Image editing spurs an industry

While the internet’s memory is permanent, our digital identities have become fluid.

- KRANTI NATION PRANJAL SHARMA

Fuelled by effortless smartphone filters, a growing number of consumers are trading reality for an altered, online persona.‘The digital-imaging market has developed into a multi-billion-dollar business with applications beyond social media. The need for capturing, altering, analysing and sharing images is now as much a personal need as an industry. Sophisticated technologies are allowing image management that is changing the way consumers see themselves.

‘The digital-imaging market is valued at $26.94 billion in 2025 and is forecast to expand to $38.14 billion by 2030, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. “Growth stems from lower sensor prices, stronger artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and expanding Industry 4.0 deployments that push vision systems from isolated inspection points to fully embedded production controls. Software-defined imaging platforms are lengthening hardware life while opening new revenue pools for analytics-driven upgrades,’ the report says.