200 years, and today its more popular than ever when you consider the huge amount of photos being taken,” said Ed Lee, director and founder, Rise Above Research. “These photos represent opportunities for everyone in the photo industry, including handset and camera vendors, software vendors, storage services, and print providers. Helping people do more with the images that they capture and store is an untapped opportunity. Advances made in AI technology could help consumers scan through these images and recommend products they can make or things they can do with these photos. “

With the taking and sharing of photos with smartphones continuing to increase, the number of photos taken globally is expected to grow at a linear rate from 2025, with smartphones accounting for the vast majority of those photos. The number of photos that are saved is estimated to reach over 12 trillion images in 2025 and will continue growing as well.

The 2025 Worldwide Image Capture Forecast report provides a five-year forecast for the number of photos expected to be taken globally. It also includes the shares of photos taken by smartphones, cameras, and tablets; which regions of the world are most photo-active; and the cumulative number of photos saved.