2 min read · Sep 27, 2019
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Webtoons are a new way for Millennial and Gen Z to consume comics.
It is a way to see comics more easily in web or mobile form. Its the primary distinction from a paper-book cartoon is that the configuration and interface are optimized to be easy to see on the web or mobile
And also it’s far freer to see than animation. You can literally subscribe to many Webtoons ‘for free’.
Their business model is kind of Free-mium. Basically, the weekly comics are free, but if you want to see earlier(the episode doesn’t released yet ), you have to pay.
Then how do Webtoon artists make money, and how much are they earning? Here is the Korean stats from KOCCA(Korea Creative Content Agency) and Listly.io has arranged it for you.
First, Webtoon artists receive a fee from the platform. Since the platform earns advertising revenue by free users, the revenue is distributed to writers.
In addition, income is earned from royalties from paper books(if they published), copyright fees for secondary works (games, novels, etc.) and goods royalties.
Here is a survey of 558 artists.
Response percentages and annual income.
9.9% ~ $10,000
19.7% $10,000 ~ $20,000
23.5% $20,000 ~ $30,000
23.8% $30,000 ~ $40,000
23.1% $50,000 ~
Their income average does not seem to be very high. However, among those who answered that their annual income is more than $ 50,000, many of them earn more than $100,000 a year.
The gap between the rich and the poor is large, as in many creative fields.
Another thing to note is that 87% of respondents work more than 8 hours a day. Even 22% said they work more than 14 hours a day.
In this regard, it is clear that Webtoon artists are never a good job with excellent working circ*mstances and a healthy atmosphere.
But in some Asian nations, besides Korea, skilled cartoonists are shifting towards Webtoons. The market is anticipated to grow as mobile platform become more popular. If so, the average working circ*mstances will enhance and their anticipated earnings will increase.
